UFC Fight Night: Robert Whittaker vs Reinier de Ridder – live updates for every fight
Welcome to our blog for UFC on ABC 9, where we will be providing live updates for every fight taking place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Saturday 26 July, including the main event - Robert Whittaker vs Reinier de Ridder!
UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs de Ridder main card
Robert Whittaker vs Reinier de Ridder (Middleweight)
Petr Yan vs Marcus McGhee (Bantamweight)
Yan wins by Unanimous decision
Sharabutdin Magomedov vs Marc-Andre Barriault (Middleweight)
Magomedov wins by unanimous decision
Asu Almabayev vs Jose Ochoa (Flyweight)
Almabayev wins by unanimous decision
Nikita Krylov vs Bogdan Guskov (Light Heavyweight)
Guskov wins by KO/TKO in the first round
UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs de Ridder prelims
Bryce Mitchell vs Said Nurmagomedov (Bantamweight)
Mitchell wins by unanimous decision
Muslim Salikhov vs Carlos Leal Miranda (Welterweight)
Salikhov wins by KO in the first round
Davey Grant vs Da'Mon Blackshear (Bantamweight)
Grant wins by unanimous decision against Blackshear
Amanda Ribas vs Tabatha Ricci (Women’s Strawweight)
Ricci wins by KO/TKO in the second round
Ibo Aslan vs Billy Elekana (Light Heavyweight)
Elekana wins by unanimous decision
Mohammad Yahya vs Steven Nguyen (Featherweight)
Nguyen wins via doctor stoppage
Martin Buday vs Marcus Buchecha (Heavyweight)
Buday wins by Unanimous decision
Robert Whittaker vs Reinier de Ridder (Middleweight)
de Ridder wins by split decision. Razor close fight that could have gone either way. RDR gets the job done and climbs the middleweight rankings. The former one two-division champion is showing his class.
Round 5:
Whittaker looks fresher heading into the final round. He opens with sharp jabs and quick movement, avoiding most of De Ridder’s counters. A clean right lands for Whittaker, but De Ridder ties him up and grinds him against the fence, landing short strikes. Whittaker escapes, lands a few more punches, and defends a trip. De Ridder keeps forcing the clinch and sneaks in a few knees. Whittaker rips the body with a right hand, but De Ridder responds and ties him up again. A head kick from Whittaker lands partially, but he’s stuck in the clinch late. Whittaker tries to break free, but De Ridder holds him against the cage until the final horn. Could be anyone’s fight, this ones razor-close. I just edge this round to RDR.
10-9 RDR, making it 48-47 de Ridder in my opinion.
Round 4:
De Ridder comes out pushing the pace, landing a knee and initiating the clinch. He looks for a body lock takedown but can’t finish it, settling for control against the fence. Whittaker escapes and answers with a sharp one-two, catching a knee with a counter right. De Ridder ties him up again, lands a body knee, but Whittaker slips free. A wide takedown attempt is stuffed, and de Ridder clings to him before throwing himself to the mat with a shoulder strike. Whittaker wisely stays standing. Back on the feet, Whittaker evades jabs and knees while tagging de Ridder with a clean left. Both land heavy punches in isolation, and de Ridder walks Whittaker to the cage to lean on him again. After breaking free, Whittaker barely dodges a head kick and fires back down the middle. De Ridder scores with another strong knee and wobbles Whittaker with a looping right. He swings wildly on the follow-up and nearly loses balance. Whittaker responds with a few missed punches, landing a short right just before the horn. I gave this round to RDR, so by my books, the winner of the fifth decides it.
10-9 RDR
Round 3:
Whittaker opens the round bouncing on his feet, sneaking a left around the guard. De Ridder fakes a shot and lands a hard knee, then follows with another that backs Whittaker up. On the retreat, Whittaker launches a thunderous right hand that drops De Ridder hard. He swarms with ground-and-pound, forcing the ref to take a close look. De Ridder somehow recovers and gets back up, clinching to slow the pace. Whittaker breaks the tie-up with an overhand right and defends the next takedown attempt, responding with a clean one-two. Both are visibly tired, but Whittaker lands the sharper shots midway through the round. De Ridder eventually drags Whittaker down and moves into half guard, keeping heavy top pressure. Whittaker tries to scramble, but De Ridder’s control keeps him pinned. He briefly threatens with a brabo choke, but Whittaker defends well. The Dutchman grinds away with positional control and short elbows to finish the round strong. It’s a question of whether the early knockdown outweighs De Ridder’s control.
