#2. Curtis Blaydes vs. Shamil Abdurakhimov (Heavyweight)
Curtis Blaydes was coming off a unanimous decision win over Justin Willis, which happened in March earlier this year. His opponent, Shamil Abdurakhimov defeated Marcin Tybura via TKO in April this year in his last fight.
Round 1: It took Blaydes 20 seconds to shoot for a takedown and he got Shamil down with ease. He got hold of Shamil's back against the cage and got in a few strikes from the back.
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Shamil got back to his feet before Curtis took him back down without any resistance. Curtis worked in side control for a few seconds but Shamil worked his way back up again. The fans loved to see the fight happen in the centre.
Blaydes shot for another takedown and successfully landed it. We hadn't even gotten to the 4th minute of the first round and Curtis had landed three takedowns.
Blaydes looked to control the hands and wrists of Shamil from the back while also landing punches with his left hand from the back. Blaydes with a couple of knees to Shamil's hips. Shamil got up. Curtis slammed him back down with authority.
Blaydes landed right-hand strikes to Shamil's face. He landed in full mount position and began unloading massive shots on Shamil. Elbows, right and lefts rained down on Shamil, who was saved by the hooter. 10-8 Blaydes
Round 2: Shamil landed a few strikes in the opening seconds but Curtis just absorbed them, shot for the double leg and dumped him down to the mat.
Full mount again for Curtis. He moved to side control before taking Shamil's back. Curtis continued with the hand control and big rights. Shamil couldn't defend as Curtis had locked up his arms. Wrestling 101.
Curtis took the half guard position and connected with a few brutal elbows. One of the elbows broke Shamil's nose. He covered up his face and the referee stepped in to stop the fight.
Result: Curtis Blaydes def. Shamil Abdurakhimov via TKO (2:22, Round 2)
Takedown. Ground and pound. TKO. Curtis Blaydes stuck to his strengths and got the win with relative ease.