Dominick Reyes knocks out Azamat Murzakanov in first round at UFC 333

Dominick Reyes knocked out Azamat Murzakanov in the first round of their UFC 333 bout. MMA Fighting reports the fight took place in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, Oct. 24. The UFC announced the knockout after billing the fight as the last prelim.

Alexander K. Lee of MMA Fighting reports that Murzakanov advanced with punches as the fighters circled in the opening round. Reyes landed a head kick that left Murzakanov on shaky legs, then a left hand that dropped him. Reyes followed with punches on the ground until referee Mike Beltran stopped the fight 2:40 into Round 1. The head kick hurt Murzakanov, but it was not the final blow.

MMA Fighting reports that the win put Reyes, a two-time light heavyweight title challenger, at 17-5. According to the outlet, it was his second straight victory after a split decision over Johnny Walker in April and his fifth win in six fights. Murzakanov had won his first 16 professional fights before consecutive knockout losses to Paulo Costa and Reyes, according to the outlet.