UFC Vegas 119 Rookies Graded: Magomedov Twister Earns A+
This author receives a commission through recommended links in this content. See our affiliate disclosure.
Five rookies made their UFC debuts at UFC Vegas 119 on Saturday night at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, posting a combined record of 3-2 with two violent finishes.
Murtazali Magomedov delivered the performance of the night, per MMA Mania's Alexander Behunin. The Season 9 Contender Series signee survived early power shots from Melsik Baghdasaryan, secured a takedown, transitioned to back control and locked up a Scottish twister for the tap in under two minutes. The submission earned Magomedov an A+ grade and a $100,000 performance bonus. Behunin noted that while Magomedov's striking defense remains a question mark, the 11-0 grappler "reminded everyone why he was such an intriguing signing."
🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to Dana White's Contender Series Season 10 Episode 4 on Ticketmaster →
Chokheli Opens With Brutal Body Shot Finish
Welterweight Levan Chokheli also earned top marks with a first-round stoppage of Leon Shahbazyan. The seven-fight Bellator veteran landed two calf kicks that immediately wobbled Shahbazyan, then finished him with a body shot that doubled him over. At 29 years old, Chokheli joins a growing roster of Georgian talent and drew praise as a high-level addition to the division.
Featherweight Shane Collins swept the scorecards 30-27 over Otari Tanzilovi in the night's opening bout. Collins showed crisp striking and stayed dangerous off his back, attempting three submissions despite absorbing multiple takedowns. The 8-0 prospect earned an A grade for his willingness to engage everywhere.
🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to Dana White's Contender Series Season 10 Episode 4 on Ticketmaster →
Shahbazyan, a 6-foot-4 welterweight, received failing marks after the body shot stoppage. Tanzilovi struggled to generate offense despite landing takedowns and was graded a D for a performance described as lay-and-pray with little impact. Both rookies face uncertain futures on the roster after one-sided losses.
Photo: The White House / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
.jpg){kind=link}
Original reporting:
Get Ringside Updates
Fight announcements, results, and analysis delivered to your inbox. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.