Light heavyweight’s Aleksandar Rakic and Amazat Murzakanov kicked off Saturday’s UFC 321 main card, a battle of top 10 205’ers.
Murzakanov was holding that #10 spot to start the night, while Rakic entered ranked #7.
Rakic landed a solid kick to the body inside of the opening minute, as Murzakanov worked on finding a way inside on the taller, longer man. Rakic then opted to level change, shooting for a takedown and putting Murzakanov on the fence. That didn’t happen, though they did go down ever so briefly a bit later.
Azamat Murzakanov, however, eliminated all thought of takedowns moments later. And ended Aleksandar Rakic’s night. Murzakanov absolutely floored Rakic, landing a short right hand on the way in. Rakic’s head snapped back and he hit the dirt, no question that the fight was over. One follow-up strike landed as Rakic covered up, but the ref was already jumping in.
The biggest win of Murzakanov’s career to date will see him jump up the rankings a few days from now; he improves to 16-0, with six of those victories coming inside the octagon. “You all doubted me. I told you, I told you not to doubt me,” Murzakanov exclaimed following the fight. “I told you, I’m going to be fightin for the title.”
Official Result: Azamat Murzakanov def. Aleksandar Rakic by TKO (punch), Round 1, 3:11
