UFC Fight Night 109: Gustafsson vs. Teixeira took place Sunday in Stockholm, Sweden. Better known as UFC Stockholm, the third bout of the main card featured a welterweight clash between Russia’s Omari Akhmedov (16-3) and Ghana’s undefeated Abdul Razak Alhassan (7-0).
After touching gloves, Alhassan and Akhmedov circled, with Akhmedov landing first and taking the action to the ground. The Ghanaian fighter was able to regain his feet, however, and both men swung wildly upon re-engaging. Akhmedov would change levels and shoot with about three minutes to go in the round, again taking the action to the mat.
Again, however, Alhassan was able to pop back to his feet. Akhmedov circled out of harm’s way, looking for another opportunity to take his opponent down and landing some strikes of his own. With thirty seconds remaining the two began swinging away with shots that would easily have knocked the other man out had any landed cleanly. None did, however, and the round would come to a close.
This would be Alhassan’s first appearance in a second round, as none of his first seven fights went longer than ninety seconds. Some strong kicks by Alhassan started the second. He continued to press forward, with Akhmedov countering. Akhmedov, however, had his back to the fence, a potentially fatal mistake. He was able to launch into a takedown, however, landing on top. Once back on the feet, Alhassan landed a big overhand right. Akhmedov scored another takedown along the fence.
For all of Akhmedov’s success in the wrestling department, he seemed unable to keep Alhassan down for long. With two minutes to go in the second the undefeated power puncher landed another big right, causing swelling under the eye of Akhmedov. Akhmedov began looking worse for the wear, but pulled off a level change and a desperation takedown. He would ride out the round on top, taking things to the third and final frame.
The third opened with Alhassan no doubt experiencing a new level of fatigue. He ate an Akhmedov leg kick early, then badly missed with one of his own. Both fighters started at a slower pace, with Akhmedov landing a counter punch combination as Alhassan pressed forward. He then shot a double leg again, and landed the takedown only to have Alhassan reverse back to his feet. From there, he landed a big right and stuffed another Akhmedov takedown attempt. Akhmedov was certainly showing he had a solid chin at that point. Alhassan’s corner continued to call for a right hand, but Akhmedov was able to secure a takedown and step over into mount with just over two minutes remaining. Alhassan looked tired and lost at that point, but after a minute or so was able to roll out of danger. Akhmedov would tie his opponent up against the cage for the remainder of the round, eating elbows for his troubles.
In the end, the judges awarded Omari Akhmedov a split decision. Alhassan, meanwhile, suffered the first loss of his career.
Omari Akhmedov def. Abdul Razak Alhassan by split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)
Be sure to check out our UFC Fight Night 109 Fight Pass Prelim and Fox Sports 1 Prelim results and recamp.
