Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Matt Erickson and Ken Hathaway

Charlie Radtke hopes 51-second KO leads to new contract, bigger fights after UFC Fight Night 247

LAS VEGAS – Charlie Radtke beat Matthew Semelsberger with a first-round TKO Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC Fight Night 247 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Take a look inside the fight with Radtke, who wrapped up the last fight of his contract with a bonus-winning finish.

Charlie Radtke def. Matthew Semelsberger

Charlie Radtke

Result: Charlie Radtke def. Matthew Semelsberger via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 0:51
Updated records: Radtke (10-4 MMA, 3-1 UFC), Semelsberger (11-8 MMA, 5-6 UFC)
Key stats: The 51-second finish was the fastest of Radtke’s career.

Radtke on the fight’s key moment

Charlie Radtke def. Matthew Semelsberger, UFC Fight Night 247 (via UFC)

“I honestly planned for a 15-minute war with that guy. He’s a stud. To be as honest as possible, I was real nervous because you’re talking about this kid as a dog. He comes out there and gives it for the full 15 minutes (when he fights). You’re going to have to put him out, right? But what do you do with the dog? Euthanize.”

Radtke on getting emotional over his finish, potential bonus

“My wife and I are moving to Chicago. This is the last fight of my contract. This is my opportunity to provide. That’s why (I got emotional). ”

Radtke on what he wants next

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 09: (R-L) Charles Radtke punches Matthew Semelsberger in a welterweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on November 09, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

“No names in particular, but I’m going to be active (in 2025). I’ve been active. I’ve had four fights in almost a calendar year, so I’m super active every three to four months. I’m fighting. So honestly, I’m just waiting to tet a call and then we’ll go from there. But for right now, I’m going to get a glass of whiskey, a cigar with my boys, my brother. My wife doesn’t drink, so I will be drinking with them.”

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

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 247.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.