Suplex! #UFCRotterdam pic.twitter.com/b2HlQ79Vf6
— #UFCRotterdam (@ufc) September 2, 2017
The UFC returned to the Netherlands on Saturday with a Fight Night event in Rotterdam.
One of the most intriguing fights on the card took place on the prelims when Rustam Khabilov fought Desmond Green in a lightweight battle.
Khabilov was the first fighter to land effective strikes. Green threw a flurry of strikes, but few were landed clean. Khabilov landed a suplex but Green stood right back up. Khabilov later landed another takedown, but Green continued to get back to his feet. In the final minute, Khabilov landed a couple of clean strikes. Green went for a takedown at the end of the round, but couldn’t get Khabilov to the mat.
Green went for a kick but ate a punch at the start of the middle round. Green later landed a clean left hand when Khabilov went for a takedown. Both fighters then traded punches and kicks in the center of the cage. Throughout the round, both fighters capitalized on their opponents takedown attempts by landing punches or kicks. The round ended with Khabilov and Green exchanging kicks.
Khabilov went for a flying knee early in the round. Green then went for a takedown to no avail. Khabilov landed a kick to the body, and Green responded with a punching combination. Khabilov went for a takedown but Green stuffed it. Midway into the round, both fighters traded punches. In the final seconds of the fight, Green landed a takedown and took Khabilov’s back.
Official Result:
Rustan Khabilov def. Desmond Green by unanimous decision