Asu Almabayev Back in Win Column With Decision Over Jose Ochoa

Flyweight prospects clashed at UFC Abu Dhabi when #9-ranked Asu Almabayev faced rising Peruvian Jose Ochoa.

Almabayev looked to bounce back from his first UFC loss to Manel Kape and maintain his top 10 ranking. Ochoa’s sights were set on proving his status as a top rising prospect in the loaded flyweight division.

Almabayev got right to his grappling, catching Ochoa and holding him against the cage. His first takedown attempt was successful, but Ochoa stood up and worked back to the cage. Almabayev had a big moment jumping on the back, but fell off. When they separated, Almabayev landed a big right hand and a head kick. He then jumped in for the takedown again, this time attempting a choke, but ultimately settled on the back of Ochoa for about a minute. Ochoa managed to get up and even worked to Almabayev’s back himself to end the round.

Round two got off to a different start, with Ochoa finding success with his boxing. After a couple of hard strikes, Almabayev managed to catch a kick and get the fight back down. Ochoa worked back to the cage and separated, but Almabayev’s chain wrestling continued as he found yet another takedown halfway through the round. From the bottom, Ochoa attempted a nice armbar and ended the round with a triangle choke, but to no avail.

With Almabayev likely up two, he had no plans of slowing down and shot again early in Round three. A cage grab briefly separated the action before Almabayev set up another takedown with a big right hand. Ochoa was prepared and jumped right into a guillotine, but the Kazakh popped out and remained on top. After getting up again, Almabayev landed some uppercuts in the clinch while Ochoa landed some punches at range.

Almabayev improves to 5-1 in the UFC and defends his #9 ranking with the win. Ochoa falls to 1-2 in the UFC with the loss.

Official Result: Asu Almabayev def. Jose Ochoa by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)