Andre Pederneiras: Damian Pinas hits harder than any fighter he's trained

Damian Pinas extended his rise with a first-round knockout at UFC 329, highlighting a middleweight prospect noted for power and quick progression. Coach Andre Pederneiras of Nova Uniao told Sherdog that Damian Pinas hits harder than any heavyweight he has coached and that he recognized the fighter's potential early. The Aruba native stopped Cesar Almeida and now has nine knockouts in 10 professional wins, plus one submission. Pederneiras said Pinas is already submitting black belts in no-gi training. Pinas said he reached the UFC from Shooto in three years and aims to contend for the belt within five, at age 24, while inspiring Caribbean youth.