10-9 Whittaker
Round 2:
Whittaker starts loose, hands low, darting in with a sneaky left. De Ridder fires back but misses, and Whittaker answers with a sharp check hook. A missed head kick from Whittaker sets up a clean jab, followed by a quick sprawl to shut down the takedown. In a brief exchange, Whittaker lands a crisp uppercut that spins De Ridder around. He presses forward with smart pressure, picking his shots and staying elusive. De Ridder lands a partial left and a knee attempt, but Whittaker is quick to counter with a right hand. De Ridder jabs forward and plants a knee to Whittaker’s chest, then lands another knee before securing a takedown. He hunts for a submission, but Whittaker regains guard using butterfly hooks. De Ridder stays heavy, landing left hands and elbows to the body and nose. Whittaker keeps moving underneath, absorbing shots but avoiding major damage. The round ends with De Ridder grinding from top position.
10-9 RDR
Round 1:
De Ridder opens with a front kick, awkward in form, and sidesteps Whittaker’s early burst. Whittaker has a kick caught but recovers well, landing a few short uppercuts before resetting. The two stall briefly in a tie-up, with De Ridder sneaking in a few knees. Whittaker breaks away and lands a crisp one-two that opens up the corner of De Ridder’s left eye. He starts targeting the area with sharp jabs while easily stuffing a slow takedown attempt. Whittaker controls the center and begins tagging De Ridder with clean left-right combos. A blocked head kick from De Ridder is met with another quick counter. Whittaker’s jab and overhand right are finding their mark, especially when De Ridder commits to kicks. A pair of knees from De Ridder get through, but Whittaker answers with a sharp left and ends the round blocking two front kicks.
10-9 Whittaker for me
Round 1:
Petr Yan vs Marcus McGhee (Bantamweight)
Yan wins by Unanimous decision.
McGhee showed grit and toughness and probably will have a lower number next to his name in the future but Yan was a step up too soon. Great display from Yan and a title shot rematch looms for the Russian.
Round 3:
McGhee tries to slow Yan's momentum down with jabs and leg kicks, nearly sweeping Yan off his feet but Yan resets and fires back with a heavy left to the temple. He begins timing uppercuts as McGhee ducks, mixing in body shots and checking kicks. A missed flying knee from McGhee gives Yan the opening for a takedown, and he drags McGhee into a grinding clinch. Yan controls from the back, landing knees to the thigh while staying glued to McGhee. The ref calls for more action, and Yan responds with more knees before tripping McGhee to the mat. McGhee pops back up, but Yan stays attached and continues to sap his energy. A final trip takedown and a kimura attempt from Yan close out a dominant round. Both men show respect at the final horn after a hard-fought 15 minutes.
10-9 Yan and a comfortable 30-27 unanimous decision in my opinion.
Round 2:
The crowd gets behind Yan as the round opens, and he responds with a sharp right hand. McGhee shoots for a takedown, but Yan stuffs it and just misses with two big hooks. They trade heavy shots, with McGhee landing a crisp one-two and a solid uppercut through the guard. A clash of heads leads to a brutal right hand from Yan that rocks McGhee and opens a cut above his eye. Yan pours on the pressure, landing clean combinations while McGhee fires back, refusing to back down. Yan’s jab and timing begin to take over, snapping McGhee’s head back repeatedly. McGhee lands a few of his own, including a knee and a spinning kick attempt, but Yan stays in the pocket, landing harder, sharper shots. The pace is high, the exchanges wild, and the momentum leans Yan’s way heading into the third. Great round.
10-9 Yan
Round 1:
Yan takes the center early, using his lead hand to manage distance while McGhee chips away with calf and body kicks. McGhee looks to blitz, but Yan stays composed, counters cleanly, and fires back with precision. A left hand from Yan knocks McGhee off balance, followed by heavy leg kicks that start to add up. McGhee lands a body knee and tries to press, but Yan stays slick defensively, slipping shots and landing counters. They trade in the clinch with short uppercuts, and McGhee briefly stuns Yan with a solid flurry late in the round.
10-9 Yan
Sharabutdin Magomedov vs Marc-André Barriault (Middleweight)
Magomedov wins by unanimous decision.
