Damir Hadzovic and Christos Giagos faced each other in a Lightweight clash earlier today (Saturday, June 1, 2019) inside the Ericsson Globe Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, only on ESPN+.
Hadzovic opened the bout by stalking, with Giagos accepting his position on the edge of the fence. The two traded kicks early. A big right hand from Giagos landed. Giagos feinted well, targeting the body with his right too. Hard low kick from Giagos. Giagos swept a kick past and turned it into a double-leg takedown into side control. Hadzovic escaped back to half guard, where he was able to stand up in a scramble. Giagos dumped him right back on the mat quickly with another double leg shot. Giagos landed some small shots from within the guard. Hadzovic recovered his footing and scored some clean punches before the end of the first.
The two opened the second with a wild exchange that stuns Hadzovic a bit. Giagos took a deep breathe then blasted Hadzovic off his feet with yet another double leg takedown. The American fished for a D’arce choke but allowed his foe up in the process. Hadzovic charged forward aggressively, only to be put on his back once more. This time, Giagos landed in strong position, threatening a rear-naked choke. Hadzovic defended and returned to his feet along the cage. Hadzovic separated and returned to offense, landing a nice snap kick to the belly. Good right hand from Giagos. The pace slowed a bit. Giagos kicked the body. Hadzovic finally scored a takedown in the final 10 seconds of the second round.
Giagos danced around the Octagon early, drawing his foe into another double leg takedown. Giagos worked hard to stand quickly, firing a combination once back on his feet. Despite his fatigue, Giagos dropped down and forced another takedown. The action stalled along the fence as Hadzovic worked back up. Counter right hand from Giagos. Hadzovic denied a takedown and reversed into top position. Giagos grabbed full guard, holding on tight. Hadzovic smothered the mouth with his hand and landed tiny punches. Very little happened from within Giagos’ guard, which the American held for much of the final two minutes.
Ultimately, Hadzovic’s aggression and determination where not quite enough to overcome Giagos’ superior wrestling, which secured him the opening two rounds and the decision win.
Results: Christos Giagos defeats Damir Hadzovic via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-28)
For complete UFC Stockholm results and coverage click here.
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