Flyweight action on the UFC Vegas 77 preliminary card saw the arrival of 16-0 Azat Maksum, paired up with longtime veteran Tyson Nam.
The undefeated Maksum was getting a tough test in his first UFC outing, but was also one of the best-looking signings of the year.
When the fight kicked off it was a slow start for the first little bit. Maksum was more aggressive but wasn’t landing anything. Nam was looking to counter and his right hand was glancing a few times. Maksum tried twice for a takedown but never came close to getting Nam down. Nam a few times landing a few leg kicks that took the legs out from underneath Maksum twice. With a minute left Maksum picked up the pace and started to land more with his right hand and a few kicks. He closed the round getting a takedown and Nam got back up right at the bell.
In round two both fighters were more loosened up and started off opening up more. In an exchange Maksum wobbled Tyson Nam briefly with a right hand. Nam took it no problem and answered back with a combination. Nam was doing a good job picking his shots but Maksum started to pull away as the round went on. Maksum was throwing a lot and using more of his full range of weapons including his kicks, knees, and hands.
Into the final round, Maksum landed early with a stunning right-left. Nam had some damage on the right eye due to the quick jab Maksum was landing. As the final frame went on Maksum did a good job of letting his hands go throwing much more than Nam. Nam was doing well when he was pressing forward and started to get some traction towards the end of the round. The pressure from Nam caused Maksum to shoot for a takedown but he couldn’t get it. Nam landed a right hand and a chopping leg kick and Maksum ended the round getting two big slams.
The scorecards reflected the close fight that played out in the cage, with Maksum getting the nod in a split decision — improving to 17-0.
Official Result: Azat Maksum def. Tyson Nam by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
