Azamat Murzakanov is among the most unheralded top-level talents on the UFC roster and the undefeated Russian standout proved exactly why on the UFC 316 prelims.

Murzakanov improved to 15-0 in mixed martial arts with a first-round technical knockout of Brendson Ribeiro. Murzakanov bided his time early, eventually landing a heavy left hand that put his opponent on wobbly legs. After a series of follow-up strikes the referee stepped in to halt the action.

The 36-year-old southpaw is now 5-0 in the UFC since earning a contract in 2021 but many have criticized his relative inactivity. He entered the weekend as the No. 12-ranked contender in the 205-pound division, yet was paired with an unranked Ribeiro.

Murzakanov has finished four of his five UFC opponents, and after his win, he called fo

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