Great fight and great win for the pirate who bounces back in style.
Round 3:
Barriault once again pushes forward, but Magomedov is a step ahead — timing a flying knee as Barriault looks to wrestle. After a brief clinch, Magomedov breaks and lands a slick hook kick. He mixes in elbows and flashy kicks, keeping Barriault guessing. Barriault tries to tie him up to slow things down, but Magomedov shrugs him off and attacks the lead leg. A jumping knee and a head kick sting the Canadian, followed by a quick level change that fakes a takedown. In the final moments, Magomedov trips Barriault and unloads with heavy ground-and-pound to close out a dominant round. Dana needs to get his cheque book ready for these two lads. 50k incoming.
10-9 Magomedov and 30-27 Magomedov in my books.
Round 2:
Barriault back on the press. Solid body kick by Magomedov lands in succession. Barriault having little sucess with his high-press startegy. Nasty elbow by Magomedov lands. Barriault is bleeding from the top of his head and leaking a lot of bloowd. Head kick connects for Magomedov as the Dagestani is starting to enter his flow state. Barriault turns the tide drastically landing a big shot that stuns Magomedov! His nose looks broken. Barriault presses Magomedov against the cage and lands a few more shots. They break. Big shot again by Barriault. Barriault presses Magomedov against the cage and is punishing him with dirty boxing. Magomedov is bleeding bad from his nose. Back to the clinch. Good elbows by Magomedov and knees. Barriault looks hurt. Magomedov is all over him and bell rings! What a round. This is shaping up to be fight of the night as both men walk to the stool covered in blood. Hard round to score as both had massive moments but I think Shara did more.
10-9 Magomedov
Round 1:
Barriult pressures while Shara circles on the outside. Shara lands a nasty leg kick. Barriult shoots and dumps Shara to the mat, but Shara gets back up quickly. They break, and Shara lands an elbow. Another thunderous leg kick lands from the Dagestani. A flying knee attempt misses, and Barriult moves into the clinch along the fence. Shara reverses and lands some short elbows and knees. They separate, and Barriult retakes the center. Lovely side kick from Shara lands clean. Barriult clinches again along the cage, but Shara breaks free with a sharp elbow. Just before the buzzer, Shara throws a nice question mark kick that’s partially blocked.
10-9 Magomodev
Asu Almabayev vs Jose Ochoa (Flyweight)
Almabayev wins by unanimous decision.
Almabayev bounced back nicely after his controversial loss to Kape. Ultimately, his sharp wrestling stifled the power of the Peruvian.
Round 3:
Almabayev scores an early takedown along the fence, but the ref steps in to separate them after catching him grabbing the cage. On the restart, Almabayev shoots again and lands it — but Ochoa immediately wraps him in a guillotine! Almabayev escapes, only to fall into a triangle choke. Almabayev stays calm and eventually works free. Short punches from Almabayev as he holds position, but Ochoa manages to get back to his feet. Almabayev shoots once more, but this time it’s stuffed. With a minute to go, he points to the mat — maybe calling for a slugfest — but instead shoots again and drives Ochoa to the cage. Ochoa answers with some nasty elbows in close. They separate, and Ochoa lands a sharp right hand just before buzzer. Highly skilled fight as customary of the flyweight division.
10-9 Almabayev
Round 2:
Ochoa shows solid early defense, stuffing takedown attempts from Almabayev. Ochoa slips dramatically and Almabayev takes advantage to move into top position. Almabayev tries to take the back but can’t secure it, settling instead for clinch control along the fence. They reset in the center. Almabayev lands a clean right hand — but as he shoots in, he eats a nice knee! Despite the damage, he completes the takedown and stays on top. Ochoa stays active from his back, landing strikes and looking for openings. He throws up an armbar, then quickly transitions to a triangle choke just before the round ends.
Still a 10 - 9 Almabayev round
Round 1:
Ochoa opens with a flurry of leg kicks to set the tone. Almabayev moves in to clinch but takes a few knees before landing one of his own. He presses Ochoa to the fence and grafts for a takedown, but Ochoa pops right back up. Almabayev keeps the pressure on in the clinch, looking to advance position. He briefly works to take the back but loses it, and they return to striking range. Almabayev lands a head kick, then shoots in and scores a takedown. He secures back control and threatens with face cranks, but Ochoa defends well. Almabayev rides high and slips off, giving up position. Ochoa makes the most of it, landing a clean right hand before taking Almabayev down himself and getting to the back just before the horn. Both men land short shots from this position as the bell rings.
