Islam Makhachev shocks the world with a round 1 knockout over Alexander Volkanovski.
The mixed martial arts conglomerate was back in its international playpen in the United Arab Emirates, where a 13-bout card went off at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
1) Abu Azaitar Vs. Sedriques Dumas
To start off the preliminary card, Abu Azaitar, and Sedrques Dumas fought in a 3-round fight in the middleweight division. Both Abu Azaitar and Sedriques Dumas had 0 knockdowns. Azaitar landed 87 out of the 153 he threw while Dumas landed 72 out of the 117 he threw. Azaitar only had 32 seconds of control time while Dumas had an outstanding 4 minutes and 10 seconds of control time. After a tough 3 rounds for both fighters, Sedriques won via unanimous decision advancing to 9-1-0.
2) Tim Elliott Vs. Muhammad Mokaev
For the second fight of the night, Tim Elliot fought Muhammad Mokaev in a 3-round fight in the flyweight division. Mokaev had an incredible fight against Tim Elliot. Both fighters had 0 knockdowns. Mokaev had a total of 118 strikes landed out of 146 while Elliot had a total of 87 strikes but only 71 landing. Mokaev dominated Elliot with control time. Mokaev had 8 minutes and 24 seconds while Elliot had 2 minutes and 23 seconds. Mokaev won by submission via arm triangle in round 3.
3) Said Nurmagomedov Vs. Muin Gaafurov
To start the PPV card Muin Gafarov took on Said Nurmagomedov in a 3-round fight in the Bantamweight division. Muin Gaafurov was the first Indian fighter to ever fight in the UFC. But Nurmagomedov made it an easy fight ending it in the first round by submission via guillotine choke. Nurmagomedov said “I feel great” after the fight. Said Nurmagomedov’s record after the fight is 18-3-0 with 5 of those wins coming by finishes.
4) Ikram Aliskerov Vs. Warlley Alves
The second fight on the main card was Ikram Aliskerov vs Warlley Alves. Aliskerov hasn’t lost a fight since 2019 while Alves lost on January 21. This was Aliskerov’s third fight under the UFC banner, twice in the octagon and once in Dana White’s Contender Series. Aliskerov landed two times more punches than Alves did. Warlley Alves was a walk for Ikram Aliskerov. Ikram Aliskerov won via KO/TKO in round 1 making that his 6th knockout out of his 16 fights. Former light heavyweight and heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier said “You’ve got no chance against this dude. They’ve got to start matching him up.”
5) Magomed Ankalaev Vs. Johnny Walker
The third fight of the main card was Magomed Ankalaev vs Johnny Walker. Magomed Ankalaev came in the octagon with an 18-1-1 record while Johnny Walker came in with a 21-7-0 record. Ankalaev threw 23 total strikes but only landed 6 of them while Walker threw 7 more punches than Ankalaev but only landed 17 out of the 30. Both fighters had 0 knockdowns and 0 submission attempts. During the first round of the fight, Ankalaev took down Walker and Aknalaev landed a clean knee to Walker’s jaw. Referee Dan Movahedi separated the fighters and brought in the ringside doctor to check on Walker. The doctor asked what country Walker was in and Walker just shrugged and blinked but did not answer the question. The doctor then told Dan Movahedi that Walker was unable to continue and the fight ended in a controversial no-contest in round 1.
6) Kamaru Usman Vs. Khamzat Chimaev
For the co-main event of the card, it was Kamaru Usman facing Khamzat Chimaev. Kamaru Usman is a Former welterweight champion ranked #1 in the division while Khamzat Chimaev was ranked #5 in the division but has not lost a fight in his professional career. Kamaru Usman stepped up on short notice to fight Chimaev. Chimaev was supposed to fight Paulo Costa but Costa got an infected bursa on his right elbow and was unable to fight. Usman and Chimaev fought in a 3-round fight in the middleweight division. Both fighters had no knockdowns but they were brawling. Usman threw 92 total strikes but only landed 58 while Chimaev threw 143 total strikes but only landed 107. At the end of the fight, two judges scored the fight 27-29 to Chimaev while the other judge scored the card 28-28. Chimaev won via majority decision ending the rivalry between the two fighters.
7) Islam Makhachev Vs. Alexander Volkanovski
The time everyone has been waiting for, the main event of the evening. Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski the long awaited rematch. Makhachev and Volkanovski fought on February 11, 2023. Makhachev won that fight defending his lightweight title and for #1 pound for pound fighter. Islam Makhachev was originally supposed to fight Charles Oliveria for the lightweight title. Charles Oliveria got injured a week before the fight with a cut to his eyebrow. But fans are saying the rematch is a better matchup between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski. Makhachev knocked down Volkanovski in the first round with a high head kick and finished the fight shortly after with strikes on the ground. Islam Makhachev won the fight via knockout in the first round with 2 minutes and 54 seconds left on the clock. Islam Makhachev left all the haters and doubters in disbelief.
