Hold onto your seats, fight fans, because the welterweight division just got a whole lot more interesting! Former Bellator champion Yaroslav Amosov has officially arrived in the UFC, and he’s wasting no time making a statement. In his highly anticipated debut at UFC on ESPN 73, Amosov didn’t just win—he dominated, submitting veteran Neil Magny with a slick anaconda choke in just 3 minutes and 14 seconds of the first round. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: this isn’t Amosov’s first rodeo with this submission. After losing his Bellator title to Jason Jackson at UFC 301, he bounced back under the CFFC banner with the exact same choke in the first round. Coincidence? Or a calculated strategy? You decide.
The fight itself was a masterclass in adaptability. Amosov started by trading strikes with Magny, showing he wasn’t afraid to stand and bang. But, in a move that showcased his MMA IQ, he quickly capitalized on an opening along the fence, securing a clinch and scoring a trip takedown. From there, it was all Amosov. He seamlessly transitioned from strikes to the fight-ending anaconda choke, leaving Magny with no choice but to tap. And this is the part most people miss—Amosov’s ability to shift gears mid-fight is what makes him a legitimate threat in the division.
During his post-fight interview, Amosov didn’t hold back, sending a clear message to the rest of the welterweight contenders: he’s here to take the top spot. Bold words, but after this performance, who’s betting against him? Is Amosov the next big thing in the UFC’s welterweight division, or will the competition prove too steep? Let’s spark some debate in the comments—do you think Amosov has what it takes to climb to the top, or is he in for a rude awakening?
For those who missed the action, check out the finish below (via Instagram: [link]). And while you’re at it, take a look at the full UFC on ESPN 73 results, which included standout performances like Joanderson Brito’s unanimous decision over Isaac Thomson and Steven Asplund’s TKO victory over Sean Sharaf. But let’s be real—Amosov’s debut stole the show. What’s your take on his UFC future? Sound off below!
UFC on ESPN 73 Results:
- Yaroslav Amosov def. Neil Magny via submission (anaconda choke) – Round 1, 3:14
- Joanderson Brito def. Isaac Thomson via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Steven Asplund def. Sean Sharaf via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 3:49
- Luana Santos def. Melissa Croden via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
- Guilherme Pat def. Allen Frye Jr. via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Jamey-Lyn Horth def. Tereza Bleda via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 2:05
