Omari Akhmedov Batters Kyle Noke, Takes Unanimous Decision
The fourth bout on the main card of UFC Fight Night 101 featured a welterweight contest between Omari Akhmedov (16-4) and Kyle Noke (22-10-1). Both fighters looked to avoid their third straight defeat.
It was a rough night for Noke in Melbourne as Akhmedov delivered a bruising for most of the fight.
The two fighters exchanged body kicks. An overhand right connected for Akhmedov. He swarmed his opponent and took him to the ground. An elbow from “Wolverine” found the target. Blood trickled down the face of Noke thanks to a hard punch. “KO” was in search of a triangle choke, but couldn’t get it. Akhmedov dropped some hard punches as the round ended.
A leg kick landed for Noke early in the second stanza. Noke grazed his opponent with a head kick. Akhmedov shot in and dumped Noke down. The action stalled and both fighters were forced to stand back up. An inside leg kick landed for Noke. A left hook found the mark for “Wolverine.” A straight right counter landed for Akhmedov. The round ended and it was clear Akhmedov was ahead.
The two men touched gloves as the final round began. Noke went for a front kick, but missed. “KO” kept landing leg kicks, but no significant damage was done. He ducked under a counter right hand. Akhmedov caught a kick and threw a combination that was blocked. Noke’s corner yelled at him to pressure “Wolverine” with under two minutes left in the fight. “KO” didn’t turn up his intensity despite being down in the fight. Akhmedov sealed the deal with a takedown and he remained in top control for most of the round.
To the surprise of no one, all three judges awarded the fight to Akhmedov.
Final Result: Omari Akhmedov def. Kyle Noke via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
