Denver-based UFC lightweight Drew Dober is set to represent Colorado in a main card matchup at UFC 326 in Las Vegas on Saturday night. The 37-year-old veteran, known for holding the division's knockout record, has been intensifying his training at high altitude. He faces fellow lightweight Michael Johnson in their first encounter.
Drew Dober, a 37-year-old UFC lightweight with a record of 28-15 and one no contest, trains at Landow Performance in Centennial, Colorado. He has been preparing for his bout against Michael Johnson at UFC 236, marking his over two dozen appearances in the octagon. Dober holds the UFC lightweight record for most knockouts with 10.
In his most recent fight, Dober defeated Kyle Prepolec at UFC Vancouver in October, following losses to Manuel Torres, Jean Silva, and Renato Moicano. He has worked with sports performance coach Aaron Porter for about seven years, focusing the last month on sharpening his speed and conditioning.
"Drew is the ultimate professional. He always shows up. He's consistent, reliable. He's excited to work hard. He's very hungry," Porter said. Porter added that the high altitude in Colorado provides an extra edge: "The UFC originated here in Colorado, so I think that has a layer to it, but the altitude gives guys an extra piece of confidence, knowing that they're getting really good conditioning at a high altitude."
Dober trains alongside UFC welterweight Neil Magny, who praised the Colorado UFC community. "It's always a joy to train alongside him. He sets the bar high as far as what's expected of you, and then he also sets the competition standard high as well," Magny said. Magny noted the strong support among athletes: "We have so many different athletes from all over the place that kind of all came together training Colorado. The best thing about it is the leadership and guidance we get here."
Porter anticipates an exciting fight, describing Johnson as a "good dancing partner." "Drew always brings it. He's one of the most exciting guys in the UFC. You know it's going to be a fun fight, win, lose or draw," he said. Outside the octagon, Dober enjoys video games like Mass Effect, Skyrim, Baldur’s Gate, Final Fantasy VII, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.
The event features a stacked card, available on CBS Colorado or Paramount+.
