Antonio Trocoli made his UFC debut on short notice against a formidable opponent in the form of Sharaputdin Magomedov on the main card of UFC Saudi Arabia and the Brazilian fighter might regret that decision for a long time.
Trocoli started pressuring Magomedov right off the bell and even landed two clean shots on Magomedov that took the Dagestani fighter by surprise. The Brazilian fighter followed it up with a clinch only to be removed a minute later for grabbing his opponent’s gloves.
When the fight resumed, Magomedov showed his versatility with kicks and punches, but once again had no answer and looked uncomfortable the moment Trocoli closed the distance and pressured him near the cage. During the exchange, Trocoli landed another clean punch and closed the round with what looked like a comfortable round 1 for the Brazilian fighter.
Moment of controversy during Sharaputdin Magomedov vs Antonio Trocoli
Heading into the second round, Sharaputdin did better to avoid Trocoli from closing the distance and landed numerous leg kicks. A hesitant Trocoli found trouble having the same success he did in the first round, and ate several shots to the body trying to get closer to the Dagestani figher. However, he did have great success in the clinch position, but he failed to convert that into a takedown.
A moment of controversy arose when Trocoli almost secured a takedown albeit a fence grab from Magomedov that thwarted the Brazilian’s attempt. As the commentators continued to argue if referee Marc Goddard should have deducted a point right there and then.
1-1 according to Trocoli’s corner, Magomed Sharaputdin started the round with the kicking game once again. Trocoli, now tired, looked hesitant to lift his hands and fire the shots, eating vicious leg kicks in the process.
It was only a matter of minutes before the fatigue caught to him and a series of answered shots left him completely blank in the face of an aggressive Sharaputdin. Another follow-up punch and Trocoli was on the ground for your winner by KO in the third round (2:27) and still undefeated, Sharaputdin Magomedov.
