Bryce Mitchell decisions Said Nurmagomedov at UFC Abu Dhabi

The UFC Abu Dhabi featured preliminary fight on Saturday pitted bantamweights Bryce Mitchell and Said Nurmagomedov against each other with both needing a win.

Mitchell made the walk to the octagon inside Etihad Arena coming off a submission loss to Jean Silva at UFC 314 in April. He began his career on a 15-fight winning streak but hasn't been able to put together back-to-back wins since 2022. It was his bantamweight debut. 

Nurmagomedov also entered the fight coming off a loss. He dropped a decision to Vinicius Oliveira in February and had lost two of his last three fights. 

There was no touch of gloves. Mitchell pressured Nurmagomedov early. Nurmagomedov landed a right hand. Mitchell clinched and took Nurmagomedov down but couldn't keep him there. Nurmagomedov immediately popped back to his feet. Mitchell kept the pressure with the clinch. They separate and Nurmagomedov connected with a knee that sent Mitchell to the canvas. Mitchell worked to control Nurmagomedov's posture. Mitchell did a good job of not taking any more damage. He stood in the closing seconds of the round.  MMAWeekly scored the frame 10-9 for Nurmagomedov. 

Mitchell quickly closed the distance in the second and worked for a takedown. Nurmagomdov applied a guillotine choke but Mitchell escaped and gained top position. He moved to side control and worked to isolate an arm. He delivered knees to the body of Nurmagomedov. Nurmagomedov escaped the position and they scrambled to their feet. Mitchell pulled Nurmagomedov back to the ground. Nurmagomedov gained top position before they stood. Mitchell quickly changed levels and secured another takedown. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Mitchell. 

Mitchell again pressured Nurmagomedov and clinched. He worked hard to get the fight to the ground but Nurmagomedov applied a guillotine choke. Mitchell popped his head out but Nurmagomedov was on top and worked to take Mitchell's back. Mitchell spun and took top control. He worked to set up an arm-triangle choke. Nurmagomedov got out of the position but Mitchell took his back. That's how the round ended. MMAWeekly scored it 10-9 for Mitchell. 

The judges scored the fight for Mitchell via unanimous decision. All three scorecards read 29-28.