The best and worst from UFC 223

#3 Best: Magomedsharipov and Bochniak put on a classic

Zabit Magomedsharipov and Kyle Bochniak put on a classic

Elevated to the main card when the show lost Michael Chiesa vs. Anthony Pettis, the fight between Zabit Magomedsharipov and Kyle Bochniak didn’t seem to promise a lot outside of a likely squash for the Dagestani fighter. Magomedsharipov was coming in with two UFC finishes to his name and was on a 10-fight win streak, while Bochniak was just 2-2 in his UFC career and had never looked like a possible contender.

The announcers seemed to be expecting the same and there was a clear gap in skill between the two, with Magomedsharipov using his length, speed and kicks to largely outstrike Bochniak, but what Bochniak lacked in skill, he made up for with sheer heart. Lesser fighters would’ve crumpled under Magomedsharipov’s assault but Bochniak kept on pushing forward and swinging heavy punches, even taunting him at points despite being badly hurt.

In the end, it was Magomedsharipov who appeared to be tiring towards the end of the fight while Bochniak simply would not stop. The fight ended in a unanimous decision for Magomedsharipov but thanks to Bochniak’s heart it was an instant classic, earning a standing ovation from the Brooklyn fans and a $50k bonus for both men from the UFC. On a night largely full of dull fights, this was by far the most outstanding match and both men deserve a ton of kudos.