UFC 254 results: Murphy submits Shakirova, Ankalaev KO’s Cutelaba in rematch

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On the UFC 254 PPV main card, Lauren Murphy submitted Liliya Shakirova with a rear-naked choke, and Magomed Ankalaev violently knocked out Ion Cutelaba in the first-round.

The UFC 254 PPV main card is chugging right along, and the promotion’s #5 ranked women’s flyweight, Lauren Murphy, just earned the first submission win of her career by tapping-out promotional newcomer, Liliya Shakirova, in the second-round. Murphy worked her combinations boxing in the first act, and then took the fight to the floor in the second to achieve the finish. This makes four-straight wins for Murphy who so eloquently demanded her title shot in her post-fight interview. It should be noted that Shakirova stepped in to replace the #4 ranked 125-pounder, Cynthia Calvillo.

Opening up the UFC 254 main card, the promotion’s #11 ranked light heavyweight, Magomed Ankalaev, put Ion Cutelaba to sleep in the first-round of their rematch. Ankalaev dropped his foe twice before finishing him off with ground strikes and putting Ion totally out. There is absolutely no doubt in this one. Ankalaev has now won five fights in a row as he advances his record to 14-1.

Main card:

Lauren Murphy def. Liliya Shakirova by submission (RNC) at 3:31 of round 2(W) Flyweight

Murphy stalked forward right away, not allowing the UFC newcomer to get comfortable. Shakirova landed a cool spinning backfist, but Murphy was the one landing the better strikes. Murphy was leaning on her combination boxing and being selective with when she attacked. Shakirova tried to get the fight to the floor, but Murphy did a good job of fighting off the attempts. Murphy pressed forward behind her punches again to open the second act. She backed up Shakirova and got herself a clinch takedown. Murphy transitioned to the back and instantly attacked with a rear-naked choke. Shakirova fought it off for just a second, but then found herself tapping out.

Magomed Ankalaev def. Ion Cutelaba by KO at 4:19 of round 1: Light Heavyweight

A bit of feeling out went on for about the first-minute of the fight. Ankalaev landed a hard leg kick, but Cutelaba responded with a haymaker to get some respect. Ion started landing with his hands, backing up his opponent. Ankalaev began to counter effectively, popping Cutelaba as he tried to close the distance. A straight left hand from Ankalaev floored Ion, and although Cutelaba jumped up quickly, Ankalaev had a two-piece waiting for him that sent him right back down. Some vicious ground strikes put Ion completely out!