Azamat Bekoev looked like the real deal earlier tonight (Sat., May 3, 2025) at UFC Des Moines LIVE on ESPN2/ESPN+ from inside Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa, as the former LFA middleweight champion sliced through former Ultimate Fighter (TUF) winner Ryan Loder with a blistering first-round TKO (punches).
This was expected to be a showcase performance for Bekoev after coming off a UFC debut TKO back in January, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t risks to be had. Loder is a strong wrestler with a NCAA Division I background and just won season 32 of TUF last year. Bekoev still needed to show up and prove that he’s the next big thing at 185 pounds.
Unfortunately for Loder, that’s exactly how this “Prelims” fight played out. Loder struggled to get inside to grab a hold of Bekoev and when he did it was Bekoev who reversed position to prevent any trips to the canvas. This allowed Bekoev to take his time on the feet, find his window of opportunity, and put a hurting on Loder. The punches started to build up and Loder couldn’t couldn’t stomach the damage anymore.
Check out the final moments of the fight in the above player.
Bekoev, 29, is now 9-1 in his last 10 pro fights and has won his last eight straight. This is his second-straight, first-round knockout finish under the UFC banner and ultimately a standout performance that will land him an even bigger opportunity his next time out.
For complete UFC Des Moines results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.
This story originally appeared on MMA Mania
