Light heavyweight Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev looked to maintain his perfect record in MMA when he took on Brendson Ribeiro at UFC Vegas 115.
At 8-0 to start the night, Yakhyaev found Ribeiro coming off back-to-back losses, both finishes, most recently against Oumar Sy.
The 205-pounders started with heavy action, meeting in the center of the octagon to trade. Despite being the massive underdog, it was Ribeiro who found early success striking.
A beautiful high kick from Ribeiro landed directly on the chin of Yakhyaev, though surprisingly it didn’t affect the undefeated prospect; as Yakhyaev caught Ribeiro in a position of imbalance, driving him down to the canvas.
It wasn’t long before Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev started showing his grappling prowess once he brought Ribeiro to the ground, punishing the Brazilian with ground and pound before finding an opening for the finish, submitting Brendson Ribeiro in the first round with a rear-naked choke.
Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev extends his unbeaten streak to nine, and is likely in prime position for a big opportunity next. While he’s still new to the division and not yet a contender, the vacant light heavyweight title is on the line next week at UFC 327 between Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg, with the weight class feeling wide open.
Official Result: Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev def. Brendson Ribeiro by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 1, 2:52
