ABU DHABI – Ike Villanueva beat Vinicius Moreira with a second-round knockout Wednesday on the main card at UFC on ESPN 20 in Abu Dhabi.

Take a look inside the fight with Villanueva, who got his first UFC victory after knockout losses in his first two fights.

Villanueva on the fight’s key moment

“I knew the body was there. I was hoping he would shoot or pull guard. He gave me my respect, and I respect him for that, because once he shot, that right hand was going to come with an uppercut. He didn’t shoot, so it was just a matter of time for that overhand. That’s what got me to the UFC – years of hard work and being patient. It played out just like how we worked in training.”

Villanueva on fighting with his back against the wall

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JANUARY 20: (R-L) Ike Villanueva punches Vinicius Moreira of Brazil in a light heavyweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Etihad Arena on UFC Fight Island on January 20, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

“Don’t ever doubt somebody. Years of hard work. I had to give him the kiss of death because we were fighting for our jobs. I sent him home. That’s a dream. Many fighters dream about that moment. To get a walk-off like that on the big stage – man, that’s a lifetime memory.

“All thanks to the Lord. It was the Lord who got me here and my dad is smiling in heaven. Everybody back in Texas is smiling. I’ve been waiting 13 years for this moment.”

Villanueva on what he wants next

“I’m going to go back home, take care of some business with my job, take care of my family, and I’ll leave (the next fight) up to (manager) Jason House. I’ve just got to go back to work, keep training, and whenever they call me … April, May, June – it doesn’t matter. Whenever they need me, I’m ready to fight.”

To hear more from Villanueva, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.