Featured

MMASucka’s Knockout of the Month for February 2018: Akhmet Aliev wheel-kicks his way to FNG gold

|
Image for MMASucka’s Knockout of the Month for February 2018: Akhmet Aliev wheel-kicks his way to FNG gold

February might be a short month, but there was absolutely no shortage of wild knockouts this month – as you will see when you check out the honorable mentions list below.

From the UFC and Bellator to ONE Championship and M-1 Global as well as promotions you’ve never heard of, February 2018 brought the knockouts.

Throughout the majority of February, the Knockout of the Month felt set in stone when Yoel Romero knocked out Luke Rockhold in Perth, Australia. That was the initial plan. However, one of the last events of the month topped it. And, in my opinion, topped it by a lot.

Be sure to check out January’s Knockout of the Month, as well!


On February 22 live from Moscow, Russia was the return of Fight Nights Global with Fight Nights Global 82.

The main event featured a lightweight title fight as defending champion Magomedsaygid Alibekov took on the red-hot Akhmet “Butcher” Aliev.

Early on in the fight, both fighters were tentative given the title implications. In round two Aliev scored a knockdown following a nice headkick that noticeably stunned Alibekov. The challenger then began to work in the guard of the undefeated champion for the closing minutes of round two.

In round three, the finish came. And it was hellacious.

After stuffing a takedown attempt early, Aliev forced Alibekov to strike with him. This is where both on-paper and in the fight thus far, Aliev seemed to hold every advantage. In the closing minute of round three before the championship rounds, Aliev landed a nasty wheel-kick flush on the jaw of Alibekov. Knocking the champion out before he hit the ground.

Aliev attempted the same kick earlier in the fight but was unable to connect properly. Of course, he made right on his second attempt.

Immediately following the violent knockout, Aliev refused to celebrate and instead assisted the referee in helping an unconscious Alibekov.

“Butcher” becomes the new FNG Lightweight Champion, improves to 17-4, and wins his seventh-straight. In the process, he dethroned Alibekov and hands him the first defeat of his career – as he now sits at a respectable 9-1.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uzmsgdJQhM

Check out the massive list of honorable mentions below!

_________

Follow Mike on Twitter! @MikeLovesTacosX

Share this article

Follow me on Twitter @MikeLovesTacosX.

Leave a comment