City Kickboxing has gone two for two so far at UFC Auckland with Brad Riddell banking another win for the team.
Up against a tough Dagestani in Magomed Mustafaev, Riddell was forced to show all of his martial arts skills and prove to the world he is far more than just a Muay Thai fighter.
Riddell started the fight strongly dropping Mustafaev with a straight right-hand mid-way through the first round and immediately going in for the finish. Mustafaev managed to withstand the flurry and use a heel hook attempt to work his way to his feet and force a grappling exchange.
An amazing showcase! 👏
📝 How'd you score it? #UFCAuckland pic.twitter.com/H8QJ5zsxJe
— UFC (@ufc) February 23, 2020
Riddell showed excellent composure as he shut down Mustafaev’s wrestling offense throughout the fight.
On the feet, it was all Riddell as he took away the lead leg and continued to get the better of the striking exchanges.
Mustafaev wanted none of Riddell’s striking, continually forcing the grappling against the fence but not being able to score any real damage or take the fight to the mat.
A head clash produced a cut on Riddell, but it only seemed to spur him on as he continued to mount the pressure until the final bell.
Despite clearly inflicting the most damage, one judge scored the fight to Mustafaev, with Riddell ending up taking away a split decision win.
Don't forget to hydrate post-fight 🍻 #UFCAuckland pic.twitter.com/H9UYVc45aj
— UFC (@ufc) February 23, 2020
Speaking to the media after the fight, Riddell confirmed he called out Alexander Hernandez and not Alexander Gustafson in his post-fight interview with Dan Hardy.
The win is Riddell’s second in the UFC after beating Jamie Mullarkey at UFC 243 in Melbourne last November. The win brings his professional record to 8-1.
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