The unorthodox strikes of the debuting Alex Nicholson were nothing for massive Latvian powerhouse Misha Cirkunov during their Octagon exchange at UFC Fight Night 82 tonight (Sat., Feb. 6, 2016) inside MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Cirkunov, 28, came into their bout a winner of five straight, which includes a first-round knockout of Daniel Jolly in his Octagon debut last August. Nicholson, a Florida native, was making his grand entrance into the leading mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion following a torrid run on the regional scene.
However, "The Spartan" would feel the wrath of Cirkunov throughout their FOX Sports 1 tussle.
Nicholson showed a lot of different looks to open up round one, including spinning attacks and knees, but none ever landed clean. Cirkunov countered a lot with his left hand, as well as some solid body kicks.
The Toronto-based Cirkunov landed a takedown late in the frame and early in the second, which was the beginning of the end for the American. Nicholson was outclassed on the ground by Cirkunov, who went on to finish the former with a devastating neck crank.
It's worth noting that FOX commentator Brian Stann said during the broadcast that Nicholson had his jaw broken before, which may or may not have played a factor in his quick tap.
For more UFC Fight Night 82 news and notes, including up-to-the-minute live results and play-by-play, click here and here.
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