Ismail Naurdiev and Ryan Loder delivered one of the standout matchups at UFC Qatar on Saturday, pairing Naurdiev’s veteran composure and dynamic striking against Loder’s grinding pressure and relentless wrestling.
Naurdiev (24-8) entered the matchup looking to rebound from his first UFC loss, suffered against Jun Yong Park in June. The former BRAVE CF champion aimed to regain the momentum he’d built before that setback as he stepped in against Loder.
Loder (7-2) entered the fight looking to rebound from his May loss to Azamat Bekoev. The Ultimate Fighter 32 winner aimed to regain his footing and reestablish his momentum against Naurdiev.
Round 1 – Loder opened with a front kick to the body, while Naurdiev kept his right hand high and tight, fully aware of the southpaw head-kick threat in front of him. Loder tried to dictate the pace early, throwing first and forcing Naurdiev to react.
But Naurdiev saw his opening. He timed and delivered a perfectly measured straight right that crashed into Loder’s chin like a head-on collision, shutting his lights out before he hit the canvas. The referee rushed in immediately, leaving no doubt that the fight was over.
A massive first-round knockout win for Ismail Naurdiev, one that could easily earn him a place on the highlight reels for months to come.
Officia Results: Ismail Naurdiev def. Ryan Loder via R1 KO, 1:26
