A Fight That Changed Plans at the Last Minute Rasul Ragimov vs. Guvanch Dadaev
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The opening fight of the Prelims at CFC 1 was initially scheduled between Azerbaijani Rasul Ragimov and Kyrgyz fighter Khalil Ibragim Aliyev. However, Aliyev had to withdraw from the match at the last minute due to health problems experienced during his weight-cutting process. As a replacement, Turkmenistan MMA fighter Guvanch Dadaev stepped in just one day before the event.
While the fight was originally planned to take place at the 66 kg weight class, Guvanch Dadaev weighed in at 76 kg. Despite the weight difference, Ragimov did not refuse the fight and accepted to compete, taking the risk. One of the most memorable details of the night was that Dadaev arrived at the hotel for weigh-ins by metrobus and accepted the fight despite being unprepared.
In the first round, Guvanch Dadaev started fast and aggressively, trying to hunt Ragimov down. However, Ragimov’s speed and accurate strikes left his opponent helpless at times. Midway through the first round, a cut opened on Dadaev’s forehead.
In the second round, Ragimov increased his pace and clearly asserted his dominance. Although Dadaev, at times, pointed to the center of the cage in a Max Holloway-like manner to invite exchanges, Ragimov stuck to his game plan.
Remaining disciplined in the final round as well, Rasul Ragimov secured a successful takedown in the closing seconds and, with just 5 seconds left in the fight, applied a "rear naked choke," forcing Guvanch Dadaev to submit and emerging victorious from this tough matchup.
While the fight was originally planned to take place at the 66 kg weight class, Guvanch Dadaev weighed in at 76 kg. Despite the weight difference, Ragimov did not refuse the fight and accepted to compete, taking the risk. One of the most memorable details of the night was that Dadaev arrived at the hotel for weigh-ins by metrobus and accepted the fight despite being unprepared.
In the first round, Guvanch Dadaev started fast and aggressively, trying to hunt Ragimov down. However, Ragimov’s speed and accurate strikes left his opponent helpless at times. Midway through the first round, a cut opened on Dadaev’s forehead.
In the second round, Ragimov increased his pace and clearly asserted his dominance. Although Dadaev, at times, pointed to the center of the cage in a Max Holloway-like manner to invite exchanges, Ragimov stuck to his game plan.
Remaining disciplined in the final round as well, Rasul Ragimov secured a successful takedown in the closing seconds and, with just 5 seconds left in the fight, applied a "rear naked choke," forcing Guvanch Dadaev to submit and emerging victorious from this tough matchup.