Carlos Leal makes a good debut, but ends up defeated by Rinat Fakhretdinov in a controversial decision at UFC 308

Rinat defeated the newcomer Carlos Leal / UFC Reproduction

With a result that was a little hard to swallow, the Brazilian Carlos Leal ended up defeated by Rinat Fakhretdinov in his debut fight at welterweight (up to 77,1 kg.) in the opening fight of the preliminary card of UFC 308, this Saturday (26), in Abu Dhabi. The fight lasted until the third round, with the Russian securing victory by unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 30-27).

Despite the defeat, Leal showed great movement quality. However, he got tired in the third round and the Russian managed to land more blows, which determined the outcome of the fight. However, many found the decision a bit controversial, as the Brazilian clearly dominated the fight in the first two rounds.

After the announcement of his victory, the Russian also raised the Brazilian's arms, recognizing his opponent's efforts.

Grappling fight

Both began the fight exchanging low kicks. After one minute, Rinat went for the double leg and took down the Brazilian, who managed to get up without any problems. The fighters then exchanged punches and knees on the fence until the Russian tried to take him down again, but Leal got up again with great confidence.

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In the second round, Leal put on a masterclass and used good jabs and crosses to keep his distance from Rinat, who was becoming increasingly frustrated at not being able to take the fight to the ground. The Brazilian continued to punish the Russian with several low kicks. In the last 20 seconds, Rinat managed to take him down, but Leal held on until the end.

With both fighters exhausted, the third and final round was more evenly matched, with both athletes striking. Leal managed to surprise Rinat with a takedown, but the Russian managed to drag himself to the fence and get up. The fight continued with striking until the end. For the judges, Rinat managed to land more blows in the final round, and with that he secured the victory.

Check out all the results from UFC 308

Data: October 26, 2024

Working Hours: From 11am (Brasília time).

Location: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

How to watch: SUPER FIGHTS LIVE in real time and UFC Fight Pass (entire card) online

MAIN CARD 

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Ilia Topuria won Max Holloway by knockout at 1min34s of R3

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Khamzat Shimaev won Robert whittaker by submission at 3min34s in R1

Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Magomed Ankalayev won Aleksandar rakic by unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Lerone murphy derrotou Dan Ige by unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Shara Magomedov derrotou Armen petrosyan by knockout at 4min50s in R2

PRELIMINARY CARD 

Light heavyweight (up to 93kg): Ibo Aslan derrotou Raffael Cerqueira by technical knockout at 51 seconds of R1

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Geoff neal derrotou Rafael dos Anjos by technical knockout (injury) at 1min30s of R1

Married weight (up to 72,5 kg): Mateusz Rebecki derrotou Myktybek Orolbai in the judges' split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Abus Magomedov derrotou Bruno Hulk via submission (katagatame) at 3min14s of R3

Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Kennedy Nzechukwu derrotou Chris Barnett by technical knockout (punches) at 4min27s of R1

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Farid Basharat derrotou Victor Hugo in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Ismail Naurdiev derrotou Bruno Blindado in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Rinat Fakhretdinov derrotou Carlos Leal in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)