LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – That was a close one …
Umar Nurmagomedov scored another win last night at UFC Vegas 87 (Sat., Mar. 2, 2024) when he defeated UFC newcomer Bekzat Almakhan via unanimous decision to remain undefeated at 17-0 from inside the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
While it was a very dominant win for Nurmagomedov, he faced adversity for the first time in his UFC career as he got dropped 30 seconds into the fight with a heavy right hand.
Checkout the punch below:
Bekzat Almakhan dropped Umar Nurmagomedov in the first round
— MMA Mania (@mmamania) March 2, 2024
Nurmagomedov was asked about the brutal punch that sat him down during his post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier.
“I didn’t see this punch,” Nurmagomedov said. “I didn’t see this, and I didn’t understand. I tried to close distance, and I found myself under his leg on a takedown.”
Cormier asked him, “You woke up?” and Nurmagomedov said, “Yes, I woke up.”
“This guy is a monster,” Nurmagomedov continued. “I almost did not kill him, but I hurt him too much, and I don’t feel bad. I thought I would take him down, choke him, and this would be an easy fight, but this guy is a monster. He’s tough … he tried to kill me.”
After the first round, it was smooth sailing for the 28-year-old undefeated rising contender as he dominated Almakhan.
Nevertheless, Nurmagomedov already has his next opponent in mind: Cory Sandhagden. And he wants to fight him during “International Fight Week” this June.
For complete UFC Vegas 87 results, coverage and highlights, click HERE.