Said Nurmagomedov survives early onslaught, submits Saidyokub Kakhramonov at UFC Vegas 66
The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to us tonight, December 17, 2022, for the final promotional event of the year, UFC Vegas 66.
Headlining the event is a middleweight matchup between no. 3 ranked former title challenger Jared Cannonier (15-6) and no. 7 ranked Sean Strickland (25-4), and it is to be co-headlined by a lightweight bout showcasing no. 9 ranked Arman Tsarukyan (18-3) and no. 12 ranked Damir Ismagulov (25-1).
Said Nurmagomedov (16-2) battled Saidyokub Kakhramonov (10-2) in the middle of the preliminary card at 135 lbs.
Nurmagomedov came in having won his last three-straight, two of which coming in under one minute, while Kakhramonov came in on a four-fight win streak with three finishes, having gone 2-0 thus far into his UFC tenure.
Continue reading to see how this bantamweight contest went down:
Official Result: Said Nurmagomedov def. Saidyokub Kakhramonov via submission (guillotine choke) at 3:50 of round two
Kakhramonov immediately charges Nurmagomedov and literally two seconds into the bout they’re tied up along the fence. Kakhramonov is searching for a takedown as Nurmagomedov jumps guard and goes for a guillotine choke.
After a close call, Kakhramonov eventually works his way out and defends another whilst remaining in top position.
Kakhramonov’s pressure is immense early on, as he absolutely mauls Nurmagomedov throughout the first five minutes.
Kakhramonov continues the onslaught into round two, he’s as relentless as they come tonight.
It’s not often we see Nurmagomedov get out-grappled, but he hasn’t had an answer for Kakhramonov yet.
Just as we were thinking that however, he locks up that guillotine choke again, but like the last time, Kakhramonov is able to work his way out of it.
However, Nurmagomedov is just as relentless with his front choke attempts as Kakhramonov has been with his wrestling, and he eventually gets the tap late in round two in what becomes the first finish of the night through five fights.
Said Nurmagomedov has now won his last four-straight with three finishes.
As for 27-year-old Saidyokub Kakhramonov, this kid could still be a future champion. If he learns how to reserve his energy just a little better, he’s going to be incredibly tough to deal with for merely everyone in a very short period of time.
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