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UFC News: Fighter Scores Devastating First-Round KO

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Mathew Riddle|
UFC News: Fighter Scores Devastating First-Round KO
UFC News: Fighter Scores Devastating First-Round KO

Bogdan Guskov has earned his first win in the UFC by knocking out Zac Pauga at UFC Vegas 86.

Guskov, a fearsome knockout artist, debuted in the UFC in late 2023, losing to Volkan Oezdemir in an action-packed fight. His opponent at UFC Vegas 86, Pauga, had a rocky start to his UFC career, going 1-2 in his last three fights. "High Chief" lost fanfare with two lacklustre fights against Jordan Wright and Modestas Bukauskas, and sought more action in his fight with Guskov --- which the Uzbekistani was sure to deliver.

Pauga found success early with a chopping low calf kick and crisp overhand right. The American fighter kept attacking Guskov's lead leg, which could have paid off had the fight not ended in the first round. After being hurt by Guskov, Pauga imposed his clinch game against the fence and even caught Guskov with a thudding elbow off the break. However, when the two light heavyweights clashed again, Guskov found the mark, landing a volley of punches and following up with an uppercut which slumped Pauga on the ground.

The Uzbekistan fighter has a very fan-pleasing style of fighting, and given the pedigree of Guskov's UFC opposition, he'll be sure to fight a bigger name in his next appearance.

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Mathew Riddle
MATHEW RIDDLE

Mathew is a UK-based combat sports journalist, graphic designer, and SEO expert with half a decade of digital marketing and a dedicated four-year track record in MMA journalism. He joined MMA Knockout when it was founded in 2023. Mathew's insights have been featured on Bloody Elbow, The Fight Fanatic, and Heavy on UFC. He runs Warrior Tribune and can be contacted by his Muckrack profile.

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