Volkan Oezdemir has successfully derailed the UFC debut of Russian threat Bogdan Guskov. Guskov replaced Azamat Murzakanov on short notice, and was granted the rare opportunity to fight for a UFC ranking in his debut.
Unfortunately for "Czarevitch", Oezdemir came ready.
The two light heavyweight sluggers traded shots throughout the majority of round one. Guskov looked good early, landing some thudding shots which Oezdemir endured. Guskov --- primarily a striker--- appeared to fade after Oezdemir secured a takedown late in the round.
The two men returned to the feet, and in one exchange, Oezdemir planted his feet and caught Guskov with a well-timed check left hook which visibly hurt the Russian. "No Time" entered the flurry and dropped his opponent with a short left uppercut before following him to the ground.
Guskov shelled away from the threat of Oezdemir's shattering ground and pound, but all this did was present an opportunity for Oezdemir to snatch his neck in a rear-naked choke. Oezdemir tapped Guskov 3:46 into the first round for his second career victory by submission.
The stakes were high for "No Time" as the last UFC debutant he fought, Jiri Prochazka, handed him his second knockout defeat. This was a much needed victory for the Dutch standout, who puts together his first win streak since 2019.
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