This is the UFC 223 live blog for Zabit Magomedsharipov vs. Kyle Bochniak, a featherweight bout at Saturday night’s UFC event at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Magomedsharipov, who is 2-0 in the UFC so far and currently on a 10-fight win streak, fights Bochniak, who is 2-2 in four UFC appearances, on the main card.
Check out the UFC 223 live blog below.
Round 1: The third man in the cage is Rob Hinds. Bochniak looks like he wants to go at the taller Magomedsharipov right away. Magomedsharipov using his jab and front kick to keep Bochniak at distance. Shark kick to the body by Magomedsharipov. Bochniak staying aggressive, throwing some looping shots. Magomedsharipov bounces off the cage to avoid getting cornered. Spinning back kick to the body by Magomedsharipov. Bochniak ducks a capoeira kick. Magomedsharipov staying evasive and long, rendering much of Bochniak’s volume striking ineffective. Low kicks are landing for Magomedsharipov. There’s a visible welt on Bochniak’s right side. Bochniak has his guard up and he blocks a spinning kick to the head, then a jumping switch kick. Magomedsharipov throwing kicks from all angles and a one lands to the head with just over a minute to go. Bochniak having some success darting in and scoring with punches, but Magomedsharipov keeps backing him up with kicks to the body and legs. Both connect with hard punches to the head to close the round.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Magomedsharipov.
Round 2: Bochniak beckons Magomedsharipov to stand with him in the center of the cage, but Magomedsharipov doesn’t bite. Magomedsharipov ducks a punch from Bochniak and takes his back. He goes for a takedown, but Bochniak is able to stay on his feet with Magomedsharipov attached to his back. Magomedsharipov dumps him, but they’re right back up. Against the fence, Magomedsharipov gets low and scores with a double leg. He’s inside Bochniak’s guard now. Bochniak slips out. Bochniak dropping his arms, telling Magomedsharipov to come at him, and Magomedsharipov responds with jabs. They don’t deter Bochniak and he’s standing in the pocket looking for a big shot. Magomedsharipov uses an outside trip out of nowhere to get Bochniak down to the mat. Armbar from the bottom by Bochniak, Magomedsharipov escapes and they’re back on their feet. Kick to the body by Magomedsharipov. Takedown attempt by Bochniak is easily blocked. Spinning backfist by Magomedsharipov connects. They end exchanging, and Magomedsharipov throws a wild spinning kick that partially connects on Bochniak’s body.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Magomedsharipov. Overall 20-18, Magomedsharipov.
Round 3: Crowd gets loud for the third round of what’s been an exciting contest. Bochniak has a cut on his head, but he’s stomping forward with his hands low. He lets out a “Woo!” Magomedsharipov hits him right on the chin with a gorgeous spin kick. Somehow Bochniak walks through it. Takedown by Magomedsharipov. They’re back up quickly, but Magomedsharipov is hanging on in back control looking to get his hooks in. Bochniak turns around and Magomedsharipov powers forward for the takedown. Bochniak shakes Magomedsharipov off, but can’t keep him down. He’s working for a single leg against the cage. Bochniak pulls him away and Magomedsharipov throws a jumping kick to get free. Both men showing signs of fatigue. Bochniak is landing now, but it just doesn’t look like his punches have enough behind them. Strong finish for Bochniak who is screaming in Magomedsharipov’s face and unloading on him, but this should be Magomedsharipov’s fight.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Bochniak. Overall 29-28, Magomedsharipov.
Official result: Zabit Magomedsharipov def. Kyle Bochniak via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)