Undefeated bantamweight standout Umar Nurmagomedov returned for the first time in more than a year at UFC Vegas 87 on Saturday afternoon. Emanating from The APEX in Las Vegas, the 16-0 Nurmagomedov made his fifth walk to the Octagon against promotional newcomer Bekzat Almakhan.
Round 1
Almakhan gets things started with a body kick followed by a massive right hand that rocks Nurmagomedov and sends him crashing to the canvas. Almakhan moves on, but Nurmagomedov manages to fight for a desperation takedown and gets on top of Almakhan in side control. Nurmagomedov quickly transitions to Almakhan’s back as his opponent attempts to fight his way back up. Nurmagomedov digs his hooks in and starts fishing for a rear-naked choke. Nurmagomedov softens up Almakhan with some solid ground-and-pound strikes from his back.
Almakhan rolls to his back, but Nurmagomedov follows, ending up in top position and punishing Almakhan with a nasty elbow. Nurmagomedov continues to pepper Almakhan with elbows through the end of the round.
Round 2
Both fighters come out swinging in the second with Nurmagomedov landing a nice body kick that backs up Almakhan. At the one-minute mark, Nurmagomedov executes a perfect single-leg, dragging Almakhan to the canvas and immediately getting comfortable in half guard. Nurmagomedov moves into side control. Nurmagomedov attempts to transition into full mount, but Almakhan scrambles and gets back to his feet.
Nurmagomedov immediately shoots in and drags Alamkhan back to the mat. This time, Nurmagomedov swiftly moves into full mount and begins chipping away at his opponent with some slicing elbows. Nurmagomedov postures up and unleashes a flurry of strikes, but Almakhan once again powers out and gets back to his feet. And again, Nurmagomedov takes him down and gets right back into full mount.
This time, Almakan is unable to power out as Nurmagomedov continues to ride him until the second round horn sounds.
Round 3
Almakhan comes out with a high kick in the opening moments of the third that Nurmagomedov easily evades. Almakhan lands on the body as Nurmagomedov attempts to respond with a head kick of his own. A minute in, Nurmagomedov shoots for the single leg and gets Almakhan to the ground, securing his fifth takedown of the fight. A couple of strong elbows for Nurmagomedov land.
Almakhan scoots his way to the cage wall, but Nurmagomedov does a good job of keeping him from posting on his arm to get back up. Nurmagomedov transitions to the back and is content to maintain control until the final horn sounds.
Official Result: Umar Nurmagomedov def. Bekzat Almakhan via unanimous decision (30-25, 30-26, 30-26)
Check Out Highlights Against Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Bekzat Almakhan at UFC Vegas 87:
BEKZAT DROPS UMAR NURMAGOMEDOV EARLY IN THE FIRST! #UFCVegas87
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 2, 2024
Javier Mendez reminding Umar Nurmagomedov to stick to "Father's Plan"…#UFCVegas87 pic.twitter.com/NQmBveFTw1
— Jaja (@JajaBreed) March 2, 2024
Umar Nurmagomedov defeats Bekzat Almakhan by unanimous decision (30-25, 30-26×2) improving to (17-0) 👊#UFCVegas87
— COMBAT SPORTS TODAY (@CSTodayNews) March 2, 2024
