UFC Vegas 76: Sean Strickland breaks down Abus Magomedov in second-round stoppage (Video)
Sean Strickland made his case at a future UFC middleweight title shot in the main event of UFC Vegas 76, finishing Abus Magomedov.
Magomedov started the fight with a kick-based attack, but a striking follow-up resulted in an eye poke that brought an early halt to the fight.
Upon the fight's resumption, Magomedov continued to come forward with some wide-range fists. Strickland, meanwhile, looked to work his jab off the back foot. About half way through the first, Strickland tried to bring pressure back and cut off the cage. Magomedov, however, landed a head kick with about 90 seconds left and scored a takedown, threatening a choke until Strickland got back up and got Magomedov off his back.
Sean Strickland stops Abus Magomedov after damaging eye poke at UFC Vegas 76 (Video)
Strickland started the second by working his jab, and it paid off with a one-two that seemed to trouble Magomedov. Magomedov's attack decreased, as Strickland fended off the power shots thrown toward him. Strickland, meanwhile, began to pick apart Magomedov near the cage.
A fatigued Magomedov went into retreat as Strickland threw combinations and flurries that continued to land. Magomedov landed a couple of crisp shots to the body while in defense mode, but it wasn't enough. An overwhelmed Magomedov some crumbled to the mat and referee Marc Smith stepped in to solidify the second-round TKO for Strickland.
Following the fight, Strickland re-emphasized his desire to secure a title shot, claiming he wants the title shot or whatever fight would lead to the title shot next.
UFC Vegas 76: Sean Strickland vs. Abus Magomedov takes place on Saturday, July 1, 2023, live from UFC APEX in Las Vegas, NV. Follow along with FanSided MMA for all your news and highlights.