Tajikistan’s Muhammad Naimov faced Bogdan Grad in featherweight action to open up UFC Baku on Saturday.
The fight got off to a hot start to say the least. Naimov had Grad hurt about 90 seconds into the opening round, with Naimov’s creative striking, including a spinning hook kick, being the difference maker. Grad, in danger, hit a key takedown, buying himself some recovery time. The kick had been just a little long, with the heel landing past Grad’s head and the calf doing most of the impact. Otherwise, it might have been a real early night for Grad.
Instead, he recovered, though Naimov would get back to his feet. There, the pair would eventually tie up along the fence, Grad working the body with knees and adding punches to Naimov’s thigh. Naimov fought off the takedown, however, a small boost to the morale no doubt.
In round two, Grad advanced early, with Naimov briefly circling outside before coming off the fence, looking to close the distance. Grad fired a right hand, then lunged in on another attack that forced Naimov to beat a hasty retreat. Two minutes in, Grad would change levels for a takedown, though tripped up a little on the way in. He stayed on the single leg, Naimov keeping a wide stance and fighting hands when Grad latched on with a body lock. Solid defense was on display as Naimov continued to keep the fight standing.
Naimov would counter the next takedown attempt with a guillotine, though the submission wasn’t to be had. Instead, Grad spun Naimov around after switching to a single leg, went back to a double leg, and finally landed it – with all of five seconds left on the clock.
It was Muhammad Naimov getting on top in the third round, after a Bogdan Grad takedown attempt backfired. Naimov couldn’t find a finish there, however, and Grad would end up back on the feet. That’s where the fight would end, the judges being required once again. All three would score it 29-28 for Naimov.
Naimov’s record in the UFC now stands at 5-1; he’s won two straight.
Official Result: Muhammad Naimov def. Bogdan Grad by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
