Mirafzal Akhtamov was a star in karate, which he started at a young age before going on to become a national champion in the discipline in his native Uzbekistan. He then joined boxing before joining MMA, going pro in 2015. Unbeaten at 7-0-1 entering tonight, the top prospect most recently fought in October, submitting Scottie Stockman.

 

Mike Thompson performed admirably in boxing as a teenager before dabbling in Muay Thai and joining MMA. A former amateur and professional lightweight champion on the regional scene, Thompson enters tonight on a three-fight win streak, with six of his seven victories coming via a finish. Thompson most recently fought in September, scoring a first-round finish of Rodrigo Miag.

 

Which of these two will continue their winning ways tonight in this lightweight bout?

 

 

Round 1

 

Low kick from Thompson. Strong one-two from Thompson to answer a heavy swinging Akhtamov. Low kick from Thompson, as Akhtamov tries to come forward. Akhtamov with an overhand that Thompson avoids. One-two misses for Thompson. Front kick misses for Thompson. Right hand from Akhtamov. One-two from Akhtamov. Thompson with a pair of strong left hooks. Left hand to the body from Akhtamov.

 

One-two misses from Akhtamov. Low kick from Thompson. Akhtamov coming forward. High kick narrowly misses for Akhtamov. Strong clash between the two again. Thompson flashes the one-two. Low kick and a right hand from Akhtamov. Right hand from Akhtamov drops Thompson briefly! Thompson is trying to get back into this, but he swings himself off balance. He’s still a bit wobbly. Akhtamov continues to press. Another right from Akhtamov. Thompson misses a high kick. The two swing away wildly in the final 10 seconds of the round.

 

 

Round 2

 

Thompson with a low kick. Akhtamov with a clinch, where he delivers several knees and a left hand on the break. Right hand straight up the middle wobbles Thompson. Thompson misses a right wildly. Left hand from Akhtamov lands harshly. Thompson trying to throw back here. One-two from Akhtamov. Akhtamov gets behind and brings Thompson to the floor. Akhtamov already looking for Thompson’s back and neck. Akhtamov lands a knee to the leg. Thompson gets to his feet, but Akhtamov still has a hold of his back. Akhtamov brings the fight back to the mat.

 

Akhtamov looks for a shoulder choke attempt. It looks tight. Thompson trying to struggle and kick out of it. He’s unconscious!

 

 

What a finish for Mirafzal Akhtamov!

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Mirafzal Akhtamov def. Mike Thompson via second-round submission (head-arm choke, 2:50)