MMA fighters Bruno and Usman target UFC glory

Abu Dhabi - Machado is looking forward to more such opportunities against UFC fighters

The likes of Bruno Machado, Lee Do-gyeom and Usman Nurmagomedov made a case for their entry into the UFC with compelling performances at the UAE Warriors 12 at the Mubadala Arena.
Sending a statement to UFC president Dana White, Abu Dhabi-based Brazilian MMA fighter Machado floored UFC's Mike Santiago with an anaconda choke to claim the lightweight title in the main event.
"I know my level. I don't know why until now I didn't step in the UFC cage but it's life. I am very happy to fight here but I can show everyone that I have the UFC level," he said after the second-round win by submission over the American on Friday.
"He (Santiago) is high level. He fought in Dana White's Contender Series. I was a bit shocked at the beginning when I punched straight with my elbow but he was still standing and coming forward."
Machado is looking forward to more such opportunities against UFC fighters.
"I want to prove that my level is the same as theirs," he said.
Meanwhile, Do-gyeom retained his featherweight title with a dominant victory over Alexandru Chitoran.
"The UAE Warriors have got me to the next level. Now it's time to represent the UAE Warriors at the UFC. So Dana White, Sean Shelby call us if you want us. We are going to represent this organisation into the next level," Do-gyeom said.
In preliminary bouts, Usman with UFC star Khabib in his corner took little over two minutes to thump opponent Jerry Kvarnstrom.
Usman, with a 10-0 MMA record, is also knocking on the UFC doors.
Emirati star Yousef Al Housani needed just 19 seconds to knock out replacement Indian fighter Mohamed Fargan.
However, Ahmed Al Darmaki was disqualified on disciplinary grounds despite choking his opponent to submission. The Emirati fighter held his choke long after his opponent had tapped out and later pushed referee Marc Goddard.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com