LAS VEGAS, NV – JANUARY 11: (RL) Bruno Lopez of Brazil defeats Magomed of Russia in a light heavyweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on January 11, 2025 in Las Vegas, NV. -Beat Gadziaslov. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Former LFA champion and two-time Contender Series competitor Bruno Lopez made his promotional debut at UFC Vegas 101, taking on undefeated Magomed Gaziyaslov in a light heavyweight showdown on the preliminary card.
On the first UFC card of 2025, Lopez, who had qualified for the UFC in his second appearance at DWCS, was looking to prove he belonged (finishing Blendson Ribeiro in his first appearance) ).
At the start of the fight, Gadziaslov was focused on landing outside leg kicks, and within minutes the kicks were landing. Lopez, on the other hand, struggled to time his overhands and was unable to close the distance. However, he was able to push Gaziyaslov against the cage and disrupt his rhythm. Lopez landed a few short punches, but none of them were particularly shocking. As both men collapsed, Gadziaslov delivered another powerful leg kick, forcing Lopez to close the distance once again. As the match continued, Lopez, in control of the cage, attempted a trip takedown on Gadziaslov before transitioning into a double leg, securing a short takedown just before the end of the round.
In the second round, Lopez was determined to improve his performance. He caught Gaziyaslov’s kick and closed the distance more effectively with his hands. Lopez focused on controlling Gaziyaslov against the cage, but was unable to do much damage. In the end, he attempted a successful single-leg takedown, but Gadziaslov quickly countered, pushing Lopez’s hips and scrambling to his feet. Gadziaslov regained his footing, but once again found himself pinned against the cage by Lopez.
Each time Gadziaslov created separation, Lopez quickly reestablished control. Gaziyaslov attempted a takedown with just over a minute left, but Lopez defended well and landed a solid knee after an exchange. As the round drew to a close, both fighters seemed to be tiring, and in the final moments they landed some sloppy blows.
In the final round, Gaziyaslov began to throw his kicks more freely, but less than a minute into the fight, Lopez closed the distance and tried to clinch. Initially, Gadziaslov defended the pressure well, but eventually Lopez was able to push him into the cage. When he had space, Lopez moved forward aggressively and continually looked for takedowns. Although he was unable to knock Gaziyaslov to the ground, he repeatedly trapped him in the familiar clinch position. Lopez scored several takedowns at the end of the round, but was unable to maintain control on the ground. Gadziaslov deserves credit for his resilience and refusal to be pinned down, but he spent most of the round, and the entire fight, pinned against the cage.
Official result: Bruno Lopez def. Magomed Gaziyaslov unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Previous articleUFC Vegas 101: Fatima Klein’s elbow sends Viktoria Dudakova packing
Source link
