JACK Marshman has vowed to bounce back following his first Ultimate Fighting Championships defeat, a second-round stoppage at the hands of Brazilian Thiago Santos in Halifax, Canada.

Abertillery’s Marshman was disappointed with the referee’s decision to halt the bout, part of UFC Fight Night 105, seconds after he had been floored by a spinning heel kick.

Brad Jardine ended the middleweight contest with Marshman defending himself from a barrage of punches, although the Welshman felt the official stepped in too soon.

“He caught me with a great kick that dropped me and I put my hands down to stop me hitting the floor,” the 27-year-old told BBC Wales Sport. “He jumped on top of me but none of the shots he threw landed.

“I’m disappointed with the stoppage but I will not bitch about it, he landed a great kick.

“It was my fault for getting caught with that kick rather than the referee’s stoppage.

“He’s (the referee) there for our safety but, in reality, I don’t think I was (knocked) out.

“I’m not going to cry about it, it’s the fight game, it’s what happens.”

He added: “He’s (Santos) a good fighter, I knew he was a step up, but I didn’t feel out of place in there with him.

“I feel I can get in there with anyone and put on a good fight, and we put on a good fight.

“I’m a bit gutted it got stopped early because I would have loved to have seen a third round, just because I think we would have put on even more of a show.

“The fans loved it and that’s what I’m about, I enjoy having a fun fight.”

Marshman was hoping to be added to the UFC show in London on March 18, but he now faces a 45-day medical suspension having been stopped by Santos.

“I lost four years ago then went on a four-year winning streak because of that loss – I plan on doing exactly the same again,” he said.

“I’ll bounce back from this. I’ve got 45 days until I can fight next. Put me on another card anytime and I’ll bounce straight back.”