Azerbaijan’s own Hasanov was debuting at home, 5-0 to start his professional MMA career, with three of those wins coming under the LFA banner. A bit of an early arrival to the UFC perhaps, with the signing clearly due to the UFC’s return to Baku.

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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

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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

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Baghdasaryan was 3-2 inside the octagon ahead of the pair’s featherweight fight at the Meta Apex; Magomedov was making his debut after a September win on the Contender Series.

As debuts go, they don’t come much bigger than this, with Magomedov debuting in style in Las Vegas.

Round one started with a body kick by Baghdasaryan. He landed a nice body shot shortly after, but it was all down hill from there. Melsik got a little too aggressive and ended up getting taken down and having his back taken. Magomedov got both hooks in and rolled to his back. As Baghdasaryan tried to turn towards him, Magomedov locked in a modified (Scottish) twister, and Baghdasaryan was forced to tap. A rare submission win, with The Korean Zombie, Bryce Mitchell, and Da’Mon Blackshear the only fighters having hit them in the UFC in the past. And to date, no one has debuted in the UFC by pulling off a twister submission, which will be a nice feather in Murtazali Magomedov’s cap.

Official Result: Murtazali Magomedov def. Melsik Baghdasaryan by submission (twister), Round 1, 1:17

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Both welterweights were jumping straight to the UFC, though Shahbazyan had a prior loss on Dana White’s Contender Series.

As it turned out, the fight was over almost before it started.

Round one kicked off, and it ended incredibly quickly. Levan Chokheli landed a heavy outside leg kick in the opening seconds. Shahbazyan was soon turtled up against the cage, and Chokheli unloaded. It was a left hook to the body that took down Shahbazyan, as he was visibly in pain, holding his knee. The ref came in, and that was all she wrote. Georgia’s Chokheli had the win in less than thirty seconds. Just twenty-three, to be exact.

Chokheli improves to 15-3, 1NC with the win, and has won five of his last six fights. The lone loss came under the Bellator MMA banner, against longtime UFC and Bellator vet Lorenz Larkin. After going 9-0 to start his career, Levan Chokheli struggled during his first few fights in Bellator, but was 4-3 by the time the PFL had acquired its rival. He’s now off to a good start in the UFC, and at age 29 is firmly in his prime.

Official Result: Levan Chokheli def. Leon Shahbazyan via TKO (leg kick and punches), Round 1, 0:23

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Collins was undefeated through seven pro fights, Tanzilovi had just one loss in eleven as a pro, and both were jumping straight to the UFC – though Tanzilovi’s lone loss had come on the Contender Series in 2024, and saw him bounce back on the regional circuit.

Round one started with a heavy outside leg kick and right hand from Tanzilovi. Collins responded with a leg kick of his own and was working some hard feints. Tanzilovi got flashy with a spinning body kick, and Collins answered with a combination to the body. Collins trapped Tanzilovi against the cage, but Tanzilovi unexpectedly secured a single-leg takedown. Collins threatened an arm-in guillotine but ended up with his back against the cage before working his way back to his feet.

The American immediately went back to applying pressure and landed a left hook to the body. Tanzilovi already looked a bit gassed and was allowing Collins to push him backward. Collins kept the pressure on, mixing in body shots and clinch work. With a minute left in the round, Collins really started letting his hands go. More body work, a few good right hooks, and some strong clinch exchanges helped him close the round.

Round two began with a jumping switch kick from Tanzilovi. It didn’t land, but he did secure his second single-leg takedown. Just like the first one, Tanzilovi didn’t accomplish much on top before Collins worked his way back up. Collins landed a nice right hook to both the body and head. After another right hook from Collins, Tanzilovi scored a takedown in open space. This time he got Collins down in the middle of the cage, but it didn’t matter as Collins quickly returned to his feet.

