Ivo Aslan and Rafael Cerqueira at UFC 308 ceremonial weigh-in Credit: Youtube/UFC
After three fights as an undefeated light heavyweight on this season’s Contender Series, Rafael Cerqueria made his UFC debut against Ivo Aslan at UFC 308.
Cerqueria entered the night with a perfect score, but questions remained, especially considering he had never made it past the second round.
As many expected, the match was incredibly violent and very short as the new fighter made his mark in the UFC’s 205-pound division.
The battle began with Aslan stalking Cercuria and quickly capturing the center of the octagon. Cerqueria was forced to the outside, with his back to the cage, but looked very cautious. When Rafael finally decided to pull the trigger, he chose to throw a leg kick. The attack partially hit, but Athrun simultaneously delivered a left hook to the temple. The shot sent Cerqueria staggering back into the cage. Smelling the blood in the water, Aslan simply flew away. Ibo threw 18 bizarre punches combined with hooks and fences, repeatedly forcing his opponent into a near-flat line. Rafael melted under the blow, so he could only cover. The referee mercifully intervened to stop the bout, saving Rafael from ending the night unconscious and lying on the canvas.
In the post-match interview, Ivo Aslan asked the crowd if they enjoyed Turkey’s display of power. When asked which opponent he would target next, Igbo warned he was coming for everyone in the light heavyweight division.
Official Results: Ivo Aslan vs. Rafael Cerqueria TKO, Round 1, 0:51
