Riyadh – George Bardawil’s flashy striking was on display early, but it was a vicious up kick that dropped Ahmed Makki and spelled the beginning of the end, as “The Rising Star” followed up with a barrage of strikes to force a TKO finish at half way thru the third round.
The bantamweight bout was part of the prelims of Desert Force 16 fight card. It aired live on MBC Action.
Al Academiya featherweight title holder George Bardawil showcased good ground skills but it was his striking that turned the flow of events. The Lebanese landed several stiff combinations in the first round that almost earned him and early finish. When we talk about Bardawil’s striking, we mean spinning back fists, spinning kicks and flying knees!
Bardawil had the upper hand in the opening round as he landed impressive strikes, knocking down Makki with a beautiful spinning elbow following up with ground and pound. A bloodied Makki managed to survive this storm and went on to win the second round using his dominant wrestling to keep Bardawil under pressure. Half way through the third round, Makki continued to use his wrestling, keeping away from Bardawil’s harm until he got caught with a vicious up kick. The blow sends him wobbling before Bardawil follows up with powerful punches to end the fight via TKO.
Maaki (0-1-1 Desert Force) couldn’t find redemption after a draw in his MMA debut. Bardawil (2-0) stays in the spotlight and earns an impressive win as he moves forward in his professional MMA career.
Check out Desert Force 16 photo gallery on this link.
