Latest news with #Bekoev
USA Today
04-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
UFC on ESPN 67 video: Amazat Bekoev smashes 'TUF' winner Ryan Loder
UFC on ESPN 67 video: Amazat Bekoev smashes 'TUF' winner Ryan Loder Amazat Bekoev now has back-to-back finishes to start his octagon tenure after battering "The Ultimate Fighter" winner Ryan Loder at UFC on ESPN 67. Bekoev (20-3 MMA, 2-0 UFC) made quick work of things Saturday's card at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa, connecting with the hands early and often. He put Loder (7-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC) on the ropes, then didn't stop until a final knockdown led to the TKO finish at the 2:44 mark of Round 1 in the middleweight bout. Check out the replay of Bekoev's handiwork in the video below (via X): After campaigning hard to join the UFC roster, Bekoev made a successful debut at UFC 311 in January, scoring a first-round knockout of Zachary Reese. He followed that up with this finish, and now has some momentum behind his name at 185 pounds. "I know he has high-level wrestling, but this is my time," Bekoev said in his post-fight interview with Michael Bisping. "I don't want to fight anymore on Fight Nights, I want to fight on the big shows. This is my second finish in the first round. Mick Maynard, I told you I will not disappoint you." Up-to-the-minute UFC on ESPN 67 results
USA Today
05-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Azamat Bekoev vs. Ryan Loder heads to UFC Des Moines
Two rising middleweight prospects will collide hoping to further momentum from successful UFC debuts. Former LFA champion Azamat Bekoev (19-3 MMA, 1-0 UFC) will meet 'The Ultimate Fighter 32' winner Ryan Loder (7-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) in a three-round middleweight bout May 3 at a UFC Fight Night event expected to take place in Des Moines, Iowa. Two people with knowledge of the matchup informed MMA Junkie of the matchup Wednesday but asked to remain anonymous as the promotion has yet to make an official announcement. Bekoev, 29, had an explosive promotional debut in January when he knocked out Zach Reese in the first round at UFC 311, in a fight he took on days' notice. The win extended Bekoev's winning streak to seven, a stretch that also included an LFA title win and two defenses. Loder, 33, won the 'TUF 32' middleweight tournament with a TKO of Robert Valentin in the final, after exhibition wins over Tom Theocharis and Omran Chaaban. With the addition, the UFC Des Moines lineup includes:
