Muhammad Naimov’s amazing debut victory by technical knockout may have astounded the MMA community. Naimov, though, isn’t displaying any signs of contentment; instead, he has taken a jab at Max Holloway.
At the very last second, Naimov stepped in to take on Jamie Mullarkey. Jamie is already a very skilled fighter in the UFC as he has been with the promotion since 2019. However, the Tajik fighter didn’t exhibit any signs of being the underdog in his first fight.
What a finish from Naimov 🔥
Jamie got folded lol. Great short notice UFC debut #UFCVegas74 pic.twitter.com/jtXUA7WyzV— 𝕽𝖆𝖎𝖓𝖒𝖆𝖐𝖊𝖗❂ (@Sa_Gwang) June 3, 2023
After knocking out the Australian fighter in the second round of the fight, Naimov decided to go big. In the post-fight press conference, the lightweight prospect threatened all the featherweight fighters specially Max Holloway.
“Featherweight, you guys have problem. You guys have big problem. 145, I’m here. You guys have new king. That short guy, Max Holloway, forget about them. I’m here. I’m here.” Naimov added
Muhammad Naimov sent a bold message to all 145 pounders after an upset win in his debut. 🇹🇯#UFCVegas74 | Full story: https://t.co/QpEValG5kd pic.twitter.com/S0bDPOEXB6
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) June 3, 2023
Where did Muhammad Niamov fight prior to UFC
Naimov’s overall MMA record currently stands at 9-2 MMA with 1-0 in the UFC. The 28-year-old fighter is only the second fighter from Tajikistan to get a victory inside the UFC octagon.
However, pro MMA career for the Hillman started in 2018. A year later, he joined Titan FC where he displayed incredible MMA skills to get a chance to get a call in Dana White’s Contender Series: Season 4. Before joining Tuff-N-Uff, Naimov also got back to Titan FC.
Short notice, big support behind him, +350 underdog. 3rd Tajik fighter to get a win in the UFC. What a KO by Naimov. pic.twitter.com/vaxLSNXUgj
— Stand Em Up (@Standemup) June 3, 2023
Is this the Biggest Underdog victory in UFC?
Undoubtedly Naimov’s victory is one of finest underdog UFC stories in recent memories. No one expected him to win when he took the fight. Jamie was well prepared and the favorite to win against Guram Kutateladze. As later withdrew himself due to Visa issues, Naimov grabbed the opportunity.
In the post-fight interview with Michael Bisping, Naimov expressed his high ambitions for the future by saying, “I’m not surprised to beat this guy. Nobody believed I could beat this lightweight, but I swear, put me with welterweight next week, I’m ready.”
Incredible knockouts coming from the rookie and the vet 🔥@JimMiller_155 & Muhammad Naimov take home tonight's POTN honors 💸 #UFCVegas74 pic.twitter.com/kSrJ8Gmd5I
— UFC (@ufc) June 4, 2023
What’s your take on the incredible unexpected victory of Muhammad Naimov? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section.
