Former Bellator MMA welterweight champion Yaroslav Amosov was the highest-profile debut on Saturday’s UFC Vegas 112 card, taking on Neil Magny.
The final Fight Night event of 2025 and the ESPN era had seven incoming fighters competing for the first time inside the octagon, but none had the résumé of Amosov, who claimed gold in Bellator, went home to fight Russia in his native Ukraine as part of the military effort in the war-torn country, then returned to continue his fighting career.
Which is no doubt why he drew the likes of Magny, the UFC’s welterweight wins and fights leader, for his first assignment. It was a clear test of whether Amosov’s elite grappling and composure would translate against one of the division’s most experienced names. For Magny, it was an opportunity to spoil a high-profile debut and reassert his place among the welterweight gatekeepers. The stakes were obvious from the opening bell, and both fighters approached the matchup with urgency.
Round one opened with both fighters trading kicks. About a minute in, Amosov shot for a takedown, but Magny was able to escape. Magny stayed aggressive and didn’t give Amosov much respect, which proved costly when Amosov secured another takedown shortly after. This time, Amosov stayed patient, maintaining control and following Magny’s movements. As Magny tried to scramble, Amosov locked in a tight D’Arce choke, leaving Magny with nowhere to go and forcing the tap.
