Elizeu Capoeira (left) fighting against Abubakar (right) in UFC Las Vegas 74. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Back in the Octagon after serving a year of doping suspension, Elizeu Capoeira achieved a great victory in his career. Featured in UFC Las Vegas 74, held this Saturday (3), the Brazilian frustrated the pragmatic style of Abubakar Nurmagomedov, Khabib's cousin, and left the confrontation with victory. After three rounds, the man from Paraná was declared the winner in a split decision by the judges.
Famous for his aggressiveness, Elizeu was successful in adopting a long-distance strategy. With precise and punctual strikes, the welterweight (up to 77,1kg) is once again triumphant after more than a season.
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Cousin of the legendary Khabib, Abubakar tried to impose the family's famous plan. The athlete, however, presented pressure, but without action, leading two judges to score the confrontation for his rival.
Brazil in the head
The confrontation began with Nurmagomedov putting pressure on the Brazilian with a series of crosses. Capoeira accused the attacks and was pressed against the bars by the Russian. Abubakar continued to set the pace and did not allow the Paraná native to move away. Halfway through the stage, Nurmagomedov continued to give no room for the Tupiniquim to react. Noticing the lack of action on the part of the Russian, the referee forced the athletes to move away. In the center of the octagon, Elizeu started to loosen up and strike from long range with high kicks and overhands. In the final seconds, Capoeira landed a knee to his rival's face, but Abubakar absorbed it well. The stage ended with the athletes studying each other in the center of the Octagon.
In the second round, the duel remained tense between the fighters. Abubakar was looking for the best moment to shorten and attempt the takedown, while the Brazilian launched attacks from long distance. With two minutes gone, Nurmagomedov managed to get closer and, just like in the first round, started to press the man from Paraná against the bars. Elizeu tried to free himself, but the Russian didn't give him space. Near the final minute, Capoeira managed to move away, but the Russian 'stuck' again. In the final seconds, Nurmagomedov got the first takedown, but there was no more time.
The last round began with Capoeira launching the first blow, with a high kick. Nurmagomedov tried to return the attack in kind, but ended up losing his balance. Elizeu continued to bet on long-range shots and scored against the Russian. Halfway through the stage, Capoeira rocked his opponent with a straight shot, but Nurmagomedov recovered quickly. After a technical error by the Brazilian, Abubakar managed to get to the back, but the Brazilian moved away. In the final seconds, Nurmagomedov once again pressed the Paraná native against the bars, but without forceful actions. At the end of the clash, the athletes started to exchange franks, but there was no more time.
UFC Las Vegas 74 Stats
UFC Las Vegas 74 results
MAIN CARD
Flyweight (up to 56.7kg): amir albazi derrotou Kai Kara France in the judges' split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47)
Featherweight (up to 65.7kg): Alex Caceres derrotou Daniel Pineda in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Light weight (up to 70,3kg.): Jim Miller defeated Jesse Butler by knockout 23 seconds into R1
Flyweight (up to 56.7kg): Tim Elliott derrotou Victor Altamirano in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Karina Silva finished Ketlen Souza with a kneebar at 1m45s of R1
Welterweight (up to 77,1kg): Elizeu Capoeira derrotou Abubakar Nurmagomedov in the judges' split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Bantam weight (up to 61,2kg): Daniel Willycat defeated Johnny Munoz Jr. via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)
Heavy weight (up to 120,2kg): Don'Tale Mayes derrotou Andrei Arlovski by technical knockout (punches) at 3:17 of R2
Bantam weight (up to 61,2kg): John Castaneda derrotou Muin Gafurov in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)
Lightweight (up to 70,3kg): Muhammadjon Naimov defeated by technical knockout at 2m59s of R2
Straw weight (52,1kg): Elise Reed defeated Jihn Yu Frey via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Bantam weight (up to 61.2kg): Da'Mon Blackshear derrotou Luan Lacerdaby technical knockout at 3m54s of R2
Light heavyweight (up to 93kg): Philip Lins derrotou Maxim grishin in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
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