Collins clearly had more in the tank and was the better striker. He was working behind the jab and cutting off the cage beautifully. Tanzilovi attempted another single leg to get Collins off him but couldn’t finish it. He did manage to get Collins against the cage briefly, but it didn’t last long. The final seconds saw Tanzilovi in on another single leg, only to get caught in a d’arce attempt as the bell sounded.

The final round started with pressure from Collins. He ripped a few good body shots before stuffing another takedown attempt. Collins’ takedown defense is raising some red flags, but fortunately for him, he refuses to accept bottom position. After getting back to his feet, Tanzilovi timed a few good uppercuts and a right hand over the top. Tanzilovi landed another takedown, and Collins accepted it while attacking a guillotine. He used the submission threat to scramble back to his feet and immediately went back on the hunt.

Surprisingly, Collins continued to engage in the clinch despite holding a clear striking advantage. Tanzilovi landed a hard body kick but missed on another takedown attempt. In the final seconds, Collins chased Tanzilovi down with more body work, capping off a grueling fight.

Official Result: Shane Collins def. Otari Tanzilovi by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

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Chaves, 6-0 to start the night heading into UFC Vegas 118, took on Yuneisy Duben at the Meta Apex on Saturday, in flyweight action.

Duben was looking to bounce back from a loss in her own promotional debut; both fighters had joined the UFC via Dana White’s Contender Series.

The fight started with a couple leg kicks from Chaves. Duben caught a body kick but couldn’t find her range. That was evident in the striking early, as she had trouble finding her range. She timed Chaves coming in and got a strong bodylock takedown. Chaves easily got right back up and landed some good stuff off the break. Back at space, it was Chaves landing leg kicks and flurries as she circled away. Duben timed a leg kick with an overhand right. An ugly round one that likely favored Chaves as she did a bit more.

In round two, they crashed in the center early. Duben was the stronger girl, pushing Chaves against the cage. A lack of technique meant she couldn’t hold the position for too long. Chaves was looking to engage more, biting down on her mouthpiece and throwing. It didn’t really matter, though, as she eventually got a takedown. Chaves didn’t find the takedown easy at all but took the back quickly. She had the RNC that looked tight, but the angle was off. Duben was content to sit on her knees and protect her neck, waiting for the bell.

In the final round, it was likely Duben needed some sort of finish. She did land a nice one-two to start the round. Unfortunately for her, Chaves clinched up and was able to work in a takedown. Duben didn’t give up her back that time and got to her feet. Duben was gaining some confidence in her striking until Chaves ducked under for another takedown. Chaves did have the back for a moment before Duben could turn towards her. Chaves got up, but Duben dumped her back down. Duben scored some top time in half guard but did little damage, possibly letting the fight slip away.

Official Result: Jeisla Chaves def. Yuneisy Duben by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

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Peru’s Diaz was making his promotional debut after winning a UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series last October.

Diaz came out active early, chopping away with kicks to start the fight. He had trouble really landing clean, though, and seemed a bit hesitant to fully commit with Wellmaker’s power in mind. Wellmaker was just as patient, not throwing much unless the opening was there, but when he did, it counted—especially a couple of thudding body kicks that stood out more than anything Diaz was landing.

As the round went on, Wellmaker started to apply a bit more pressure, which pushed Diaz into changing levels for a takedown. Diaz was able to drag Wellmaker down a few times and even score some mat returns, but Wellmaker stayed composed, doing a good job preventing Diaz from threatening the back.

They separated in the closing seconds, and things got chaotic right up to the bell. Diaz actually dropped Wellmaker with a right hand after catching a kick, and as Wellmaker was getting back to his feet, Diaz landed a close illegal knee that came very near impact.

Into round two, Diaz once again caught a kick and fired back with that right hand. He followed it up with a right to the body as Wellmaker continued to fight at a low output. As Wellmaker tried to press forward, Diaz immediately changed levels and secured a quick takedown. He put Wellmaker in a tough position and gradually worked into top control.

