Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev lands 8-second knockout at UFC Baku

Undefeated heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev destroyed Julius Walker with a single right hand eight seconds into their UFC Baku bout Saturday, tying for the second-fastest knockout in divisional history.

Yakhyaev marched forward at the opening bell and connected with a sledgehammer right that sent Walker crashing to the canvas, MMA Fighting reports. Referee Jim Perdios waved off the fight moments later as Yakhyaev landed follow-up ground strikes on the already unconscious Walker. The official time matched James Irvin's eight-second finish from 2007, trailing only Ryan Jimmo's seven-second stoppage of Anthony Perosh in July 2012.

Yakhyaev calls for ranked opponent after third UFC finish

The Turkish prospect entered as one of the heaviest favorites on the card after scoring first-round finishes over Brendson Ribeiro and Raffael Cerqueira in his promotional debut and sophomore appearance. Walker, who dropped to 7-3, had hoped to weather the early pressure and pull off one of the year's biggest upsets, per MMA Mania. He got two seconds to implement his game plan.

Yakhyaev improved to 10-0 and used his post-fight interview to demand a step up in competition. The 205-pound matchmakers now have their attention squarely on the unbeaten finisher, who has yet to see a second round inside the Octagon.

UFC Baku took place at National Gymnastics Arena in Baku, Azerbaijan. The promotion has not announced Yakhyaev's next opponent or fight date.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — UFC Baku video: Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev nearly shatters record with 8-second, 1-punch knockout
• MMA Mania — No way! Scary prospect Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev crushes opponent with insane 8-second knockout at UFC Baku | Video