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Yakhyaev Debuts With 33-Second Choke to Set UFC Light Heavyweight Submission Record

The 24-year-old Contender Series alumnus extended his unbeaten run to 8-0, with the viral finish prompting talk of a performance bonus.

Overview

  • Yakhyaev finished Raffael Cerqueira by rear-naked choke at 0:33 on the UFC Qatar prelims at ABHA Arena in Doha during Tsarukyan vs. Hooker.
  • He dropped Cerqueira with a head kick moments after the opening bell before securing the choke for the stoppage.
  • Multiple outlets reported the time as the fastest submission in modern UFC light heavyweight history.
  • The debut followed a 30-second knockout on Dana White’s Contender Series, and he entered Saturday as a heavy favorite near -1600.
  • Cerqueira fell to 0-4 in the UFC, with several reports suggesting his roster spot is in jeopardy as fans and media call for bigger fights for Yakhyaev.