A key flyweight contenders' matchup on the UFC Qatar saw Asu Almabayev come away with a tough victory over Alex Perez, scoring a third-round finish to seemingly snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
During the first round, Perez seemed to be throwing wildly, looking to press forward and negate opportunities for takedowns by Almabayev, emphasized by kicks that chewed up Almabayev's leg. That said, Almabayev scored some clean shots early and kept things close and competitive, making the first round tough to score.
Perez scored a pair of takedowns in the opening minute of round two, looking to land with strength each time before Almabayev got up. Perez's aggression continued throughout the second, overwhelming Almabayev with his attacks.
But Perez's aggression got the better of him in the third. After getting tagged with a spinning head kick, Perez went in for another takedown, only to get caught by Almabayev's arm around his neck. Almabayev synched in the standing guillotine and scored the early third-round submission for the win.
Asu Almabayev Submits Alex Perez At UFC Qatar
Almabayev has now won two in a row and is 6-1 in the UFC, with his sole loss coming against Manel Kape in March.
Perez, a former title challenger, has now lost two straight and five of his last six.