A pair of debuting welterweights kicked off UFC Baku in Azerbaijan on Saturday, as Tahir Abdullayev and Jefferson Nascimento faced off on the Fight Night card.
With the edge in experience, Azerbaijan’s own Tahir “Tank” Abdullayev was entering his 25th pro fight, was Brazil’s Nascimento was 13-0 to start his career.
The fight started with Abdullayev taking center cage and calling on Nascimento. Nascimento was bouncing around, not looking to rush anything. Abdullayev moved forward slowly but struggled to cut off Nascimento. On the other side, Nascimento wasn’t throwing much of anything, seeming hesitant to engage. Abdullayev was visibly frustrated as he couldn’t track the Brazilian. Whenever he got close, Nascimento would stick and move. Near the end of the round, Abdullayev forced some action, but nothing came from it. A lackluster round from both guys.
When Round 2 started, Abdullayev wanted action, and Nascimento gave it to him with a leg kick. He also timed Abdullayev with a big right hand as he was coming in. Abdullayev just kept walking forward, looking to land that right hand. He had trouble with the footwork and range and was biting on every feint from Nascimento. Both guys were throwing one strike at a time. Abdullayev was bringing the pressure, but Nascimento was the one landing. Every time Abdullayev blitzed in, he’d eat something. Abdullayev wanted action from both Nascimento and the referee, but Nascimento was the only one landing anything. Abdullayev did get in some good shots at the bell, and maybe even one after.
Round 3 was still anyone’s fight, as it’s likely the judges were on their phones anyway. Abdullayev came running out to start the round and quickly caught a leg for a takedown. Nascimento worked to a knee and got back to his feet. He started to chew up the body with kicks and hooks. Whenever Nascimento began to open up, Abdullayev timed a well-executed takedown. Abdullayev landed some clubbing blows, and as Nascimento tried to get up, he was thrown right back down. Nascimento landed some good elbows but was too content letting Abdullayev sit in his guard. The fight ended with Abdullayev landing some heavy hammerfists, and as a few started getting through, the referee stepped in way too early.
Tahir Abdullayev def. Jefferson Nascimento via TKO (ground and pound), round 3, 4:28
