Yakhyaev floors Walker in 8 seconds at UFC Baku and targets top-10 light heavyweight bouts

Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev knocked out Julius Walker in 8 seconds at UFC Baku on Friday, producing one of the fastest finishes in the promotion’s history and pocketing a $100,000 performance bonus in the process. The Turkish light heavyweight dropped Walker with a single right hand to justify his status as the card’s heaviest favourite.

Far from satisfied, Yakhyaev immediately promised to go even faster next time out. “Next time fight will be more short,” he said in a post-fight interview. “Be ready guys. I think I’m ready for Top 10, Top 5, doesn’t matter. I will sit with my coach, my team, we’ll talk about that and let the UFC know.”

The 25-year-old enters the rankings conversation with a spotless professional record and a finishing rate that is difficult to ignore. He has stopped nine of his 10 opponents, eight of those inside the first round, and has now strung together three consecutive first-round finishes since making his UFC debut last year.

Yakhyaev’s rapid rise places him in an interesting position within the light heavyweight division. His willingness to call for top-five or top-ten opponents so early in his UFC tenure reflects a confidence backed by results, though the jump from unranked prospect to elite contender remains a significant one. His management team and coaching staff will now work with the UFC to identify a suitable next opponent.