Sam Sicilia (photo via UFC.com)

By Michael Hatamoto

Spokane-based fighter Sam Sicilia likely saved his UFC career on Saturday night, when he brutally finished Godofredo “Pepey” Castro by TKO just 1:42 into the first round.

Sicilia and Pepey were originally expected to fight in September, but Sicilia re-injured the hand he broke earlier in the year and withdrew. Instead, they fought at UFC Fight Night 32 and the fight was over fast due to the brutal power of Sicilia.

Sicilia admitted he’s had a rough second half of 2012 and early portion of 2013 following his stint on The Ultimate Fighter season 15, though continues to work hard in the gym and prepare for the future.

Now that he understands watching film and working his fight strategy to be prepared for his opponents is crucial, don’t expect Sicilia to stop looking for the knockout. Prior to the fight with Godofredo, Sicilia said he’s “always” bonus hunting and wants to knock his opponents out and try to compete for the post-fight “Knockout of the Night” award.

Sicilia is now 2-2 in the UFC, and the UFC has a featherweight fighter with a fan-friendly style – and he’s not afraid to travel to Brazil to fight, competing in Brazil at UFC Fight Night 32 and during UFC 153 last October.

I like Sicilia and the other tough Spokane-based fighters, including Lyle “Fancy Pants” Beerbohm, Cody McKenzie, and Mike Chiesa. They all compete to the best of their abilities and are tough, scrappy fighters ready to try and finish fights and please the fans – I wish Sicilia and his UFC teammates the best of luck in 2014.

As long as Sicilia’s hand is okay, expect to see the UFC possibly send him right back to Brazil again sometime in early 2014.