Joe Pyfer rallies, submits Abus Magomedov

Pyfer (15-3 MMA, 6-1 UFC) dropped Abus Magomedov (28-7-1 MMA, 4-3 UFC) then submitted him with a rear-naked choke at the 1:44 mark of Round 2 in Saturday’s middleweight main card opener at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Pyfer shot for a takedown to kick things off in Round 1, but Magomedov grabbed a hold of his neck to defend. Pyfer eventually got the takedown, but was reversed immediately by Magomedov, who landed a big elbow on top. Pyfer attacked with a triangle choke, but Magomedov broke free and took his back.

As Pyfer was trying to work his way up, Magomedov slammed him back down. Magomedov tried to wrap his legs around Pyfer’s neck, but opted to disengage. Pyfer got up and started working for another takedown, before the pair disengaged. Magomedov landed a nice left, followed by a left jab, as Pyfer fired back with a right hand to end the round.

In Round 2, Pyfer put the pressure on Magomedov and dropped him with a big right hand. He then cinched in a deep arm triangle choke, but Magomedov somehow got out of it. Pyfer then took a busted up Magomedov’s back and submitted him with a rear-naked choke.