Myktybek Orolbai welcomed Bellator alum and RIZIN lightweight grand prix winner Tofiq Musayev to the octagon at UFC Baku on Saturday.
Orolbai, though coming into the fight off a loss, had put in a Fight of the Night-winning effort against Mateusz Rebecki in his last outing. Musayev, meanwhile, was debuting at home in his native Azerbaijan, part of the UFC’s first-ever trip to the country.
During the UFC Baku media day, Orolbai, who holds a law degree, promised he’d have a surprise for the fight. Well, Tofiq Musayev was certainly surprised in the end.
The fight started with Orolbai shooting for a takedown just seconds in. He managed to elevate Musayev but couldn’t complete it. After a brief separation, Orolbai shot again and this time secured the takedown. He controlled the top position for a while before both fighters returned to their feet with about a minute remaining. Musayev immediately threw a body kick, but Orolbai caught it and used it to land yet another takedown. This time, Musayev left his arm exposed, and Orolbai locked in a kimura, forcing the tap!
That spoiled the debut of Tofiq Musayev; for Orolbai, it’s UFC win #3 overall. His law career will just have to wait for now.
Official Result: Myktybek Orolbai def. Tofiq Musayev by submission (kimura), Round 1, 4:35