10 - 9 Almabayev in my opinion
Nikita Krylov vs Bogdan Guskov (Light Heavyweight)
Guskov wins by KO/TKO in the first round.
Whilst I thought Krylov would win due to experience, we all knew Guskov has power and can put your lights out in an instant.
Round 1:
Krylov comes out looking light on his feet, bouncing with rhythm and picking his shots at range. He lands some slick kicks early while Guskov circles cautiously along the edge of the cage. Guskov finds a home for a clean jab, but Krylov fires back with a heavy right hand. At the three-minute mark, Guskov lands a solid body shot, and moments later cracks Krylov with a big right that lands flush. Krylov tries to answer with flurries, but his shots miss as Guskov shows sharp head movement, hands low, staying composed. Huge right hand knocks down Krylov and Guskov is floored. He follows up with nasty ground and pound and the ref steps in.
Bryce Mitchell vs Said Nurmagomedov (Bantamweight)
Bryce Mitchell defeats Said Nurmagomedov by unanimous decision.
Summed it up in the prediction - "If Mitchell can implement his wrestling and avoid big moments on the feet, he should be able to grind out a hard-fought win with control and pressure"
Some fresh blood now at bantamweight.
Round 3:
Mitchell wastes no time closing the distance and presses Nurmagomedov against the fence, hunting for a takedown. Nurmagomedov defends well initially but is stuck in a defensive spot, getting controlled in the clinch. Out of nowhere, he jumps on a guillotine — it’s tight! Mitchell is forced to drop to his back but manages to wriggle free, though he ends up on the bottom. Great exchange between the two. Mitchell lands some short shots and begins working for an arm-triangle. He gets it locked in, but Nurmagomedov manages to slip free. During the scramble, Mitchell takes the back and locks in a body triangle. He maintains dominant control until the end.
10-9 Mitchell, giving him 29-28 decision victory in my books.
Round 2:
Mitchell back to closing the distance and landing a sharp left hand. Mitchell diving in for a takedown and successfully bringing Nurmagomedov to the mat. He works into half guard and quickly isolates an arm, threatening with a kimura that looks tight. He stretches it out and nearly transitions into a arm lock, then shifts his grip to set up a potential triangle. Just as things look dangerous, Nurmagomedov scrambles and reverses, ending up in top position. They transition to their feet and Mitchell drives him back against the fence. Mitchell scores another takedown in the final third of the round, but Nurmagomedov escapes and stands back to his feet. He misses a spinning strike, and Mitchell capitalizes with one more takedown before the round ends. Much better round for the Arkansas native.
10-9 Mitchell
Round 1:
Nurmagomedov opens up with a diverse mix of kicks and punches as Mitchell looks to close the distance. Mitchell manages to drag him down early, but Nurmagomedov quickly scrambles back to his feet. The two clinch against the fence, with Mitchell landing some knees while trying to grind him down. Nurmagomedov reverses position and lands a clean shot on the break. Back to striking now and Mitchell connects with a solid counter. Massive knee from Nurmagomedov drops Bryce. From top position, Nurmagomedov looks to land ground-and-pound, but Mitchell does well to minimize damage and even threatens with an omoplata. He eventually muscles his way back to standing. Bryce saves his energy instead of going for a takedown as the round comes to an end. A fun and competitive round showcasing two very different styles.
10-9 Nurmagomedov
Muslim Salikhov vs Carlos Leal Miranda (Welterweight)
Muslim Salikhov wins by KO in the first round.
The King of Kung Fu more than likely earns another 50k bonus with his brilliant finish over the 9 years younger Brazilian. I thought his age would play a factor but it didnt and he looks as good as ever.
Round 1:
Leal walking forward in typical fashion, seeming to have little respect for the Russians offence. In the blink of an eye its all over, Salikhov lands a peach overhand right that knocks out the Brazilian. Wow another highlight for the Dagestani.
Davey Grant vs Da'Mon Blackshear (Bantamweight)
Grant wins by unanimous decision against Blackshear.
I saw this as a close fight that would go to decision. Ultimately Grant turned back the clock to get this one done after some adversity in the first round.
