Saturday’s UFC 253 pay-per-view card kicked off with a featherweight bout between Hakeem Dawodu and Zubaira Tukhugov. Here’s how their matchup panned out.
Bout 7: Hakeem Dawodu (11-1-1) vs. Zubaira Tukhugov (19-4-1) (Featherweight)
The fight started slow as both fighters have a bit of a feeling out process. Tukhugov landed a left hook in the second minute of the fight. He connected with a right hand in the fourth minute of the fight. The pace of the fight picked up in the second half of the round, with Tukhugov continuing to land and throw a higher volume.
Tukhugov was putting together punches early in the second round. Dawodu connected with leg kicks in the round. The fighters started to engage in exchanges which saw both of them connect with strikes – sometimes with numerous landing. Tukhugov attempted a takedown in the fourth minute of the round that Dawodu was able to stop. Tukhugov got a takedown with a minute left in the fight. Tukhugov stayed in control, getting on the back of Dawodu before the round ran out of time.
Dawodu landed a leg and body kick early in the third round. Dawodu was able to stop two consecutive takedown attempts in the third minute of the round. Dawodu scored with a clean hook in the third minute. Tukhugov tried for another takedown, getting him to his knees before he quickly stood back up. Dawodu told Tukhugov to come forward, then landed an overhand right to the head. Dawodu walked down Tukhugov while saying “let’s f****** fight.” He continued to walk Dawodu down until the fight ran out of time. (29-28 Tukhugov, 30-27 Dawodu & 29-28 Dawodu).
RESULT: Hakeem Dawodu def. Zubaira Tukhugov via Decision, Split
My Scorecard:
| Fighter | Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3 | Total |
| Dawodu | 9 | 9 | 10 | 28 |
| Tukhugov | 10 | 10 | 9 | 29 |
