Undefeated featherweight Khusein Askhabov made his promotional debut at UFC Vegas 69 against Jamall Emmers on Saturday night.
Askhabov, a perfect 23-0 to start the night, had an eye-popping record, but had not competed for the better part of three years prior to the fight, with his debut delayed on multiple occasions.
Emmers himself was returning from an extended layoff as well. His last fight had been a 2021 loss to Pat Sabatini.
Jamall Emmers started off the fight with a couple of right hands and leg kicks. Askhabov changed it up by going for a takedown. He pressed Emmers against the cage but kneed Emmers in the groin causing the separation. After a brief pause and warning by the ref, they both traded a series of leg kicks. Askhabov was landing with a lot of impact and Emmers was throwing a lot of different kicks. A few times Askhabov was kicking the lead leg of Emmers buckling him. Askhabov threw a lot of kicks but did whiff on a big wheel kick. The round ended following a competitive five minutes.
Askhabov started round two with a takedown but Emmers easily stuffed it. Like in round one both guys kept clashing in the pocket but neither were landing anything significant. When one landed clean the other was getting it right back. Emmers was doing a better job mixing in some strikes strikes to the body. Askhabov attempted another failed spinning attack and Emmers dropped him with a right. Emmers let Askhabov off the hook never jumping on top. Instead, he chopped at the legs of Askhabov. In the final thirty seconds of the round Askhabov was visibly tired. Emmers ended round two with a body kick.
In the final frame, it was another stuffed takedown from Emmers. Askhabov was tired and off another takedown Emmers just threw him to his back. Emmers got on top; he quickly moved to mount. He was too high and Askhabov shook him off but Emmers did regain the top position. Askhabov was scrambling but Emmers was a step ahead and would move to the mount. Emmers switched to the back and mount but let Askhabov scramble again back to his feet. Askhabov shot in for a lazy takedown and Emmers easily threw him off and got on top. Emmers ended the fight in the mount by going for the armbar at the bell.
No surprises on the scorecards, with Jamall Emmers serving up the first loss of Khusein Askhabov’s career.
Official Result: Jamall Emmers def. Khusein Askhabov by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
