Dagestan has a new undefeated UFC prospect – and this one is a heavyweight.
A former volleyball player for the Dagestan national team before being discovered by legendary MMA coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Shamil Gaziev (11-0) needed just three minutes to demolish Greg Velasco (6- 1), previously undefeated, and land a UFC contract without any problem. in Tuesday’s Contender Series main event at UFC APEX.
Gaziev, 33, knocked down Velasco with the first punch of the fight, a nasty right hand that immediately put the American on the defensive. Gaziev then lunged at his fallen prey, took Velasco’s back in the ensuing melee and forced an end to the fight with a rear naked choke at 2:38 of the first round.
“My goal is to win a title,” Gaziev said. “That day you will see me happy.”
Undefeated Dagestani heavyweight Shamil Gaziev headlines the night for 4 decades..#chechnya #dagestan
شامل غازييف الداغستاني للوزن الثقيل الذي لم يهزم يتصدر عناوين ليلة 4 عقود pic.twitter.com/wQHdPhYXWA— mmamag.ma (@jamalsoussi10) September 20, 2023
