Perhaps it was a commentary on the paper-thin nature of Saturday’s UFC Vegas 51 card that a pair of fighters with a combined zero fights in the promotion were serving as the co-main event.
Then again, perhaps it was a testament to the expectations placed on middleweights Caio Borralho and Gadzhi Omargadzhiev, both of whom had won their way into the promotion on Dana White’s Contender Series last year.
In any case, the undefeated Omargadzhiev said ahead of the fight that he wasn’t nervous about making his debut in a co-main event. Borralho was no doubt equally confident entering a fight that could put the winner on the fast track at 185lbs.
Ultimately, the UFC Vegas 51 co-main event was a weird one — and became the second fight on the night to end in a technical decision.
Borralho immediately took the center of the cage to let loose with some kicks. Omargadzhiev caught a kick and planted Borralho down. Right away Borralho swept Omargadzhiev and got the top position. Borralho landed a few good elbows before passing the guard and taking the back of Omargadzhiev. While on the back Borralho landed some elbows while controlling a wrist. Borralho ended the round on the back.
Omargadzhiev came out in round two firing much more. Borralho turned the tide landing a flying knee and a left hand that hurt Omargadzhiev. Omargadzhiev lost his balance and Borralho took the back. Omargadzhiev would keep attempting to shake Borralho off but the body triangle of Borralho was super tight. Once again Borralho ends the round on the back of Omargadzhiev.
Like in round two Omargadzhiev came out firing with looping punches and spinning attacks in the third. Unfortunately for him he landed a knee to the groin causing a pause in the fight. Off the restart it was Borralho throwing flying knees looking for the big shot. They clinched up and Borralho tripped him to the mat. Omargadzhiev worked to his knees and rolled for a leg lock. Borralho was aware and would get another takedown. Omargadzhiev worked to his knees again and Borralho landed an illegal knee causing a pause in the fight. The doctor came in, and the fight was called off because Omargadzhiev couldn’t continue.
The fight has been officially waved off. ❌
Once again, we're set for a technical decision as we go to the scorecards. #UFCVegas51 pic.twitter.com/f2GEkYdm6G
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) April 17, 2022
For the second time on the night, a fight went to the scorecards early. And for the second time on the night, the fighter who committed the foul walked away with the technical decision win.
Official Result: Caio Borralho def. Gadzhi Omargadzhiev by technical decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)
