Umar Nurmagomedov survives early adversity, defeats Bekzat Almakhan at UFC Vegas 87
The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to us today, March 2, 2024, for UFC Vegas 87, going down live from the UFC Apex in Enterprise, Nevada.
Headlining the event is a heavyweight bout between no. 12 ranked Jairzinho Rozenstruik (13-5) and fellow dangerous finisher Shamil Gaziev (12-0).
Co-headlining the event is a light-heavyweight affair between Brazil’s Vitor Petrino (10-0) and Australia’s Tyson Pedro (10-4).
Our second bout going down on the main card tonight came in the bantamweight division between no. 13 ranked Umar Nurmagomedov (17-0) and promotional newcomer Bekzat Almakhan (16-2).
Russia’s Nurmagomedov had gone 4-0 into his UFC tenure to date showcasing three stunning finishes, while Kazakhstan’s Almakhan came in on an eight-fight win streak showcasing seven finishes of his own.
Continue reading to see how this bantamweight contest went down:
Official Result: Umar Nurmagomedov def. Bekzat Almakhan via unanimous decision (30-25, 30-26, 30-26)
Almakhan drops Nurmagomedov with a nasty right hand early on in the contest about 30 seconds in, Nurmagomedov desperately shooting in on a single leg, which he secures soon after.
Nurmagomedov spent some time controlling the back of Almakhan from here, ending the round in Almakhan’s guard reigning down elbows for the final minute.
Nurmagomedov lands a hard round kick to the body early in the second before securing another takedown. Almakhan eventually reverses the position, Nurmagomedov getting right back to his feet, before he took Almakhan down again with a high crotch single leg.
Nurmagomedov secures mount from here, Almakhan escaping brilliantly, though he’s taken down and mounted once again as the middle stretch comes to a close.
Nurmagomedov continued his wrestling-heavy attack in the third and final round, absolutely mauling the newcomer and ending this round in mount as well.
Many fans were upset when this match up was made, believing Umar Nurmagomedov should be fighting a top 10 opponent. But, with as many cancelled fights as he’s had recently it’s good to see him compete for the first time in over a year tonight at UFC Vegas 87.
And, despite not having competed in the UFC before, Bekzat Almakhan’s only previous defeat came nearly four years ago against a 12-1 opponent that’s now 19-2. He certainly belongs here in the big show.
Umar Nurmagomedov has called for a fight with no. 4 ranked Cory Sandhagen, the man he was last expected to face; one can only hope this match up comes to fruition once again.
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