Lightweight: Nasrat Haqparast def. Jared Gordon (Decision - Split)
Fight Summary:
In a closely contested bout, lightweights Jared Gordon and Nasrat Haqparast battled over three rounds. Gordon’s relentless pressure and grappling exchanges were met with Haqparast’s effective counterstrikes. Haqparast ultimately edged out a split decision win.
Next Fight Suggestions:
- Nasrat Haqparast: The winner of Bobby Green vs. Paddy Pimblett at UFC 304. Haqparast, now on a four-fight winning streak, deserves a chance to break into the top 15 of the lightweight rankings, and facing the victor of this bout would be a significant step up in competition.
- Jared Gordon: The loser of Bobby Green vs. Paddy Pimblett at UFC 304. This matchup makes sense given Gordon’s history with both fighters. Green and Gordon fought to a No Contest at UFC Vegas 71, and Pimblett defeated Gordon via a highly controversial decision at UFC 282.
Featherweight: Felipe Lima def. Muhammad Naimov (Submission - Rear-Naked Choke)
Fight Summary:
In his debut, featherweight Felipe Lima showcased explosive striking and impressive grappling. After an intense back-and-forth, Lima secured a submission victory with a rear-naked choke in the third round, overcoming Muhammad Naimov.
Next Fight Suggestions:
- Felipe Lima: Damon Jackson, who recently defeated Alexander Hernandez via split decision at UFC Vegas 90. This would be a good test for Lima after his impressive debut victory.
- Muhammad Naimov: Alexander Hernandez. Both fighters are looking to bounce back, and this matchup provides a competitive opportunity for Naimov to prove himself.
Welterweight: Rinat Fakhretdinov def. Nicolas Dalby (Decision - Split)
Fight Summary:
Welterweights Nicolas Dalby and Rinat Fakhretdinov had a competitive bout, with both fighters showing moments of control. Fakhretdinov’s early aggression and takedowns contrasted with Dalby’s striking and resilience in later rounds. Fakhretdinov ultimately won by split decision.
Next Fight Suggestions:
- Rinat Fakhretdinov: Kevin Holland, who defeated Michal Oleksiejczuk at UFC 302. Fakhretdinov is on a five-fight unbeaten streak, and a victory over Holland would likely secure him a spot in the rankings.
- Nicolas Dalby: Neil Magny, who defeated Mike Malott at UFC 297. Despite Dalby’s loss, a bout against a seasoned competitor like Magny would be an intriguing contest.
Bantamweight: Muin Gafurov def. Kang Kyung-ho (Decision - Unanimous)
Fight Summary:
Bantamweight Muin Gafurov dominated Kyung Ho Kang with powerful leg kicks and solid ground control. Despite Kang’s grappling efforts, Gafurov’s consistent pressure and effective striking earned him a unanimous decision victory.
Next Fight Suggestions:
- Muin Gafurov: The winner of Yanis Ghemmouri vs. Payton Talbott at UFC 303. This fight would help Gafurov continue his momentum and climb the bantamweight ladder.
- Kang Kyung-ho: Rebook the fight against Saimon Oliveira. Both fighters are on two-fight losing streaks, making this matchup a logical step for both to attempt a rebound.
Light Heavyweight: Magomed Gadzhiyasulov def. Brendson Ribeiro (Decision - Majority)
Fight Summary:
Light heavyweights Magomed Gadzhiyasulov and Brendson Ribeiro engaged in a grappling battle. Ribeiro initially controlled the fight with takedowns and leg kicks, but Gadzhiyasulov’s ground control in the second and third rounds secured him a majority decision win.
Next Fight Suggestions:
- Magomed Gadzhiyasulov: Ion Cutelaba, who lost to Phillip Lins at UFC 299. This matchup will provide a good test for Gadzhiyasulov against an experienced UFC veteran.
- Brendson Ribeiro: Kennedy Nzechukwu, who is on a two-fight losing streak. This bout provides Ribeiro with an opportunity to secure his first UFC victory.
Bantamweight: Lee Chang-ho def. Xiao Long (Decision - Split)
Fight Summary:
The bantamweight bout between ChangHo Lee and Xiao Long was a clinch-heavy contest with both fighters constantly reversing positions against the cage. The first round saw Long controlling the clinch and landing a good elbow, but Lee retaliated with effective knees in the second round. The third round was a mix of grappling attempts and short strikes, leading to a split decision victory for Lee.
Next Fight Suggestions:
- Lee Chang-ho: Victor Hugo, who defeated Pedro Falcao at UFC Vegas 90. This fight would help Chang-ho continue his rise in the bantamweight division.
- Xiao Long: Angel Pacheco, who lost to Caolan Loughran at UFC on ESPN 54 in Atlantic City. Both fighters are looking to bounce back, making this a competitive and fitting matchup.
