UFC 326: Diyar Nurgozhay Finally Picks Up First UFC Win, Over Rafael Tobias

"Diyar Nurgozhay had early success with his kicking game, landing teeps and chopping leg kicks while Tobias loaded up on nearly every strike he threw. Nurgozhay's timing was sharp, consistently catching Tobias as he tried to close distance. In a surprising moment, Nurgozhay briefly went for a takedown of his own. Soon after, he landed a low uppercut followed by a flurry of punches."

"Tobias badly needed a turnaround in round two, but Nurgozhay continued to dictate the rhythm. Another heavy left hand landed, and he successfully defended a deep single-leg attempt. Recognizing he needed to bring the fight to the mat, Tobias forced the action against the cage. Nurgozhay briefly grabbed the fence without receiving a warning, but Tobias stayed persistent and eventually broke through, landing two hard hooks before securing a takedown."

"With Nurgozhay visibly tiring, Tobias advanced quickly to mount. However, the Brazilian grew a bit complacent, allowing Nurgozhay to reverse the position. When Tobias tried to elevate him again, Nurgozhay answered with heavy ground-and-pound as the round closed, both fighters clearly fatigued heading into a compelling final frame."

Rafael Tobias made his UFC debut against Diyar Nurkozhay in a light heavyweight bout at UFC 326 in Las Vegas. Nurkozhay, seeking his first UFC victory after going 0-2, controlled the opening round with effective kicking, precise timing, and powerful striking combinations that left Tobias disoriented and struggling to find range. A low blow briefly halted action, but Nurkozhay quickly reasserted dominance. In round two, Tobias shifted strategy by forcing the action to the cage and eventually securing a takedown. He advanced to mount position, but grew complacent, allowing Nurkozhay to reverse and land heavy ground-and-pound as both fighters showed fatigue entering the final round.

Read at Cageside Press