Khabib Nurmagomedov’s cousin Abubakar Nurmagomedov welcomed ‘Capoeira’ to the octagon after the year-long layoff. Abubakar had a pro-MMA record of 17-4-1. Nurmagomedov was riding a 2-fight win streak and hoped to make it three against the returning Brazilian.
Abubakar Nurmagomedov started strong against Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos at UFC Vegas 74. He caught dos Santos early with some solid shots before dos Santos retreated to the fence.
dos Santos had a much stronger response in the second round. His shots found their home on the opponent’s face forcing the Russian to shoot for takedowns.
Fans on Twitter had some interesting reactions to the UFC Vegas 74 opener. Not everyone agreed with the decision. Welterweight star Belal Muhammad scored the fight for Nurmagomedov.