Khabib Nurmagomedov at an Eagle Fighting Championship event
UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov was in complete awe of the display shown by Arman Tsarukyan and Mateusz Gamrot in the main event of UFC Vegas 57
Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov joined the UFC top brass cage side to witness one of the most high-level fighting displays we’ve seen this year in UFC Vegas 57 main event. The talent-stacked lightweight division is seeing a fresh crop of talent emerging up in the ranks, and two such fighters locked horns today. Arman Tsarukyan faced Mateusz Gamrot in the main event of UFC Vegas 57.
The main event was one of the most high-paced, adrenaline fueled, relentless action packed fight we have seen in a long time. Gamrot showed the world why you should never count out an ADCC champion. The fight began with Gamrot and Tsarukyan immediately taking the center, and unfolding their game plan almost instantaneously. While Gamrot wanted to opt for a high-pressure, wrestling-heavy approach, Tsarukyan wanted to keep the fight at a kickboxing range, with some occasional takedown entries. In an evenly contested two rounds, what separated both fighters on the scorecards were the thundering, rib chopping body kicks thrown by Arman, that echoed in the entire arena. The Armenian was the clear winner of the first two rounds, suggestive by his odds that pummeled from a decent favorite to a massive one.
Gamrot attempted some single legs in the initial rounds, transitioning to a high crotch, but Arman’s balance and takedown defense was on point. He realized that an immediate switch in game plan is inevitable, and Gamrot entered the third round with a slightly refined approach. Instead of chasing the single leg, he went for double legs, that worked in his favor. He finally began to establish dominance in the wrestling exchange, and scored big on the judge’s cards. Tsarukyan continued with his body kick assault, but was however unable to get his hands going in boxing range.
The fourth round continued with both fighters showing no signs of slowing down. Tsarukyan did manage to find home with his hands, landing a spinning punch off a failed body kick attempt. The punch sat down Gamrot momentarily but he bounced right back up. The remainder of the fight continued in similar fashion, with Gamrot dominating in the grappling department. This was enough for him to edge past his opponent on the judges scorecards.
Exhilarated by his performance, Gamrot immediately took center stage to call out Justin Gaethje.
Khabib was in attendance to corner his cousin Umar, who extended his undefeated record to 15. Following that victory Khabib joined Hunter Campbell and Sean Shelby ringside to witness the main event. Thoroughly impressed by the display of the young lions, Khabib gave them a standing ovation.
He also reacted to the fight on Twitter by saying that this is perfect matchmaking by the UFC team. He wrote,
‘I want watch 5 more rounds.
What a great fight, wow👏
Great matchmaking @seanshelby’
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