Promotional newcomer Eric McConico stepped into the octagon for the first time at UFC Seattle, taking on Nursulton Ruziboev in a middleweight battle.
McConico might have otherwise gone the Contender Series route, but with the card falling apart minute by minute a week or two back, the UFC booked the match-up on short notice. Showing once again why it pays to be ready for fighters.
The fight started with both men taking it slow and feeling each other out. It was Ruziboev who began inching forward. He was slowly working his kicks in, keeping McConico hesitant. McConico wasn’t throwing anything, perhaps being a little too worried about the power of Ruziboev. When McConico finally did throw something Ruziboev caught a kick and put him against the fence. They separated with a minute left and the rest of the round saw little in the way of action initiated by either fighter. Single strikes, but nothing significant from anyone. Ruziboev was at least slightly more active.
When round two got underway, Eric McConico was already more aggressive than he was in round one. Perhaps too willing to engage, as he was clipped with a right hand dropping him. McConico got back up but Ruziboev swarmed with punches along the cage and as soon as he fell down again, the ref stopped it.
Official Result: Nursulton Ruziboev def. Eric McConico by TKO (punches), Round 2, 0:33
