Matheus Camilo stuns home favourite Nazim Sadykhov with first-round TKO at UFC Baku
Brazilian lightweight fighter Matheus Camilo pulled off one of the biggest upsets of UFC Fight Night 280 after defeating home favourite Nazim Sadykhov via technical knockout in the first round on Saturday in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The highly anticipated lightweight bout took place at the National Gymnastics Arena, where thousands of local fans had gathered to support Sadykhov.
Camilo stunned the crowd just one minute and 34 seconds into the opening round when he landed a powerful right hand that dropped his opponent to the canvas. The Brazilian fighter quickly followed up with a series of ground strikes, forcing referee Herb Dean to stop the contest.
The stoppage sparked controversy inside the arena as Sadykhov immediately protested the decision after getting back to his feet. Fans in attendance also voiced their frustration, booing loudly following the referee’s intervention.
Despite the backlash from the crowd, Camilo defended the stoppage during his post-fight interview.
“We train everything and are ready for everything,” he said. “I think it was clean shots and he didn’t have any movement. I think it was a very good stoppage. Thanks so much to Nazim. Great respect for him.”
The victory improved Camilo’s professional mixed martial arts record to 11-3, while Sadykhov suffered the third defeat of his career and now holds a record of 11-3-1.
The result is being described by many MMA fans as one of the biggest surprises of the event, with Camilo silencing the home crowd in emphatic fashion.
