February 1, 2025 11:25 am ET
Shamil Gaziev added a highlight-reel finish to his resume against Thomas Petersen at UFC Fight Night 250.
After seeing his perfect record ruined in a lackluster main event with Jairzinho Rozenstruik in March 2024, Gaziev (14-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) has now put together back-to-back wins after he floored Petersen (9-2 MMA, 1-2 UFC) with a walkoff knockout at the 3:12 mark of Round 1 in the heavyweight bout on Saturday at ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Check out the replay of Gaziev’s big win below (via X):
ONE PUNCH KO FROM SHAMIL GAZIEV 😱 #UFCSaudiArabia pic.twitter.com/mzOVj1emIW
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) February 1, 2025
Gaziev, 34, is keen to continue rising in the heavyweight ranks after the dominant win. He knows he had an underwhelming performance in his decision win over Don’Tale Mayes at UFC on ABC 7 in August, but said that was the product of an injury and this was a better representation of his ability.
“Last fight, I broke my hand – that’s why my fight went to decision,” Gaziev said through an interpreter in his post-fight interview with Paul Felder. “I promise you guys when I’m healthy, I will try to look at first-round finish.”
Up-to-the-minute UFC Fight Night 250 results include:
Shamil Gaziev def. Thomas Petersen via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 3:12
Terrance McKinney def. Damir Hadzovic via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 2:01
Jasmine Jasudavicius def. Mayra Bueno Silva via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Bogdan Grad def. Lucas Alexander via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 4:22
Hamdy Abdelwahab def. Jamal Pogues via split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 250.
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