Kozak Batters Echols For Violent Second-Round TKO

Slovakian middleweight Martin Kozak likely earned a UFC contract after stopping Christian Echols in the second round at Contender Series Season 10 on Tuesday night at Meta Apex in Las Vegas.

The 6-foot-4 Kozak dominated from the opening bell, using his reach advantage to control range with jabs and teep kicks, per MMA Mania. Echols, who missed the middleweight limit by three pounds, struggled to close distance despite repeated takedown attempts and looping overhands. Kozak stuffed every early shot and landed back-to-back head kicks late in the first round, with the second dropping Echols to the canvas. The former Bellator fighter survived the follow-up assault and made it to the horn.

🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to Dana White's Contender Series, Season 10, Week 5 on Ticketmaster →

Kozak Finishes Echols With Body Kicks And Right Hook

The second round turned brutal for Echols. After briefly securing a takedown in the opening seconds, Kozak returned to his feet and unleashed vicious body kicks that caused Echols to buckle and drop his hands. With his opponent's head exposed, Kozak connected with a right hook that sent Echols crashing to the canvas. He followed with punches along the fence until the referee stopped the fight at 1:32 of round two.

Kozak improved to 7-0 with seven finishes — five knockouts and two submissions. The 22-year-old entered the cage hoping to become the youngest Slovakian fighter in UFC history. Echols dropped to 8-5 and will likely return to the regional circuit.

🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to Dana White's Contender Series, Season 10, Week 5 on Ticketmaster →

UFC CEO Dana White is expected to announce contract decisions from Tuesday's card in the coming days.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Highlights: Martin Kozak batters Christian Echols for violent TKO |Contender Series 10, Ep. 5