Kang Kyung-ho and Muin Gafurov at the official weigh-in for UFC Saudi Arabia. Photo credit: Youtube/UFC
Entertaining bantamweight contenders Kang Kyung-ho and Muin Gafurov gave it their all in a match on Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Kang came into UFC Saudi Arabia with a UFC record of 8-4 (1 NCAA) over the past 11 years, compared to Gafurov’s 0-2 record and the fact that he’s 10 years younger, but Muin’s exciting, forward-thinking style made the bout possible. Kang is also a skilled striker, so fans were hoping for some sparks to fly at the start of the bout.
Gafurov landed the first big blow 30 seconds into the bout with a powerful calf kick, followed by another one shortly afterwards that staggered Kang. The Korean then went for a takedown, but Mu-in had a good base to block it, then turned around and landed in Kang’s guard. The Tajik fighter stayed in position for most of the round, trying to land some short ground strikes but not taking any risks. Kyung-ho eventually performed a butterfly get-up, scrambling into a rear body lock before jumping onto Gafurov’s back. He attempted a rear-naked choke and came close to finishing, but barely managed to move by the end of the round.
In the second round, Gafurov started the attack with a big hook, but Kang changed levels with a second hook and scored a takedown in half guard. He moved to mount within a minute, but could do little from there, as Muin escaped. Kang went for a reverse triangle choke at the halfway point, but Gafurov got to his feet and applied a back body lock. Once they separated, Kang landed some big combinations that hurt his opponent, and attempted a standing guillotine, but Kang escaped with a few minutes left in the round. In the stand-up, it seemed like every strike Gafurov landed was a clean hit, especially in the final seconds of the second round.
It was Kang who came forward at the start of round three, scoring another takedown despite taking some heavy hits along the way. He got mount again but could do little from there again, allowing Gafurov to escape. Muin looked to be in pain over his left eye as he stood, but was quickly taken down again, but was able to withstand being flattened and get back to the clinch. Gafurov had taken position on the outside, but Kyung-ho scored a trip takedown and was able to get on top in side control near the fence. Gafurov got up in the final 10 seconds, though, and landed a big hook, perhaps the best punch of the fight, that nearly finished Kang off, but Kang barely made it to the bell.
After a hard-fought battle that could have been decided in the final seconds, fans and fighters alike waited for the scorecards. But there was little need to be nervous, as all the judges awarded him the victory 30-27.
Official result: Muin Gafurov defeats Kang Kyung-ho via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