Round 3:
Grants marching forward with confidence, mixing up his strikes beautifully — targeting different areas with ease. Blackshear isn’t offering much in return and looks hesitant to engage. Momentum is clearly swinging Grant’s way now. Grant is stuffing every takedown attempt. Blackshear shoots but is denied again. Grant is picking him apart, though his shin is bleeding — possibly from a checked kick or throwing a kick of his own. The end of the round is nearing and Grant continues punishing the legs and defending takedowns with ease. He closes the round in full control, walking Blackshear down and piling on the strikes until the final horn.
Comfortable 10-9 for Grant, I give him the fight 29-28
Round 2:
Grant comes out aggressive, walking Blackshear down and landing a sharp hook early. Blackshear circles , looking for his moment level change. Grant stays busy with stirkes and combinations — he's clearly dictating the pace. Another stiff body shot lands for Grant. Blackshear throws a couple of low kicks in return but isn’t offering much else. With two minutes to go, he shoots for a takedown but can’t get it, and Grant punishes him on the exit. Grant’s striking is crisp — he’s finding the target over and over. He closes the round with another slick combination, capping off a strong frame for the man from Durham.
10-9 Grant
Round 1:
Grant opens with a low kick, but it’s Blackshear who wastes no time shooting in and landing a clean takedown. He settles into guard, then works his way to half guard, dropping in a few elbows along the way. As Grant tries to explode to his feet, Blackshear scrambles and takes the back, securing both hooks. Solid control from Da’Mon at this point, riding Grant and looking for openings. Blackshear briefly threatens with a neck crank but it’s not fully locked in. Blackshear goes for an armbar, but Grant fends it off, ends up on top, and lands a few clean shots before the round ends. Nice display of grappling control from Damont and an easy round to score in his favour.
Easy 10-9 Blackshear
Amanda Ribas vs Tabatha Ricci (Women’s Strawweight)
Ricci wins by KO/TKO in the second round.
Ricci overwhelmed Ribas with her physicality as expected. I thought she would grind out a decision win but she showed her strength and power by getting Ribas out of there in the second. The Baby Shark will now look to swim in even deeper waters.
Round 2:
Ricci opens with a sharp kick and immediately closes the distance, pressing Ribas back into the clinch. Ribas fires off a quick one-two, but Ricci keeps the pressure on against the cage. She lands some short shots, still unable to secure a takedown — but then, boom! A nasty elbow from the clinch stuns Ribas — and another one follows! Ribas drops to the canvas in visible pain, and Ricci swarms with follow-up shots. That’s it! A huge finish for Baby Shark as she gets the stoppage in style.
Round 1:
Fast start from both fighters, with Ribas getting an early takedown off a nice throw. Ricci powers her way back to her feet using strong underhooks, and the two begin grinding along the fence. Both land short shots in the clinch, with Ricci slightly busier. She maintains control against the cage for a good stretch, though she can't complete a takedown. With a minute left, Ribas breaks free and starts to find her range, landing clean combinations on the back foot. Ricci connects with a solid right hand, but Ribas looks more composed in the striking exchanges, countering well. Classic Ricci, controlling her opponent against the cage, Ribas had the better of the striking exchange at the end, but I don’t think it was enough.
10-9 Ricci
Ibo Aslan vs Billy Elekana (Light Heavyweight)
Elekana wins by unanimous decision.
Ibo was clearly gun-shy after his last loss to Cutelaba. Really strange seeing him look so cautions out there. Elekana cruises to an easy decision win. Did not see this fight playing out like that.
Round 3:
Elekana lands a front kick to the body to start the round, but overall, the same cautious pattern continues — neither man landing much. Aslan connects with a clean leg kick, but it’s Elekana who finally finds some rhythm. He lands a tidy combination, followed by a left hand that opens a cut on Ibo. Moments later, a jab-straight combo lands flush — easily the best sequence of the fight. Still, this has been a surprisingly slow and underwhelming showing from both light heavyweights, especially compared to the wild bout that came before.
I score it 10-9 Elekana, making it a 29-28 decision win for Elekana. Could see a potential split decision from the judges here.
Round 2:
Aslan opens with a leg kick, but the hesitancy continues from both fighters — plenty of power on display, but not much activity. Several punches are thrown but just miss the mark. Ibo lands a sharp left hand, while Elekana fires a huge right hook that barely whiffs — that one could’ve ended it. Both corners are shouting, urging their fighters to pick up the pace. Ibo sneaks in a straight right to the body late in the round. Elekana shoots for a takedown right as the bell sounds. Another slow round with minimal output — tough to score.
