Updated

Updated · MMA Fighting · Jul 24

Asaf Chopurov Defends UAE Warriors Title in 63 Seconds, Knocking Out Reece McLaren

Updated

Updated · MMA Fighting · Jul 24

Asaf Chopurov Defends UAE Warriors Title in 63 Seconds, Knocking Out Reece McLaren

Q: How did an obscure buggy choke variation secure a championship title before the crowd even realized what happened?

Brendan Farnsworth won the title by catching Rafayel Ktikyan in a fast, unexpected submission from side control that looked like a buggy choke variation, ending the fight before many in attendance fully understood the setup. What made it so surprising was the position. Buggy chokes are usually associated with bottom play, not with an athlete attacking from dominant side control. Farnsworth adapted the concept into an uncommon variation, using the scramble and positional control to lock the hold in quickly. Because the mechanics were unusual and the finish came so fast, the crowd reportedly needed a moment to realize Ktikyan was already trapped and the bout was over. The result was especially significant because it came at Up Next Fighting 34 in a championship bout, where Farnsworth captured the belt with that Round 1 submission. In a roundup largely focused on knockouts and flashy striking finishes, his stoppage stood out as one of the most creative regional submissions of the week. The broader takeaway is that regional MMA continues to produce high-level innovation. Farnsworth’s finish showed that even in lesser-known promotions, fighters are not just winning—they are introducing rare techniques capable of deciding titles in an instant.

3 articles · Updated · MMA Fighting · Jul 24

The 24-year-old bantamweight retained his UAE Warriors belt on Thursday, flattening longtime ONE contender Reece McLaren in just 63 seconds of the main event at UAE Warriors 72.
A sharply timed counter right ended the fight almost immediately, turning Chopurov’s second title defense into a one-punch statement win.
The result strengthened Chopurov’s case for a UFC call-up, with the report casting his finish as a standout even ahead of this weekend’s UFC Abu Dhabi card.
UAE Warriors 72 was part of a wider week of notable Fight Pass knockouts, but Chopurov’s rapid stoppage was presented as the headline performance.