Bryce Mitchell defeated Said Nurmagomedov at UFC Abu Dhabi . Photo: Reproduction X/UFC News
Bryce Mitchell didn't let up, took the fight to his domain and beat Said Nurmagomedov in the last fight of the preliminary card of UFC Abu Dhabi , this Saturday (26) in the United Arab Emirates. The fight lasted three rounds and represented the American's debut in the bantamweight division (up to 61,2kg). Bryce decided to drop down a weight class after being defeated by Jean Silva in his last fight.
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With this victory in his 'debut' in the new division, Bryce Mitchell reaches 17 wins in his record with three losses and will likely remain in the division's rankings.
Said Nurmagomedov has now suffered his fourth defeat. He has 18 wins in his professional career.
With great technique on the ground, Bryce Mitchell controls Said Nurmagomedov
Bryce Mitchell started the fight moving forward, but Said Nurmagomedov landed a good high kick to his opponent's head. Still moving backward, the Russian landed another clean strike, this time with his left hand. The American didn't back down, continued moving forward and engaged in grappling for the first time. Mitchell managed a takedown, but Said tapped out and got back to his feet. After some time under control, Nurmagomedov managed to break his opponent's grip and returned to the center of the octagon. In another attempt to pressure Mitchell, Said Nurmagomedov landed a knee and a precise cruiser, a combination that sent the American to the canvas. The Russian went all out and began working the ground and pound. From the bottom, Mitchell recovered and began working his guard. Said moved to half guard, threw a hard elbow, but ended up giving the American space to get up in the final stretch of the round.
Bryce Mitchell wasted no time and, in the first few seconds of the second round, went all out and secured a takedown on Said Nurmagomedov . From guard pass, the American attempted an armbar on the Russian's left arm and landed several knees to the body. Said began to complain about Mitchell's lack of combativeness, who then transitioned to a katagatame. Using the cage very well with his feet, Said Nurmagomedov executed a beautiful sweep and got on top. Next, it was Mitchell's turn to use the cage, with his back, to get to his feet and apply a beautiful takedown. In the 'berimbolo', the Russian ended up on top, but the American got up and applied another takedown, finishing the round on top.
Just like in the previous rounds, Bryce Mitchell started the third round moving forward and putting on pressure. Said Nurmagomedov defended his opponent's first two takedown attempts and, on the third, reversed the position and ended up on top, with Mitchell's neck locked in a choke. The American released his neck, but the Russian remained on top and transitioned to his back. Mitchell escaped the hooks and managed to turn around, putting himself in a position of advantage. In a deep half-guard, the American attacked with a katagatame and neutralized the Russian's movement, who, trying to explode, gave up his back. Bryce Mitchell maintained the position until the end of the fight to secure the victory in his bantamweight debut.
UFC Abu Dhabi Results
MAIN CARD (16pm Brasília time)
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Reinier de Ridder defeated Robert Whittaker by split decision (28-27, 28-27, 28-27)
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Petr Yan defeated Marcus McGhee by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Shara Magomedov defeated Marc-Andre Barriault by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Asu Almabayev defeated Jose Ochoa by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Bogdan Guskov defeated Nikita Krylov by knockout (punches) at 4:18 of round 1.
PRELIMINARY CARD (13pm Brasília time)
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Bryce Mitchell defeated Said Nurmagomedov by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Muslim Salikhov defeated Carlos Leal by knockout (punch) at 42 seconds of round 1.
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Davey Grant defeated Da'Mon Blackshear by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Strawweight (up to 52,1 kg): Tabatha Ricci defeated Amanda Ribas by technical knockout (elbows and punches) at 2:59 of round 2.
Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Billy Elekana defeated Ibo Aslan by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Steven Nguyen defeated Mohammad Yahya by technical knockout (medical stoppage) at 5 minutes of round 2.
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Martin Buday defeated Marcus Buchecha by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
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