UFC 257: Amir Albazi vs. Zhalgas Zhumagulov play-by-play and results

The Body Lock is here to bring you live UFC 257 results and highlights for Amir Albazi vs. Zhalgas Zhumagulov and all other fights happening tonight at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

Amir Albazi vs. Zhalgas Zhumagulov is the first fight at UFC 257. We’ll be sharing live updates and play-by-play comments as the fight happens down below.

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Read our full UFC 257 fight results here.

UFC 257 Fight Companion

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Amir Albazi vs. Zhalgas Zhumagulov play-by-play

Round One

Zhumagulov rushes toward Albazi and tries to force him outside the black lines. Albazi works forward slowly behind his jab and takes control of the center. It’s a battle for middle-position now and Zhumagulov lands a left hook to the head. Albazi feinting his jab and trying to set up his right hand. Zhumagulov throwing heavy hands. Big right hand lands for Zhumagulov. That crashes into the chin of Albazi and looked powerful. Zhumagulov rushing forward with powerful combinations but not landing. Albazi landing his shots. Patiently finding openings. Zhumagulov throwing with maximum power every time — he’s at risk of using too much energy here in the first.

Great takedown from Albazi but he struggles to control Zhumagulov against the cage. Zhumagulov pivots out and takes control of the center. Albazi now stalking Zhumagulov and lands a nice right hand to the body. Flying knee attempt misses for Albazi. Albazi lands a calf kick but Zhumagulov shoots and secures a great takedown. Only 20 seconds remaining but he is in Albazi’s full guard. Some elbows from top position and that’s the end of the round.

Albazi 10-9

Round Two

Leg kicks are landing for Albazi early in this round. He’s now pressuring Zhumagulov and staying on him. Zhumagulov misses with a powerful left hook. He comes forward again with a left hook to the body. A nice right hand lands for Zhumagulov but Albazi lands a jab in return. Zhumagulov is still packing so much power in his punches but Albazi just isn’t there when they’re coming. Double jab lands for Zhumagulov. Albazi looks in control of the fight but isn’t throwing enough to “dominate” at this stage. Another heavy leg kick lands for Albazi, that has been his best strike so far in this fight. Zhumagulov left hand lands. He’ll succeed in this fight if Albazi starts brawling with him. Albazi fighting smart, though, and being cautious. Another nice jab for Albazi. Zhumagulov takedown attempt but walks into an Albazi uppercut. That’s one of the best strikes of the fight so far.

Albazi 10-9 (20-18)

Round Three

Zhumagulov missing and missing. He’s throwing wild hooks and they’re not close to landing. Albazi stalking him and lands an intercepting knee. Albazi marches forward and Zhumagulov attempts a spinning backfist that misses. Albazi takedown and now in Zhumagulov’s full guard. Albazi body strikes from top position.

Albazi passes to side control. Then takes the back. He’s got a body triangle now all while working his arm under the chin. Zhumagulov fighting to defend the position but struggling because Albazi has two hooks now. Albazi has been controlling Zhumagulov for a while now.

Zhumagulov finally recovers from the position and is now standing. He’s rushing forward again. He’s hunting for the finish and throwing big punches but Albazi defending well and moving. Zhumagulov looks very sloppy here but is doing everything someone needs to do to try and secure a late finish — it’s just not there. This one’s over.

Albazi 10-9 (30-27)

Amir Albazi def. Zhalgas Zhumagulov by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)