Magomed Tuchalov Shows Composure, Overcomes Early Adversity to Beat Brendson Ribeiro at UFC Abu Dhabi
Newcomer Magomed Tuchalov made his UFC debut earlier tonight at UFC Abu Dhabi against Brendson Ribeiro, who was on a three-fight losing skid.
As the three-round light heavyweight contest commenced, both fighters spent the first four minutes measuring distance, looking for openings, and were not game to engage.
The biggest underdog on the card, Brendson Ribeiro, found success later in Round 1. The Brazilian began to dictate the pace. He dropped the UFC debutant and opened a cut under the Russian fighter’s eye just when viewers thought Tuchalov had managed to stun the Brazilian.
Round 2 was another great round for “The Gorilla,” until Tuchalov stunned him with an overhand right and then took him down. The fight was briefly stopped as “Tiger” accidentally poked the 29-year-old in the eye.
Once the bout resumed, Magomed Tuchalov once more stunned Ribeiro with a right hand and then followed it up with another takedown. Meanwhile, Ribeiro tried to walk Tuchalov down but did not find the same level of success in Round 2, as he appeared gassed out.
Round 3 was all Tuchalov, flaunting his judo, ragdolling Ribeiro, and riding the latter’s back for a kimura. Although the Russian newcomer failed to secure a submission, he racked up enough ground control time to pocket the round and the fight.
Official decision: Magomed Tuchalov defeated Brendson Ribeiro via unanimous decision (29-28 x3) at UFC Abu Dhabi.
