Khabib Nurmagomedov proved once again his dominance by submitting top-ranked contender Justin Gaethje in round two to retain his UFC Lightweight title in Abu Dhabi.
After a fast-paced 1st round, Nurmagomedov scored a takedown and applied a triangle choke that made Gaethje tap at 1:34 of round two.
Nurmagomedov, 155 lbs of Dagostan, RUS is 29-0 with 12 submission wins. Gaethje, 155 lbs of Denver, CO is 22-3.
After the fight, Khabib announced his retirement
Whittaker Decisions Cannonier
Former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker may have solidified another title shot with a unanimous decision over Jared Cannonier.
Whittaker sealed up the fight by landing a big shot that hurt and dropped Cannonier. Cannonier was adept with leg kicks, while Whittaker landed more strikes to the tune of 74-46 with one knockout.
Whittaker, 186 lbs of Sydney, AUS won by scores of 29-28 on all cards and is now 23-5. Cannonier, 185 lbs of Glendale, AZ is 13-5.
Volkoff stops Harris in 2
Alexander Volkoff stopped Walt Harris in the 2nd round of their heavyweight fight.
Volkoff landed a kick to the stomach the hurt Harris. Volkoff followed up with some hard punches on the injured Harris and the bout was stopped at 1:15.
Volkoff, 265 lbs of Moscow, RUS is 32-8 with 21 knockouts. Harris, 254 lbs of Birmingham, AL is 13-9-1.
Hawes Destroys Malkoun in 18 Seconds
Phil Hawes destroyed Jacob Malkoun in 18 seconds of their middleweight bout.
Hawes landed a huge right that rocked and hurt Malkoun. Hawes landed three more punches as Malkoun fell to the canvas, and the fight was stopped as Hawes landed another shot on the ground.
Hawes, 186 lbs of North Bergen, NJ is 9-2 with seven knockouts. Malkoun, 186 lbs of Sydney, AUS is 4-1.
Murphy submits Shakirova in 2
Lauren Murphy chokes out Liliyan Shakirova in round two of their flyweight bout.
Murphy got a takedown in round two, and moments later got the back of Shakirova and applied a rear-naked choke that made Shakirova tap at 3:31.
Murphy, 126 lbs of Houston, TX 14-4 with her 1st submission. Shakirova, 126 lbs of Uzbekistan is 8-2.
Ankalaev stops Cutelaba in 1st in Rematch
Magomed Ankalaev knocked out Ion Cutelaba in the opening round of their light heavyweight bout.
Ankalaev knocked Cutelaba down with a huge left. Ankalaev landed nine flush Ground and Pound Strikes and the bout was called at 4:19.
Ankalaev, 205.5 lbs of Russia is 14-1 with nine knockouts, Cutelaba, 205.5 lbs of Moldova is 15-6-1.
