Latest news with #TKO
News18
4 days ago
- Sport
- News18
Steven Nguyen Makes History, Becomes First UFC Fighter To…
Last Updated: Steven "The Ninja" Nguyen broke the UFC single-fight knockdown record, defeating Mohammad Yahya by TKO at UFC Fight Night. In a performance that will be replayed for years to come, Steven 'The Ninja" Nguyen unleashed a barrage of strikes so ferocious that he shattered the UFC's single-fight knockdown record in front of an electric Abu Dhabi crowd. Over two rounds of non-stop action, Nguyen dropped hometown hopeful Mohammad Yahya six times before a ringside doctor waved off the contest on medical grounds, earning a spectacular TKO victory at UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. de Ridder. From the moment the featherweights touched gloves, Nguyen signalled he was hunting for a finish. Yahya—making his UFC featherweight debut following a move down from lightweight—charged in aggressively, only to be caught flush by Nguyen's pinpoint left hand and sent crashing to the canvas just ten seconds into the opening bell. Rather than let up, Nguyen swarmed, rifling crisp combinations that blitzed Yahya back to his stool time and again. By the end of Round 1, Nguyen had already logged five knockdowns, a display of power and precision that left the arena buzzing and his opponent's face swelling ominously on the left side. Round 2 opened with a glimmer of hope for Yahya—he landed a thunderous right that briefly buckled Nguyen's knees. The moment lingered, but Nguyen shook it off like a true warrior, responding immediately with a crushing follow-up that floored Yahya for the sixth Even with blood trickling from a growing hematoma under his eye, Yahya refused to stay down, firing back with heart before weathering one final Nguyen onslaught as the seconds ticked away. Between rounds, ringside physicians examined Yahya's battered orbital and concerned by the extent of the swelling and risk to vision, prudently halted the bout before Round 3 commenced. Thus concluded a savage showcase that not only marked Nguyen's first UFC victory but also earned him a well-deserved Performance of the Night bonus—adding $50,000 to his payday alongside his burgeoning legend. A former Dana White's Contender Series standout, Nguyen arrived in Abu Dhabi armed with world-class boxing, an unyielding gas tank and an unshakeable confidence forged through adversity. His dismantling of Yahya wasn't just about raw power; it was a masterclass in timing, footwork, and opportunistic striking, as he baited his foe into rushing and capitalised with counter-punch precision that seemed almost choreographed. Yahya, to his credit, showcased a warrior's resilience. Despite absorbing more knockdowns than any UFC fighter in history, he rose with grit each time, igniting cheers as fans admired his toughness even amid the onslaught. As cameras flashed and Nguyen celebrated with his team, plans are afoot for his next assignment. Will he challenge a ranked featherweight or test himself against a top contender hungry for redemption? One thing is certain: Steven Nguyen has arrived with a vengeance, and fight fans worldwide will be clamouring to see where 'The Ninja" strikes next. view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: News sports Steven Nguyen Makes History, Becomes First UFC Fighter To… Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
New York Post
5 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
UFC fighter Mohammad Yahya suffers disgusting eye injury in shocking scene
UFC fighter Mohammad Yahya suffered a gruesome eye injury during his bout against Steven Nguyen on the preliminary card of UFC's Abu Dhabi event. During the fight, which was stopped due to the swelling in Yahya's eye, Nguyen set a UFC record with seven knockdowns in a single fight. By the end of the fight, the swelling in Yahya's eye was so bad that it appeared to be completely closed, with a black-and-blue bruise bulging out like a golf ball. Advertisement Nguyen, a featherweight, was given the TKO win as a result. R-L) Steven Nguyen punches Mohammad Yahya of the United Arab Emirates in a featherweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Etihad Arena on July 26, 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Zuffa LLC Mohammad Yahya of the United Arab Emirates reacts after suffering a defeat against Steven Nguyen in a featherweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Etihad Arena on July 26, 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Zuffa LLC Advertisement Yahya is the first Emirati UFC fighter and holds a 12-6-0 career record after the loss. Nguyen, a native of Dallas, is 10-2-0 in his career. The Abu Dhabi event, also known as UFC on ABC, is headlined by a bout between middleweight champion Robert Whittaker and light heavyweight world champion Reiner de Ridder.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
‘What was the ref doing' – Fans fear UFC star could lose his EYE after horror swelling sees fight called off
UFC fans have been left fearing Mohammad Yahya could lose his EYE after suffering a gruesome injury. Yahya, 31, was in prelims action at the Etihad Arena for UFC Abu Dhabi against Steven Nguyen. 3 3 3 However, Yahya ended up walking away from the featherweight clash with a loss and a badly busted eye. Nguyen, a product of Dana White 's Contender Series, scored six knockdowns against the United Arab Emirates fighter - a new UFC record for the most knockdowns in a single fight. The ferocity of the 32-year-old left Yahya with no chance, though his determination to carry on meant he was ultimately a glutton for punishment. Referee Jason Herzog waved off the fight in the second round to award a TKO victory to Nguyen as doctors stepped in to treat the injuries. But that was not before Yahya was left with a badly swollen left eye. And quite a few UFC fans were left baffled by how the decision took so long to be reached. Reacting to the brutal bout on social media, one fan said: "What was the ref doing.. That was an absolute beatdown." A second said: "Should have been stopped in the first. No way this nearly went into the third." A third added: "Herzog needs to be suspended or fired, especially if he loses that eye." Another said: "Something bad could have happened and I hope he won't lose the eye. Why didn't they stop the fight after the first knock?" The fight marked Nguyen's first win in the UFC since signing a contract in 2023, having lost his debut fight in March 2024 to Youssef Zalal.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
