Luke Riley left a lasting first impression in the UFC.
After a slow start, Riley (12-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) found a way to close the show against Bogdan Grad in their featherweight matchup to close out the prelims of UFC Fight Night 265 at ABHA Arena in Doha, Qatar. Grad (15-4 MMA, 1-2 UFC) found himself looking up at the lights 30 seconds into Round 2.
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The first round was a slow-paced grind. All three official judges scored the frame for Grad, but the fight quickly flipped at the start of Round 2.
During a heated exchange, Riley uncorked a vicious left hook on Grad’s chin, spinning him to the canvas. Riley quickly followed him to land heavy ground and pound. Grad wasn’t out yet, as he punched from his back for a moment. Riley’s incoming shots were way more effective though, and a moment later, Grad went out cold.
Check out video of the finish below (via Instagram):
“What the f*ck was that first round?” Riley said during his post-fight interview with Michael Bisping. “That was f*cking sh*te. … Look Mike, I’m an emotionless, stone-cold killer when it comes here.”
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England’s Riley scored his ninth knockout finish in 12 pro fights. The undefeated 26-year-old Cage Warriors vet has finished three straight opponents, and put the featherweight division on notice with his debut.
Grad, 30, drops back-to-back fights, turning in a 1-2 campaign in 2025.
Up-to-the-minute UFC Fight Night 265 results:
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Luke Riley def. Bogdan Grad via knockout (punches) – Round 2, 0:30
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Qatar video: Luke Riley cracks Bogdan Grad to win debut by KO
