The UFC launched its long-awaited Qatar debut at the ABHA Arena with a polished start, marking a significant step in the promotion’s expansion across the Middle East. The evening opened with a heavyweight clash between Denzel Freeman and Marek Buljo. Buljo started strong, but Freeman turned the tide and secured the win in a fight that fell a bit short of the early-card fireworks fans hoped for. Soon after, momentum picked up in the very next bout, a lightweight meeting between Nurullo Aliev and Shaqueme Rock.

The intensity, pace, and back-and-forth action immediately lit up the arena and signaled the true beginning of the night’s excitement. Aliev, often likened to Khabib Nurmagomedov because of his appearance and style, entered as a former Eagle FC champion, while Rock arrived hungry for his first UFC win under the guidance of Paddy Pimblett’s team. Right from the first exchange, ‘Tajik Eagle’ pressed forward with volume striking and relied on his two-fight UFC experience to control the tempo.

Rock showed heart but began to fade in the second round. At one point, Nurullo Aliev nearly wrapped up a D’arce choke, only for Shaqueme Rock to slip free at the last moment. By the third round, Aliev was firmly in command and ultimately closed the fight with a dominant 30-27 decision on the scorecards.

(More to come…)