Round one began with Elekana aiming to control the range with his kicks, a strategy that had Guskov second-guessing until he shot for a takedown and quickly took Elekana’s back. This fast transition allowed Elekana to maintain control, locking in a body triangle and landing strikes to wear down Guskov, possibly setting up for the rear-naked choke. Guskov did well to stay active, constantly moving and fighting the wrist control to avoid being finished. Though he was surviving, he was clearly being controlled and taking damage, with a cut opening up above his left eye. Eventually, Guskov managed to escape by fighting off the hook, but Elekana still controlled the position, landing punches. The round ended with Guskov attempting a deep rear-naked choke, but the bell rang just as it seemed close to being locked in. Billy actually tapped after the bell but it was too late for it to be called.

In round two Guskov started with all the momentum. He was walking Elekana down but not a lot of output was on display from either guy. Elekana was the more active guy off his back foot. The difference was Guskov was getting a reaction when he landed. That included a body shot, as you could see the air leave Elekana. Elekana was a fish out of water as Guskov landed more punches to the body. The pressure of Guskov put Elekana to a knee where Guskov continued to land strikes almost at will. Elekana didn’t go away easy, and Guskov finally put him in a front headlock, squeezing for the tap. A large part of the collapse came from the cardio dump of Elekana and the bodywork didn’t help.

Official Result: Bogdan Guskov def. Billy Elekana by submission (guillotine choke), Round 2, 3:33