Could go either way but I’ll say 10-9 Aslan
Round 1:
Both fighters start by battling for lead-hand control, feeling each other out. Elekana lands a couple of sharp front kicks, and just misses with a sneaky left hand. Ibo responds with a clean inside leg kick. This is a more measured, patient version of Aslan than we’re used to seeing. Elekana lands a nice teep to the body, but neither fighter is committing much — it’s turning into a bit of a staring contest. With a minute to go, Elekana shoots for a takedown, but Ibo stuffs it easily. Aslan sneaks in a body kick with 20 seconds left. Very cagey round overall, with limited offense from either side.
Hard to score but I’m going 10 – 9 Elekana, he landed the more clean work.
Mohammad Yahya vs Steven Nguyen (Featherweight)
Nguyen wins via doctor stoppage.
One of the worst faces I have seen after a fight on the face of Yahya. He was badly beaten. Just as predicted, Yahya isn't UFC level and Nguyen is. Have to tip my hat to Yahya as he displayed other worldy tougness and spirit.
Round 2:
No way — Yahya drops Nguyen early! He rushes in to follow up but gets caught and dropped himself. Momentum swings fast, and Nguyen ends up in top position, landing clean shots from guard. Yahya is absorbing a lot of punishment. Nguyen stays aggressive with ground-and-pound but looks to be slowing a touch. Yahya escapes a triangle. Big left hook from Nguyen lands clean. Yahya scores a takedown in the final seconds, but Nguyen pops right back up and lands one more solid shot before the horn. Major courage shown by the Gulf National. Truly crazy fight right now.
Comfortable 10 - 9
Round 1
Absolute chaos from the opening bell. Nguyen cracks Yahya with a massive right hand just seconds in, and Yahya hits the deck hard. He gets back up, but you can see it in his eyes — he’s rattled. Another knockdown follows, not quite as brutal, but Nguyen’s hands are sharp and fast. Yahya’s throwing kicks but they’ve got nothing behind them. He’s getting walked down, dropped again, and again. Hammerfists rain down. Somehow, Yahya keeps surviving — pure grit. He even sneaks in a messy takedown near the end, but eats another right on the way. Nguyen nearly snatches a choke before the horn. Incredible 6 knocdowns.
Easy 10-8 for Nguyen
Martin Buday vs Marcus Buchecha (Heavyweight)
Buday wins by Unanimous decision:
Buchecha had his moments on the ground, but Buday’s composure and takedown defense proved more effective than expected. I backed the submission threat, but it was Buday’s grit and control that ultimately stole the show.
Round 3:
Both fighters are clearly drained, but Buchecha looks especially gassed. He shoots for a takedown that’s slow and telegraphed — Buday easily defends and keeps landing strikes. Buchecha eventually pulls guard, ending up in bottom side control with Buday swarming on top. Out of nowhere, Buchecha reverses the position and transitions into turtle before taking Buday’s back with both hooks in. Just over a minute remains as they scramble for control. Buday manages to escape and finish the round on top, landing a few strong shots before time expires. Another tight round, but Buday may have done enough.
I have it 10-9 Buday making it 29-28 decision win for Buday
Round 2:
Buday keeps moving forward, but Buchecha finally times a successful takedown and brings him to the mat. He settles into top position and begins to control the pace, gradually improving to half guard. He stays busy enough to keep the ref out of it, mixing in the occasional strike. Buchecha briefly hunts for a submission but can’t lock it in. He later takes the back and lands a few clean shots, but fatigue is setting in for both men. Near the end of the round, Buchecha loses position during a scramble, and Buday ends up on top as the round closes.
Im saying 10-9 Buchecha
Round 1:
Buday storms forward right out of the gate, forcing Buchecha onto the back foot. Buchecha shoots for a takedown but comes up short and ends up on his back. The ref stands them up quickly. Another takedown attempt from Buchecha is stuffed, and a third follows with the same result — Buday is looking sharp early. He continues to march forward, cutting off the cage and pressuring Buchecha. Buchecha flicks out some jabs from range, but Buday answers with a heavy right hand. Decent first round.
I have 10 - 9 Buday.
