Bantamweights Said Nurmagomedov and Saidyokub Kakhramonov faced off as part of the UFC Vegas 66 preliminary card on Saturday, following four straight decisions to kick off the event.
Kakhramonov came out hot off the opening bell, closing the distance and firing a left hand. The pair tied up along the fence, with Kakhramonov looking to get the fight down. Nurmagomedov looked to lock up a guillotine in defense, and pulled guard, leaving Kakhramonov to attempt to hammer and wrench his way free. Ninety seconds into the frame, Kakhramonov did just that, leaving him in Nurmagomedov’s guard.
With plenty of time on the clock, Kakhramonov got to work, passing to half-guard. That led to a scramble, with Kakhramonov going from one side to the over, briefly taking side control. He would wind up back in guard, however.
The grappling and scrambles continued as the round continued. Kakhramonov’s pressure was keeping Nurmagomedov off his game; he would shoot for a takedown from too far out, and end up with Kakhramonov all over him again. In the final seconds of the round, Kakhramonov was having his way with Nurmagomedov in terms of grappling, getting a few punches in as well.
Just half a minute into round two, Saidyokub Kakhramonov had his opponent down, and was on his back. Nurmagomedov made it back to his feet, only to be dragged down again. Kakhramonov unleashed a number of punches, and was starting to ragdoll Nurmagomedov, he simply couldn’t keep up with Kakhramonov’s pace.
Kakhramonov’s chain wrestling continued to impress, with Nurmagomedov having little answer until the final ninety seconds of the frame. Then, he locked up another guillotine choke — and made it count! Within moments, Kakhramonov was forced to tap in a fight he had been dominating to that point.
Official Result: Said Nurmagomedov def. Saidyokub Kakhramonov by submission (guillotine choke), Round 2, 3:50
