Close round, but MMA Junkie scores it 10-9 for Albazi.
![ufc 259 play by play ufc 259 play by play](https://sportshub.cbsistatic.com/i/r/2021/12/12/dd4f18e5-2900-421c-9505-9ac0ae0615c2/thumbnail/1200x675/c95bef7f38330d281bb64c9df6597b10/1211-ufc2.jpg)
Zhumagulov stands back up and takes a short punch just before the horn. Zhumagulov connects with an uppercut then shoots for a takedown that’s nicely stuffed by Albazi, who tries to get on top. Albazi scores with a stepping front elbow. They exchange some words after an exchange. Zhumagulov lands a stepping left hand, and Albazi kicks his lead leg again. They trade jabs to the body, and Zhumagulov lands a shot left before taking another leg kick from Albazi. Albazi is backing Zhumagulov up near the cage, but Zhumagulov seems content to try to counter. Zhumagulov scores with a nice jab then a leaning left hand. He connects with a leg kick of his own, but Albazi is putting on superior pressure early in this round, landing another powerful kick to Zhumagulov’s legs. Zhumagulov looks to time the counter, but he’s eating some good ones. Round 2 – Albazi is going heavy on the low kicks to start the second round. MMA Junkie scores the opening round 10-9 for Zhumagulov. Albazi fires of some elbows from bottom, but he’s stuck there until the bell. Zhumagulov shoots or his own takedown with roughly 30 seconds remaining and gets it. Zhumagulov lands a nice spinning backfist on an incoming Albazi, who takes it without issue. They return to the striking exchanges from inside, with Albazi landing another solid low kick. Zhumagulov instantly uses the fence to stand back up. Albazi changes levels and secures a takedown with just over two minutes remaining in the round. Albazi scores with another leg kick, and Zhumagulov responds with a hook to the body. Albazi comes forward and lands a pair of hard shots that move Zhumagulov backward. Zhumagulov is wining some big shots, but Albazi appears calm though the fire as he takes another left hand. He cracks Albazi with a 1-2 combination followed by another let hand. Round 1 – Albazi opens with a low kick attack on Zhumagulov, who is circling the octagon and looking to counter. You can also get behind-the-scenes coverage and other event notes from on-site reporters John Morgan ( and Mike Bohn ( on Twitter.
![ufc 259 play by play ufc 259 play by play](https://media.video-cdn.espn.com/motion/2022/0820/dm_220820_LLWS_Mass_double_play/dm_220820_LLWS_Mass_double_play.jpg)
To discuss the show, be sure to check out our UFC 257 discussion thread. In the co-feature, former Bellator lightweight champ Michael Chandler (22-5 MMA, 1-0 UFC) made his promotional debut against Dan Hooker (20-10 MMA, 10-6 UFC). In the main event, former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier (27-6 MMA, 19-5 UFC) met ex-lightweight and featherweight champ Conor McGregor (22-5 MMA, 10-3 UFC) in a rematch from a 2014 fight won by McGregor. The main card aired on ESPN+ pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on ESPN+. The event took place at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. ABU DHABI – MMA Junkie was on scene and reporting live from Saturday’s UFC 257 event.