Shamil Gaziev Makes Quick Work of Kennedy Nzechukwu at UFC Sacramento

Shamil Gaziev (15-3 MMA, 4-3 UFC) entered Saturday night's UFC Sacramento undercard looking to get over the .500 mark in the sport's No. 1 promotion. The heavyweight fight against Kennedy Nzechukwu (14-7-1 MMA, 8-7-1 UFC) served as the co-featured prelim for the promotion's first visit to Sacramento in more than seven years.

Prior to UFC Sacramento on Saturday evening, Gaziev last made the walk to the Octagon on the night of May 2. That spring weekend, he drew the assignment of Brando Pericic (7-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) during UFC Perth inside RAC Arena.

Gaziev wasn't lucky in that contest, with Pericic scoring a second-round knockout and pocketing a cash advance to the tune of $50,000 (USD) at night's end. Although this fight with Nzechukwu was slated for an advertised maximum of three rounds at five minutes each, Gaziev made certain that the judges wouldn't factor into a final decision.

Shamil Gaziev Stops Kennedy Nzechukwu with Right Hand

Right after the command to fight was given by referee Mike Beltran, Gaziev stalked his opponent, with Nzechukwu keeping his hands low as a defensive tactic. Ultimately, Nzechukwu's defensive gameplan would falter on this night.  

With just over one minute having elapsed from the first-round clock, Shamil Gaziev uncorked a straight right hand to send Kennedy Nzechukwu down on the canvas and out. Time of the stoppage: One minute and 20 seconds into the fight.

Saturday night's victory served as Shamil Gaziev's 10th as a professional by way of knockout and 13th stoppage in the pro ranks all told. 

"Kennedy's out!," exclaimed Brendan Fitzgerald, who worked UFC Sacramento as the blow-by-blow commentator for Paramount Plus. "Shamil Gaziev, one to the chin is all it took!"

Shamil Gaziev Discusses Impressive Performance in Octagon

After Joe Martinez announced Shamil Gaziev as the winner, the heavyweight was joined by Michael Bisping inside the Octagon for a post-fight interview. During the interview on the telecast, Gaziev was asked about his mindset during the contest.

"You know, I actually saw myself in my opponent," Gaziev began, through his translator. "Could it be possible that this is how I used to fight, and was letting these kinds of shots land on me? This time around, I was concentrated. Did you like the fight?"

Michael Bisping responded that he enjoyed watching Gaziev work and the assembled crowd inside Golden 1 Center in Sacramento cheered their approval. Upon being asked when and where he wants to fight next, Gaziev mentioned that he'd like some time off before he gets into another training camp.

"I have to talk to my team," he said, "but I would love to fight at least one more time this year, and if possible, not in the states, but then, in Qatar. I'd love to fight in Qatar."