Danny Roberts and Zelim Imadaev was embroiled in a close fight through the better part of two rounds at UFC Moscow, until Roberts hit a buzzer-beater knockout punch just before the end of round two.
Zelim Imadaev was served up the first loss of his career last time out, when he lost to Max Griffin at UFC 236. Imadaev’s antics outside the cage didn’t help matters, and on Saturday at UFC Moscow, he needed to turn things around against Danny Roberts. Roberts, a former boxer, had been with the UFC since 2015, and was looking to snap a two-fight losing streak.
Imadaev immediately opened the action Saturday with a high kick. Roberts stayed mobile early, circling then changing levels, pressing his opponent back to the fence. Imadaev showed excellent balance to stay standing. The pair would then engage in some back and forth, with Roberts focusing on movement. However a kick led to a slip for Roberts, and he nearly ate a flying knee as a result. Imadaev then went on the attack, but Roberts changed levels and secured a takedown. One that was short-lived, however.
The second round opened with Roberts attacking his opponent’s lead leg. In a grappling exchange by the fence, Imadaev would land a check hook, catching Roberts. Roberts would answer with a couple of strikes back out in the open, but he was soon under fired and forced to take the fight down again. He could not, however, keep Imadaev down. Instead, the Dagestani fighter would pop back up, and the pair would wind up trading in a clinch, with Imadaev getting the better of things there. Roberts however landed a massive knockout blow just prior to the end of the round! The buzzer-beat left hand to the chin sent Imadaev crashing to the canvas, and the ref immediately waved the fight off.
"HE SPUN HIM 3️⃣6️⃣0️⃣!"@DanHotChocolate says good night! #UFCMoscow
➡️ Watch more now on ESPN+ ⬅️ pic.twitter.com/RxfM8yYvL6
— UFC (@ufc) November 9, 2019
Official Result: Danny Roberts def. Zelim Imadaev by knockout, Round 2, 4:54
