Submission! Watch Rakhmonov Shine In Debut, Choke Out ‘Cowboy’

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Undefeated welterweight prospect Shavkat Rakhmonov looked like a destroyer earlier today (Sat., Oct. 24, 2020) live on ESPN+ PPV from inside Flash Forum on “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E., when he sliced through veteran Alex Oliveira to earn a first-round submission finish (guillotine choke).

Oliveira may have been confident coming into this fight but once Rakhmonov landed a knee to the body from range “Cowboy” looked to ties things up along the cage. Oliveira did well to control the Octagon newcomer on the fence, but Rakhmonov was too strong to take down. Rakhmonov eventually worked his hand position and dropped down for a guillotine choke. Oliveira tried to defend but the squeeze was too tight.

Check out the highlights above courtesy of UFC/ESPN.

With this performance, Rakhmonov finally makes his awaited UFC debut and earns the biggest win of his career, pushing his professional record to 13-0. The 26-year-old looked very dangerous against a proven gatekeeper at 170 pounds and should get an even bigger name his next time out.

For complete UFC 254 results and coverage click here.