MMA – KHK MMA star Shamil Gaziev, fighting out of Bahrain, defeated Don’Tale Mayes of the US in their heavyweight bout last night, part of UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi in the UAE.
Gaziev, who has represented the kingdom for several years, won by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
Gaziev turned in an economical yet dominant performance against Mayes and was able to bounce back from a loss to Jairzinho Rozenstruik in a main event assignment in his sophomore UFC outing, held in March earlier this year. That was the first career loss for the six-foot, four-inch fighter, who trains in Bahrain.
Gaziev put Mayes on the canvas in the first round, controlling him throughout before grinding his Mayes along the fence and chipping away with short shots in the second.
A minute into the third, Mayes was put on his back and Gaziev was able to keep him there, salting away the victory.
With the result, Gaziev improved to a 13-1 win-loss record as he continues his rise from an amateur to a professional fighter, and now a global superstar.
The 33-year-old, who has a 78.5-inch reach, has represented Bahrain in several International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) competitions. It was clear that he would become a successful professional fighter from the start, as his pace, strength and tenacity made him a nightmare match-up between the bigger heavyweight fighters.
While flying the kingdom’s flag, Shamil won three gold medals, becoming African, European, and Asian champion all in 2019. He also earned a bronze medal in the World Championships, at home, at Khalifa Sports City Arena.
After that, he started his professional career, showcasing improved skills and even more power to his hands. He won his first eight fights, going to a decision only once, which means he won seven out of eight fights with KO’s or submissions.
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