Undefeated Russian sensation Shara Magomedov made his second walk to the Octagon on Saturday night as part of the promotion’s loaded UFC Saudi Arabia card in Riyadh.
Making his UFC debut in October, ‘Bullet’ scored a unanimous decision victory over Bruno Silva. Ready to continue his climb toward contendership, Magomedov was matched up with short-notice replacement Antonio Trócoli after his first two opponents bowed out of the bout.
Trócoli appeared on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2019, defeating Kenneth Bergh via a first-round neck crank. However, the fight was overturned to a no-contest after Trócoli tested positive for a banned substance. His fight against ‘Bullet’ will be his second time competing since appearing on DWCS nearly five years ago.
Round 1
Magomedov gets things started with a calf kick as Trócoli pressures early. Trócoli lands a couple of clean left hands up against the fence before tying up on the cage wall. Trócoli lights up ‘Bullet’ with some nice body shots inside the clinch that already have Magomedov’s ribs looking red. Trócoli switches to a single leg, but Magomedov continues to defend.
The referee steps in and separates them, giving Trócoli a warning for repeatedly grasping the fence. Back in the center, Trócoli fires off a couple of calf kicks prompting Magomedov to mix up his attack, throwing kicks to the leg and body of his opponent. Magomedov lands a couple more calf kicks and Trócoli offers a combination in return. ‘Bullet’ lands a nice left and Trócoli ties up once again, pinning Magomedov’s back to the fence. With a minute to go in the round, Trócoli briefly gets Magomedov down to the mat, but ‘Bullet’ bounces right back up.
The round ends with Trócoli holding Magomedov against the cage.
Round 2
Magomedov once again comes out with a series of kicks, including a couple of speedy calf kicks that appear to have Trócoli’s lead leg compromised. Magomedov throws a spinning back fist that misses the mark and Trócoli closes the distance, tying up. Magomedov breaks free and goes back to attacking the lead leg. Trócoli switches stances and pops Magomedov with a nice jab before throwing a combination that Magomedov largely dodges. Magomedov lands a combination up top and Trócoli eats it.
Magomedov back to the lead leg attack and Trócoli clinches against the fence once again. Trócoli narrowly secures a takedown, but Magomedov blatantly grabs the fence to keep himself upright. Despite referee Marc Goddard standing in view of the foul, he completely disregards it, allowing the action to continue. The round ultimately ends with the two in a grappling exchange with little offense from either man.
Round 3
It’s announced that Goddard issued a warning to Magomedov in between rounds. Magomedov comes out for the third going back to the leg of Trócoli which is beginning to look a little tender. Magomedov is content to keep up the leg attack as Trócoli is starting to move at a snail’s pace. Magomedov lands a left in close, followed by a calf kick and Trócoli offers nothing in return. Magomedov goes up top with a head kick that glances off the face of his opponent.
With two minutes left in the fight, Trócoli looks like he’s already checked out as ‘Bullet’ keeps up the pace and the pressure. Trócoli moves in for a very lackadaisical takedown attempt, allowing Magomedov to land a nasty knee. Trócoli is compromised and Magomedov moves in, landing a combination that drops his opponent and forces the referee to step in and call for the stoppage.
Official Result: Shara Magomedov def. Antonio Trócoli via TKO (knee to strikes) at 2:27 of Round 3.
Check Out Highlights From Shara Magomedov vs. Antonio Trócoli at UFC Saudi Arabia:
https://x.com/AbeMorales209/status/1804605174222348633
Shara Magomedov knocks out Antonio Trócoli!#UFCSaudiArabia
pic.twitter.com/usaY1m5MTd— Sideline Recaps (@SidelineRecaps) June 22, 2024
https://x.com/ufc_turkiye/status/1804605084203938115
https://x.com/UFCFRA/status/1804604880620859613
https://x.com/espnmma/status/1804605107134218447
