Ultimate Fighter 33 winner Daniil Donchenko welcomed Theodor Berggren to the octagon at UFC Baku on Saturday.
The welterweight clash arrived on the night’s preliminary card and saw Donchenko looking to claim his third victory under the UFC banner (including his TUF 33 finale win).
The fight started with both guys trading leg kicks. Donchenko stayed consistent with them and was putting the pressure on Berggren. He mixed it up well, landing a right hook to the body and attacking all three levels. The pressure and body work from Donchenko seemed to be wearing on Berggren early. Berggren tried to clinch, but he was getting beat up there as well. Donchenko landed a few more hard leg kicks before ripping a nice combination to the body. He nearly took Berggren’s leg out from under him with another brutal leg kick just before the bell. It was a complete striking showcase from Donchenko in the opening round.
Round two started with another combination from Donchenko that ended with a leg kick. Berggren tried to pressure forward but was quickly backed up again. Donchenko was showing good head movement while continuing to attack the legs and body. After investing so heavily to the lower levels, Berggren never saw the head kick coming. It landed flush, dropping him. Donchenko swarmed, dropped him again with a barrage of punches, and forced the referee to step in.
Daniil Donchenko def. Theodor Berggren by TKO (headkick and punches), Round 2, 1:35
