? #UFCRotterdam pic.twitter.com/FfW98ufmPY
— UFC Fight Pass (@UFCFightPass) September 2, 2017
WOW! Zabit Magomedsharipov caps off an extremely impressive @UFC debut with a 2nd round finish via RNC! #UFCRotterdam pic.twitter.com/KjAmZAfR5F
— UFC Fight Pass (@UFCFightPass) September 2, 2017
On Saturday, the UFC returned after a month hiatus with a UFC Fight Night event full of intriguing matchups and up-and-coming fighters.
Even though he didn’t receive a contract after his impressive win on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series last month, Mike Santiago stepped in on short notice to make his UFC debut against Zabit Magomedsharipov.
Magomedsharipov opened the fight with a plethora of flashy kicks. Santiago responded by moving forward and getting his opponent against the cage. Magomedsharipov reversed the position and went for a takedown. Santiago stayed on his feet but then was on the receiving end of multiple Anthony Pettis’ like kicks. Magomedsharipov even threw a kick after jumping off the fence. In the final minute, both fighters began grappling against the cage. Both fighters then separated, and Magomedsharipov once again started showing off his unique offense.
Magomedsharipov grappled with his opponent early in the round. He managed to land some clean shots while maintaining the dominant position. Magomedsharipov threatened with a rear-naked choke but couldn’t lock it in. In the final minute, Magomedsharipov locked in a submission and finished the fight.
Official Result:
Zabit Magomedsharipov def. Mike Santiago by submission (Round 2)