Roman Bogatov
Russia
Released by UFC
The UFC released Bogatov (10-1-0) on Saturday in the aftermath of his July 11 loss via unanimous decision to Leonardo Santos at UFC 251 in Abu Dhabi, Farah Hannoun of USA Today reports.
ANALYSIS
Bogatov had his contract terminated after the UFC reviewed the fight and determined that the Russian lightweight laid three illegal strikes on Santos during the fight. The 29-year-old still would have lost the fight even if he wasn't deducted two points for his numerous fouls during the bout. He'll now look to latch on with another promotion to continue his MMA career.
Bogatov had his contract terminated after the UFC reviewed the fight and determined that the Russian lightweight laid three illegal strikes on Santos during the fight. The 29-year-old still would have lost the fight even if he wasn't deducted two points for his numerous fouls during the bout. He'll now look to latch on with another promotion to continue his MMA career.
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Mental lapses lead to loss in debut
Bogatov lost to Leonardo Santos via unanimous decision (26-29, 26-29, 26-29) at UFC 251 on Saturday in Abu Dhabi.
ANALYSIS
It was a 15-minute fight that seemed to take three hours. Making his UFC debut, Bogatov appeared well on his way to being knocked out in the later stages of Round 2. Santos smashed him with repeated shots but was unable to close the deal. The Brazilian gassed himself out in search of the finish, and Bogatov was somehow left with an opening to win this fight. He may very well have pulled off the upset had Bogatov not lost his mind and committed three significant fouls in Round 3. He connected with a pair of low blows before unleashing one of the more egregious illegal knees you will ever see. Referee Marc Goddard would have been well within his rights to disqualify the newcomer, but he opted to dock him two points instead. That, in effect, was the end of the fight. Bogatov has little power in his hands (one career knockout), but he's talented on the mat (six submission wins) and displays incredible toughness. There might be something here if he fights a bit smarter his next time out.
It was a 15-minute fight that seemed to take three hours. Making his UFC debut, Bogatov appeared well on his way to being knocked out in the later stages of Round 2. Santos smashed him with repeated shots but was unable to close the deal. The Brazilian gassed himself out in search of the finish, and Bogatov was somehow left with an opening to win this fight. He may very well have pulled off the upset had Bogatov not lost his mind and committed three significant fouls in Round 3. He connected with a pair of low blows before unleashing one of the more egregious illegal knees you will ever see. Referee Marc Goddard would have been well within his rights to disqualify the newcomer, but he opted to dock him two points instead. That, in effect, was the end of the fight. Bogatov has little power in his hands (one career knockout), but he's talented on the mat (six submission wins) and displays incredible toughness. There might be something here if he fights a bit smarter his next time out.
Slated for UFC debut
Bogatov will make his UFC debut against Leonardo Santos at UFC 251 on July 11 on Fight Island, MMAFighting.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Bogatov has cleared every opponent he's faced en route to his UFC debut, most recently winning versus Mickael Lebot at M-1 Challenge 104 last August via TKO. He carries a 10-0-0 professional record into his debut versus Santos, who last lost a professional bout back in 2009. The pair both specialize in mat work, so look for numerous takedown attempts from each of them.
Bogatov has cleared every opponent he's faced en route to his UFC debut, most recently winning versus Mickael Lebot at M-1 Challenge 104 last August via TKO. He carries a 10-0-0 professional record into his debut versus Santos, who last lost a professional bout back in 2009. The pair both specialize in mat work, so look for numerous takedown attempts from each of them.