Levan Chokheli destroys Leon Shahbazyan in 23 seconds at UFC Vegas 119

Levan Chokheli needed less than half a minute to make his UFC debut count.

The Georgian welterweight flattened Leon Shahbazyan in 23 seconds Saturday night at UFC Vegas 119, per MMA Fighting, landing an eight-punch combination capped by a body shot that forced referee Kerry Hatley to wave it off. Chokheli, a Bellator veteran who closed as a heavy favorite, hurt Shahbazyan immediately with a calf kick that backed him to the fence, then unloaded until his opponent crumpled.

Chokheli's path from Bellator to the UFC

The finish moved Chokheli to 15-3 overall. He went 4-3 during his Bellator run before signing with the UFC earlier this year. Shahbazyan, who falls to 12-5, had no answer for the early pressure and absorbed the stoppage loss before the fight settled into any rhythm.

Chokheli is expected back in the cage later this year as the UFC welterweight division continues its search for fresh contenders. No opponent has been announced.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Video: Levan Chokheli obliterates opponent in 23 seconds at UFC Vegas 119