Saparbek Safarov utilized less-than-legal techniques to dominate Nick Negumereanu at UFC London.
Saparbek Safarov was originally set to fight kickboxing legend Gokhan Saki, but Saki pulled out with an injury. Safarov, a Master of Sport in Freestyle Wrestling and Combat Sambo, is looking for his first UFC victory. Prior to joining the promotion, the Dagestani fighter was 8-0 with all of his wins coming by stoppage. Since signing, he’s lost to both Gian Villante and Tyson Pedro.
Nick Negumereanu will be making his promotional debut at UFC London. The Romanian fighter is 9-0 with none of his fights reaching the final bell. Negumereanu won the RXF light heavyweight title with a second-round submission in November before being signed by the UFC.
Safarov started the fight with a leg kick and Negumereanu answered with a right hand. Safarov pushed forward and clinched up with Negumereanu against the fence. The referee gave Safarov multiple warnings for fence grabs without consequence. Safarov took his opponent down with a single-leg, but Negumereanu countered with a kimura. Safarov broke free and began to stand up, but Negumereanu countered with a heel hook. Safarov grabbed the fence multiple times while defending, causing the ref to almost step in, allowing the fight to continue due to Negumereanu’s submission attempt. After Safarov broke free into side control, he landed an elbow while the ref was trying to step in and separate the fighter. When he finally got a hold of Safarov, a point was taken. Safarov pieced Negumereanu up on the feet.
The fighters engaged in heavy exchanges to start the second round before Safarov took Negumereanu down. Safarov overwhelmed Negumereanu with ground-and-pound, eventually getting to full mount. Safarov’s elbows pulverized Negumereanu. Somehow, Negumereanu survived the round with a massive welt on his eye as a souvenir.
More of the same happened in the third round. Safarov scored a quick takedown and controlled Negumereanu for five minutes. The Romanian tried a desperation kimura to no avail as time expired.
Saparbek Safarov def. Nick Negumereanu by Unanimous Decision (29-26 x2, 29-27)