UFC on ABC 9 video: Steven Nguyen makes history, deforms Mohammad Yahya's face
Steven Nguyen made history Saturday – at the expense of Mohammad Yahya's face. On the UFC on ABC 9 prelims, Nguyen (10-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC) dropped Yahya (12-5 MMA, 0-2 UFC) a record-breaking six times. The fight was stopped between Round 2 and Round 3 due to Yahya's grotesquely swollen eye. The fight took place at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Yahya hung tough throughout the beatdown, but the human body (or in this case, face) can only take so much. The swelling escalated around the final knockdown, which took place in Round 2. When his face was shown on the big screen between rounds, his distorted face got an audible reaction from the crowd. Nguyen picks up his first UFC victory in what was his first fight since his debut in March 2024. The Fortis MMA product moves to 4-1 in his most recent five. Yahya could be on the chopping block after coming up empty-handed three times in as many UFC fights. Up-to-the-minute UFC on ABC 9 results Steven Nguyen def. Muhammad Yahya via TKO (doctor stoppage) – Round 2, 5:00 Martin Buday def. Marcus Almeida via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Abu Dhabi: Fighter's face severely deformed in history-making bout
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
'I offered to be Terence Crawford's back-up for Canelo fight - but got laughed off'
A former world champion has revealed he offered to be a back-up opponent for Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford - but was brutally laughed off Former boxing world champion Keith Thurman volunteered to step in should either Canelo Alvarez or Terence Crawford withdraw from their upcoming clash - but was brutally laughed off. The two pound-for-pound legends are scheduled to meet in a historic dust-up in Las Vegas on Saturday, September 13. Working alongside Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh and Sela, UFC president Dana White is poised to finally make his boxing debut with TKO through a massive event, due to be broadcast on Netflix. Alvarez will put his undisputed super middleweight titles on the line against the unbeaten star, with Crawford stepping up two weight divisions for the bout. The occasion is expected to be amongst the biggest sporting events of 2025, so it is hardly surprising that numerous fighters are eager to be involved. Thurman is particularly keen to feature on the card. The 36-year-old has disclosed that he reached out to Crawford to confirm his readiness to replace 'Saul' if needed. Speaking to MillCity Boxing, Thurman revealed: "He [doesn't] really need to see me but I told Bud, I DM'd him actually recently.", reports All Out Fighting. "I said 'Hey man, if Canelo pulls out, I'm here. If anything happens to Canelo, Bud, I'm here just let me know.'" Sadly for Thurman, it appears his services won't be needed after Crawford responded with a gentle laugh, answering: "We good pimp, we good, we got this." Thurman has boasted a stellar career since capturing the interim WBA welterweight crown in 2013 against Diego Chaves. He subsequently defended his title triumphantly against fighters including Shawn Porter, Danny Garcia and Robert Guerrero. In 2019, he endured his maiden professional defeat to Manny Pacquiao - prompting the boxer to step away for three years. He made his comeback in 2022, overcoming Mario Barrios before taking another three-year break. He stepped back into the ring in March and proved victorious upon his return, knocking out Brock Jarvis in the third round. Despite his impressive comeback, a bout with either Crawford or Canelo could be too soon for Thurman. Discussing the upcoming clash, 'Saul' remarked: "I'm super happy to be making history again and this time on a Riyadh Season Card that will be broadcast on Netflix. On September 13, I'm ready to show once again that I am the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world." Likewise, Crawford has pledged to deliver a career-defining performance and claim a decisive triumph on fight night. "My perfect record speaks for itself," Crawford said. "I am the best fighter in the world and no matter the opponent or weight class, I have always come out on top. On September 13, my hand will be raised once again as the world watches greatness." When is Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford? The 12-round super-middleweight clash between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford is set for Saturday, September 13. The official fight times will be announced nearer the time, but it's anticipated that the main undercard will kick off around midnight UK time. The main event ring walks are expected to commence at roughly 4am UK time. The event will be live-streamed on Netflix. Boxing enthusiasts can subscribe to the streaming platform for an initial £4.99 per month with adverts ($6.99 US) or £7.99 ($15.49) per month without. Existing subscribers will be able to watch the event at no additional charge.
