Bozigit Ataev kicked off PFL 3 2019 the right way, knocking out Dan Spohn in the first round of the first fight of the night.
Bozigit Ataev is looking for vengeance in this one after falling to Spohn in the regular season last year. Ataev impressively knocked out the aforementioned O’Connell with a spinning back kick in the regular season, earning him a fourth-seed in the bracket. In the playoffs, “Volk” knocked out tonight’s headliner Emiliano Sordi, but fell to Vinny Magalhaes later that night. Prior to resuming his career in 2017, Ataev went 16-1 from 2001 to 2006 with all stoppage victories and the lone loss coming to Alistair Overeem. In that 11-year hiatus, the Dagestani light heavyweight won a gold medal in Wushu in 2013.
Prior to joining PFL, TUF 14 alum Dan Spohn appeared on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series, which he won by first-round submission. The Ohio resident was not offered a contract though and tried his luck at PFL. He was the third seed in last season’s tournament after a seven-point season, but was eliminated in the first round by eventual champion Sean O’Connell. That seven-point season includes a win over Ataev.
The fighters traded kicks to start their rematch, with Spohn going to the body with one. Bozigit Ataev entered the clinch behind a right hand and held Spohn against the cage. Spohn broke free and the fight returned to the center, where Ataev was hit by a straight punch. Ataev rebounded with a takedown effort, driving the fight to the cage. The Dagestan native pushed off and battered Spohn with punches, with a right hand knocking him down. Ataev jumped on top and landed crushing ground-and-pound to earn the first round stoppage and six points.
From Russia with Revenge! Bozigit Ataev starts his 2019 campaign with 6 points. #PFL3 pic.twitter.com/CjRKTAoyuL
— #PFLmma (@ProFightLeague) June 6, 2019
Bozigit Ataev def. Dan Spohn by TKO (Punches) in Round 1 (3:25)
Check out the rest of the results from PFL 3 2019 here!
