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Magomedov lands only fourth twister in UFC history on stunning debut, credits Askarov

Undefeated featherweight Murtazali Magomedov submitted Melsik Baghdasaryan with a rare twister at UFC Fight Night 279 in Las Vegas, becoming only the fourth fighter in UFC history to finish a bout with the technique — one he learned from former flyweight contender Askar Askarov.

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Magomedov lands only fourth twister in UFC history on stunning debut, credits Askarov
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Murtazali Magomedov announced himself to the UFC with one of the rarest finishes in the promotion’s history, submitting Melsik Baghdasaryan via twister at 1:17 of the first round at UFC Fight Night 279 at the Apex in Las Vegas on Saturday. The undefeated Kyrgyz featherweight, now 11-0, became only the fourth fighter ever to record a twister submission in the UFC — and he did it on debut.

Baghdasaryan (8-4) came out swinging and landed some heavy early strikes, but Magomedov quickly closed the distance and took the fight to the mat. As Baghdasaryan attempted to turn into his opponent to escape a rear-naked choke attempt, Magomedov transitioned seamlessly into a modified twister, wrenching the submission before the round was two minutes old.

After the fight, Magomedov revealed the finish was no accident. He had been drilling the technique specifically in training for an extended period, and the man who taught it to him was former UFC flyweight standout Askar Askarov.

“I work this technique long time,” Magomedov said. “My brother, Askar Askarov teach me this technique.”

Askarov (15-1) built a compelling record during his time in the UFC, defeating Tim Elliott, Alexandre Pantoja and Joseph Benavidez, and fighting Brandon Moreno to a draw. His only professional loss came against Kai Kara-France in 2022. After withdrawing from a scheduled bout with Brandon Royval later that year due to weight management issues, Askarov requested and was granted his release from the promotion. He has competed just once since, picking up a win on the regional circuit in 2023.

Beyond the historic finish, Magomedov used his post-fight platform to issue a broader challenge to the featherweight division, which has lacked a champion since Ilia Topuria vacated the title earlier this year.

“I want activity… I honestly don’t talk too much,” Magomedov said. “But the featherweight division is almost dying. Let’s bring it back to life and make it great again.”

At 11-0 with a submission that only three fighters before him have ever pulled off inside the Octagon, Magomedov has given the featherweight division a reason to pay attention.

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