Sean Strickland made easy work out of mysterious middleweight Abus Magomedov earlier tonight (Sat., July 1, 2023) at UFC Vegas 76 live on ESPN/ESPN+ from inside UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, when the UFC veteran ended the Russian fighter with a brutal second-round TKO (punches).
Magomedov’s UFC debut lasted just 19 seconds so fight fans didn’t what to make of his main event bid opposite Strickland. The middleweight prospect did very well in the first round and put Strickland in some trouble with forward kicks, leg kicks, and powerful hooks. Strickland hung in the pocket, though, and ate every shot.
The second round was a different story as Magomedov’s output over the first five minutes left him tired and stagnant. Strickland plodded forward with clean shots that backed the Russian up along the cage. Magomedov kept breathing heavy and looking at his corner before Strickland turned up the heat and delivered a huge knockdown. Strickland followed up with serious ground-and-pound that forced the referee’s hand.
It was an impressive performance for Strickland, who earns his first knockout win since stopping Brendan Allen back in 2020. Check out Strickland’s work below:
Don’t blink when @OfficialAbus steps into the Octagon! #UFCVegas76 pic.twitter.com/jbk1njFkfl
— UFC (@ufc) July 2, 2023
Viewer discretion advised any time @SStricklandMMA is in the building! #UFCVegas76 pic.twitter.com/prFzY5k5AM
— UFC (@ufc) July 2, 2023
Touch em up
It’s time for YOUR main event on @ESPN! #UFCVegas76 pic.twitter.com/JSVCBkc93r
— UFC (@ufc) July 2, 2023
Sean Strickland weathers the early storm, turns Abus Magomedov into a human punching bag. Someone get referee Mark Smith a bag of popcorn #UFCVegas76 pic.twitter.com/rAFrgwSskB
— Shakiel Mahjouri (@Shak_Fu) July 2, 2023
CLOSING THE SHOW IN ROUND TWO!!! @SStricklandMMA proving his experience tonight! #UFCVegas76 pic.twitter.com/5H0o6LSii1
— UFC (@ufc) July 2, 2023
Ready for more #UFCVegas76 pic.twitter.com/qrmIGXMmqm
— UFC (@ufc) July 2, 2023
After sustaining an eye poke to start the fight, @SStricklandMMA wasn’t going to back down #UFCVegas76 pic.twitter.com/X62rW87u7b
— UFC (@ufc) July 2, 2023
For complete UFC Vegas 76 results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.