Eddie Alvarez’s promotional debut at ONE Championship: A New Era did not go as planned as he was knocked out by Timofey Nastyukhin in the first round of the lightweight grand prix.
Eddie Alvarez was rightfully known as The Underground King prior to joining the UFC, going 25-3 and winning titles in three different promotions including Bellator. His Bellator reign was remarkable, winning the lightweight title twice and going 9-1. After falling to Donald Cerrone in his UFC debut, Alvarez took split decisions against Anthony Pettis and Gilbert Melendez to earn a title shot. Alvarez knocked out then-champion Rafael dos Anjos in the first round and added another promotion’s title to his mantle. Since then, however, he is 1-2 with one no contest, and will be making his promotional debut at ONE Championship: A New Era.
Timofey Nastyukhin went 7-1 on the Russian circuit before signing with ONE Championship. He made his debut in a huge way with a first-round knockout of current champion Eduard Folayang. Since then, Nastyukhin is 4-3 and is looking to rebound from a loss he suffered in September.
A lot of punches and kicks thrown by Nastyukhin early but nothing lands for him. Alvarez very patient early and showing great defense in the first round. Nastyukhin knocks Alvarez down with a counter about two minutes into the round. Both fighters exchange shots as the round goes on. Nastyukhin lands a big left towards the end of the round. Nastyukhin follows it up with another left hand. Alvarez is knocked down and Nastyukhin is quick to close in on Alvarez. Alvarez is covering his head but it looks like it may be over. After a couple more shots the ref jumps in to stop the fight.
Timofey Nastyukhin SHOCKS THE 🌏! The Russian warrior knocks out Eddie Alvarez at 4:05 of Round 1 to advance in the ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix! #WeAreONE #ANewEra #Tokyo #MartialArts pic.twitter.com/YxUV0TSnFR
— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) March 31, 2019
The win for Nastyukhin helps him bounce back after being knocked out in his last fight in September of last year. For Alvarez, this is his second straight loss and his third in his last five fights. Not the ONE Championship debut Alvarez was hoping for. Nastyukhin advances in the ONE Championship lightweight world grand prix.
Timofey Nastyukhin def. Eddie Alvarez by TKO (Punches) in Round 1
