Louis Smolka Looking to Build off Momentum of UFC Vancouver Win

Find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life. When your career is your passion, work never stops. Can’t wait to line up another fight @VIRUSintl pic.twitter.com/TZ3k4thwdC

— Louis Smolka (@LASTSAMURAIUFC) September 17, 2019

Louis Smolka picked up his first Round 1 stoppage in the Ultimate Fighting Championship at UFC Fight Night 158 by knocking out Ryan MacDonald.

"Yeah, that was as good as it could have went. That was my first, first-round finish in the UFC. My first actual knockout with my hands," Smolka told Sherdog.com. "It was pretty great for me."

The win improved his record to 16-6 and got him back into the win column. For Smolka, given he has been cut by the UFC before, he knows just how important this win was for him.

"That definitely bought me some time as if I had lost, I don't know if they could have kept me. Right now, I am safe for a little bit," he said. "Now it is about just growing as a fighter and adding new tools to my toolbox."

Not only does "Da Last Samurai" plan on adding tools to his toolbox, but he also wants to fight again in 2019. He is riding a ton of momentum and confidence and wants to continue to build off of that.

"I feel good right now and I worked super hard this camp so I don't want all the hard work go to waste. If I can get another fight in by the end of the year, I would love to," Smolka explained.

In the end, Smolka is just happy how the fight went, as it reassures him that bantamweight is the right division for him. The hope for the Hawaiian, as well, is a ranked opponent will come soon.

"[It should take] at least one or maybe two more [wins until I face off against a ranked opponent]. It all depends on how the next one goes. But, I don't want to rush things and I want to take my time. Just get some wins and get adjusted to the weight class," he concluded.