A back-and-forth contest saw Murtazali Magomedov overcome a difficult start to score a close decision win over Jose Delano during the UFC Vegas 124 prelims.
Delano controlled most of the opening round with his leg kicks and his defensive work. Delano’s counterstriking was on point, and he consistently defended takedown attempts from Magomedov, even threatening a heel hook during one ground scramble.
Magomedov, however, took back over with his wrestling in round two, making things closer. Magomedov scored takedowns and worked ground-and-pound, while Delano controlled the action on the feet, continuing to work combinations.
Delano’s striking continued to be on display in the final frame, though Magomedov worked in additional takedowns and clinch work to try to slow Delano’s roll. Then, with just seconds remaining, Magomedov landed a left hand that dropped Delano.
Though Magomedov wasn’t able to get the last-second finish, that one punch seemed to do enough to help earn him the judges’ nod.
Magomedov is now 2-0 in the UFC, winning his UFC debut with a Scottish twister in June. This was the first time he’s gone the distance in his career.
