UFC 223 Results: Nurmagomedov vs Iaquinta
It may not have transpired in the way people expected, but the result was still the same. Khabib Nurmagomedov is the new undisputed lightweight champion of the world.
Despite taking the fight on one day’s notice, Al Iaquinta managed to go all 25 minutes with Khabib Nurmagomedov but was routinely dominated by the Russian fighter.
With the first two rounds being a trademark Khabib grappling affair, the final three saw Nurmagomedov use the opportunity to show off his striking albeit unspectacularly.
Nevertheless, Nurmagomedov was effectively perfect on the judge’s scorecards after a hectic week and ‘The Eagle’ will rest easy with UFC gold wrapped around his waist.
In the co-main event, Rose Namajunas successfully defended her strawweight title for the first time against Joanna Jedrzejczyk and proved that their first bout was no fluke.
Displaying superb movement and distance management, Namajunas took the decision on the scorecards in a closely contested affair.
Main Card
Khabib Nurmagomedov def. Al Iaquinta via unanimous decision (50-44, 50-43, 50-43)
Rose Namajunas def. Joanna Jedrzejczyk via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)
Renato Moicano def. Calvin Kattar via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Zabit Magomedsharipov def. Kyle Bochniak via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Chris Gruetzemacher def. Joe Lauzon via TKO (corner stoppage) – Round 2, 5:00
Preliminary Card
Karolina Kowalkiewicz def. Felice Herrig via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Olivier Aubin-Mercier def. Evan Dunham via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 0:53
Ashlee Evans-Smith def. Bec Rawlings via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Devin Clark def. Michael Rodriguez via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)