European heavyweights clashed on the UFC Vegas 68 main card as Poland’s Marcin Tybura squared off with Bulgaria’s Blagoy Ivanov.
Both men were looking to build on single victories secured in their last outing.
Tybura went right after Ivanov’s legs early, while working his jab. Ivanov nearly caught a body kick, but at least some of that hit the mark. Tybura continued to attack that leg, working from outside — but Ivanov showed some quick hands, backing Tybura up to the fence. Tybura continued to work his kicks, but the hands of Ivanov were making him hesitant when closing the distance. Tybura would end off the round with another kick to the body.
Tybura continued to work from range early in round two. The Polish heavyweight showed some stance switches and decent mobility for his size. A Tybura kick strayed low partway through the round, but Ivanov’s thigh thankfully ate most of the impact. He didn’t take much time to recover.
In the final 90 seconds, Ivanov went on the attack, and had Tybura off-balance, but he recovered. Tybura continued to work outside, giving different looks, entering at angles and switching stances. Ivanov ripped the body, adding a new wrinkle to his game plan.
In round three, Tybura came out and immediately landed a takedown, catching Ivanov by surprise. That was the start of a grappling-heavy round that saw Marcin Tybura in the driver’s seat for essentially the entire five minutes. At times, he got hooks in, with Ivanov briefly giving up his back, or Tybura simply finding ways to take it. Each time, Ivanov was able to roll, scramble, or turn out, until the final 90 seconds, where Tybura got both hooks in and maintained control for a good chunk. While he could never find the finish, Tybura dominated the final frame, and took the fight on the scorecards.
Unanimous for @MarcinTybura! He makes it 2 in a row with the W at #UFCVegas68 👏 pic.twitter.com/KH0cebaN1s
— UFC (@ufc) February 5, 2023
Official Result: Marcin Tybura def. Blagoy Ivabov by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
