LAS VEGAS – Umar Nurmagomedov dealtwith the greatest scare of his profession so far versus Bekzat Almakhan at UFC Fight Night 238, however eventually left with his unbeaten record in tact.
Nurmagomedov (17-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC), who is thoughtabout by lotsof to have future champ capacity in the bantamweight department, took a huge danger in accepting a battle with newbie Almakhan (14-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC) at the UFC Apex. It nearly backfired when he was knocked down in the opening seconds of the battle, however that was the just minute he dealtwith risk.
UMAR GOT DROPPED EARLY AS THE HUGE FAVORITE #UFCVegas87 pic.twitter.com/rS8KFZZiV8
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) March 2, 2024
The moreyouthful cousin of retired UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov went into grappling mode for the rest of the battle after the early knockdown, entirely controling Almakhan on the mat for the bulk of the veryfirst, 2nd and 3rd frames en path to a consentaneous choice success by ratings of 30-25, 30-26 and 30-26.
“I didn’t see this and I didn’t comprehend – I woke up,” Nurmagomedov stated in his post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier. “I hurt him. Almost too much I hurt him. I idea I would take him down and choke him for an simple battle. But this guy a beast. He’s difficult and he attempted to kill me.”
After the battle, Nurmagomedov called for a re-booking with Cory Sandhagen, who he was expected to face in July before suffering an injury that required him to pull out.
It stays to be seen when that can occur, though, since Nurmagomedov exposed he came into this battle hurt, as well.
“I desire to f