Author: Chandra Moulee Das
Sean Strickland outpointed ambitious top 10 middleweight Abus Magomedove during the main event of UFC Vegas 76 at the UFC Apex Facility in Las Vegas on Saturday (July 1).
The 12-fight card featured six fights that ended in stoppages and six that went the distance for a decision. Of the six victories by stoppage, four were by knockout or technical knockout, while the remaining two were victories by submission.
In the card’s main fight, welterweight Magomedov faced seventh-ranked Strickland. Magomedov showed aggression in the first round, posing a significant threat. However, Strickland’s experience gave him the edge in the second round. He upped his striking game and applied a sensational technical knockout to defeat Magomedov.
In the co-main event, #15 ranked light-heavyweight Grant Dawson took on #12 ranked Damir Ismagulov, successfully taking him down and relentlessly looking for submissions, maintaining control from his back for almost three rounds.
A clash between two Brazilian flyweights, Ariane Lipski and Melissa Gatto, took place in the main card of UFC Vegas 76. The fight began with Gatto circulating on the outside, while Lipski controlled the center. However, during the first two minutes, neither fighter landed any significant blows. The pair ended up going the distance, with Lipski taking the win courtesy of two judges.
Brazilian Ismael Bonfim faced former French special forces agent Benoit Saint-Denis in his second UFC fight at UFC Vegas 76. Saint-Denis achieved the most significant victory of his career, diminishing some of his opponent’s previous hype. This victory prepares Saint-Denis for a potentially important clash at UFC Paris in September this year.
Ruziboev faced the highly-rated Brazilian prospect Brunno Ferreira, showing no signs of intimidation. With an imposing height of 1.80 m, Ruziboev possessed a distinct advantage in both height and reach, which proved immensely beneficial when he deftly intercepted one of Ferreira’s kicks and quickly retaliated with a powerful right hand.
The hard punch hit Ferreira square in the jaw, knocking him down instantly and causing the referee to stop the fight just 1 minute and 17 seconds into the opening round.