Weird ending at UFC Atlantic City, as Ricky Simon had a chokehold as time expired, and was crowned a winner by TKO.
Merab Dvalishvili started the UFC Atlantic City bout off with a spinning kick to the body and was very dynamic with his strikes in the early going. Merab was spinning was big strikes, then got a takedown and took the back of Simon.
Simon crawled away and stood up but was thrown down by Merab three times as the process repeated itself. When Simon finally broke free, Merab landed a huge combination that stunned Simon. An uppercut floored Simon and Merab came blitzing forward. The Russian ball of energy went for the gold but could not put away Simon. Merab landed another pair of takedowns to close out the round.
Merab caught a leg kick and came over the top with a right. Simon was able to catch him with a hook, but Merab ate it and continued to come forward. Merab started winging high kicks that missed, then drove in with a takedown, taking the back of Simon in the process. Simon bucked him off and the fighters reset.
Simon turned the tables and took Merab down, landed an elbow, then Merab scrambled out. Merab kept the pressure on, landing a huge shot on Simon then clinching up. Twice Simon tried to somersault out, but Merab stuck to him like glue. Finally, Simon broke free and Merab ate a punch on the exit. Merab attempted a takedown as time expired.
Simon landed a solid right straight as Merab landed a kick below the belt. After a short pause in action, Merab continued his attack, throwing a combination and taking down Simon. Simon was able to spin away and take the back of Merab on the feet. Merab broke free and landed a brief takedown.
Both fighters exchanged big hooks, then Simon got Merab down. Simon earned half guard and was working for an arm triangle but Merab muscled out of it. Merab went for a takedown and Simon countered with a mounted guillotine with nearly a minute left. Simon had a tight squeeze for the entire time, and Merab balanced on the brink of consciousness kicking his legs the entire time.
After the final bell rang, Merab was out, and due to that, the referee called the contest a TKO victory for Simon.
Ricky Simon def. Merab Dvalishvili by TKO (Referee Stoppage) in Round 3 (5:00)
