UFC on FOX 19 results recap: Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Darrell Horcher fight review and analysis

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Lightweight finishers Khabib Nurmagomedov and Darrell Horcher went to war last night (Sat., April 16, 2016) at UFC on FOX 19 inside Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.

While Nurmagomedov wasn't facing his original high-profile foe, the Dagestani was still looking to overcome some serious injuries. Above all else, "The Eagle" needed a successful return to the Octagon to remind the world of his talent.

On the other hand, Horcher was filling the roles of short-notice replacement and massive underdog. Win or lose, this was Horcher's opportunity to really make a name for himself.

After a feeling out process, Horcher landed a couple nice punches and defended a takedown attempt. Before he picked up any real momentum, Nurmagomedov really committed to a double leg and pretty effortlessly lifted and slammed him.

From top position, Nuragomedov was active with both his guard passing and ground strikes. From the half guard, he opened his opponent up with elbows and then moved into the mount in the ensuing scramble. From there, he pounded away at his opponent, nearly securing a finish before the bell rang.

Horcher needed something dramatic -- and soon -- or his night was going to end shortly.

Nurmagomedov wasted little time in hunting for the takedown. Horcher did his best to defend and forced his opponent to transition a few times, but ultimately "The Eagle" threw him to the mat once more.

From top position, Nurmagomedov continued to punish his opponent. He nearly finished from the crucifix before taking his opponent's back. After locking in the body triangle, Nurmagomedov stretched his foe out and finished him with a storm of heavy punches.

After his two year layoff, this is precisely what Nurmagomedov needed. While it wasn't the highly-ranked opponent that he desired, Nurmagomedov was given an opportunity to shake off the rust and remind fans of his violent skill set.

This was really nothing new for Nurmagomedov. He's been a terrifyingly dominant wrestler with a very active top game since the beginning of his UFC career, and that was on full display last night.

Nurmagomedov is now 23-0 and has yet to even be troubled inside the Octagon. He's deserving of a title shot, but if the timing doesn't work out, a second chance to fight Tony Ferguson would make sense.

This is about what was expected from Horcher. He showed some toughness, decent takedown defense, and some nice offensive striking, but no one really expected him to win.

On the bright side, no one will hold a short-notice loss to Nurmagomedov against him. His next fight is essentially a fresh start and should be against a more reasonable opponent. Moving forward, Horcher will now have a chance to make a name for himself as a UFC fighter.

That's more than he could say prior to this match.

Last night, Khabib Nurmagomedov returned to the Octagon and won in dominant fashion. Is Nurmagomedov a future champion?

For complete UFC on FOX 19 "Teixiera vs Evans" results and play-by-play, click HERE!