Omari Akhmedov overcame adversity against Zak Cummings as the Russian survived an early knockdown to win a unanimous decision at UFC 242.
In the second bout on the UFC Fight Pass prelims, Omari Akhmedov battled Zak Cummings at middleweight.
Akhmedov (18-4-1) entered the bout unbeaten in his last four contests. The 31-year-old most recently defeated Tim Boetsch via unanimous decision prior to UFC 242. “Wolverine” came into this bout with a 5-3-1 record, defeating Abdul Razak Alhassan and Kyle Noke during that stretch.
Cummings (23-6) made the move back up to middleweight in December and has won his last two bouts at 185-pounds. In his last fight ahead of UFC 242, Cummings finished previously undefeated prospect Trevin Giles via third-round Guillotine Choke submission. The 35-year-old had won six of his last eight contests, only losing to Santiago Ponzinibbio and Michel Prazeres – both losses coming via decision.
Round 1:
Both men touched gloves to start the bout. Akhmedov threw a kick early that landed to the arm of Cummings. Akhmedov got hit low early on which resulted in a mini break in the action. Action did continue though and Akhmedov landed a leg kick to the lead leg of Cummings. Akhmedov landed a few more leg kicks before Cummings fires his own kick. Both men went for strikes to the head but both men missed. Cummings drops Akhmedov with a left hook but Akhmedov recovered well. Akhmedov landed a big slam takedown and got half guard top control. Cummings attempted a reversal but Akhmedov managed to keep top control. Cummings managed to get back to his feet and that was the end of the round.
Cageside Press scored the round 10-9 Akhmedov.
Round 2:
Cummings landed a kick to start the round. Akhmedov unleashed a big right hand that grazed Cummings. Akhmedov then landed his own kick which resulted in a loud thud. Akhmedov attempted another kick to the body but Cummings blocked it. Cummings attempted a left hook but Akhmedov evades. Both men traded in the pocket which resulted in Akhmedov attempting a takedown. Akhmedov has Cummings against the cage where he landed a knee. Cummings attempted a Guillotine which allowed Akhmedov to get top position to end the round.
Cageside Press scored the round 10-9 Akhmedov.
Round 3:
Both men were patient early in the third round, both looking to set up their opportunities. Cummings got a little wild with a jumping uppercut which Akhmedov easily evaded. Cummings landed an inside leg kick and then followed by an uppercut. Akhmedov then landed his own leg kick followed by his own combination in the pocket. Cummings attempted a body shot that just missed Akhmedov, but he followed with a leg kick that landed. Akhmedov attempted a takedown but Cummings defended well. Cummings pressed forward-looking for a left hook, but that allowed Akhmedov to get a takedown with a minute left in the round. Akhmedov landing short ground and pound strikes to end the round.
Cageside Press scored the round 10-9 Akhmedov (30-27 Akhmedov).
Official Result: Omari Akhmedov def. Zak Cummings via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