Wellmaker eventually fought up to a knee and used the cage to get back to his feet, but Diaz stayed attached, dragged him down again, and took the back. From there, he locked in the rear-naked choke and forced the tap, pulling off a huge upset finish.

Official Result: Juan Diaz def. Malcolm Wellmaker by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 2, 4:08

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The clash at the Meta Apex was set for a catchweight of 215lbs after Edwards stepped up to replace Rodolfo Bellato on short notice.

Round one opened with Bukauskas taking the center of the cage. Edwards was happy to operate off the back foot, looking to time him with that right cross. Around the two-minute mark Edwards shot for a takedown but couldn’t secure it, then followed up with a heavy leg kick before attempting another entry, though his positioning still wasn’t there.

Edwards kept using shoulder pressure to pin Bukauskas on the fence for stretches, mixing in short knees and punches, but nothing truly damaging landed. Once they separated, Bukauskas answered with a loud body kick that echoed over the broadcast. In the final minute, Edwards chipped away with a few more body kicks, but neither fighter really stamped the round.

Early in round two, Edwards came out with a teep and a right hand behind it. He landed another right shortly after, but Bukauskas fired back with one of his own that visibly wobbled Edwards. Bukauskas couldn’t fully capitalize though, opting to push Edwards to the cage instead of pressing the finish. Each time Edwards created separation, Bukauskas cracked him again with that looping right.

Edwards managed to buy time in the clinch again, though often with his back on the fence. He landed some decent knees before they broke. The final thirty seconds saw Bukauskas narrowly miss a head kick. It felt like Bukauskas let that round slip away after hurting Edwards earlier.

Heading into the third, Edwards likely needed a finish, though the fight still felt up for grabs. He opened with a big right hook he’d been looking for all night, but it kept coming up short due to poor setup. He ducked under a shot from Bukauskas and put him against the cage, continuing to threaten takedowns throughout the fight, but never quite finishing them.

He came close on a single-leg attempt, but Bukauskas showed good balance and stayed upright. Edwards did land a clean elbow in the clinch and kept applying pressure, but the urgency just wasn’t there for a fighter in a must-win round. They separated in the final minute and a half, with Bukauskas landing a spinning body kick late, but neither man added much else down the stretch.

Official Result: Modestas Bukauskas def. Christian Edwards via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

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Both men were undefeated; while Gantt had landed in the UFC via Dana White’s Contender Series, Ukraine’s Minev was making the jump straight to the big show.

The round opened with Gantt immediately shooting for a takedown. Minev defended the first attempt but got pushed back to the cage. Gantt kept the pressure high, securing a couple of brief takedowns that forced Minev to stay active and constantly defend. Minev didn’t make anything easy, refusing to just settle on bottom.

Minev eventually reversed position in the clinch, but he didn’t separate when he had the chance, which allowed Gantt to get back to control. Gantt kept chaining attempts, dragging Minev down to a knee at times and staying close to completing takedowns, but Minev’s defense held up well against all the trips and finishes Gantt was hunting.

In the clinch, Minev did manage to land a short combination, but Gantt landed a shot below the belt that briefly halted the action and forced a reset. Once they restarted, Gantt quickly timed another takedown entry, but Minev defended it and they closed out the round there.

In round two, Minev clearly expected the wrestling. Gantt closed distance fast again, clinching him and pushing him into the cage. He landed solid knees to the body before they separated. Right after the break, Gantt fired a jab and immediately changed levels for another shot—this time finally getting the takedown.

Minev looked like he might accept bottom position at first, but he worked back up to his feet. Gantt stayed glued to him, hitting two mat returns and steadily improving position. He eventually took Minev’s back, secured both hooks, and started landing heavy punches and elbows, forcing the referee to step in and stop the fight.

Official Result: Thomas Gantt def. Artur Minev via TKO (Ground n’ Pound), Round 2, 2:51

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