DUBAI – Muhammad Mokaev remained undefeated in the main event of 971 FC 2, earning a dominant unanimous decision win over Brazil’s Thomas Assis in front of a sold-out 7,000-strong crowd at the Coca-Cola Arena.
Mokaev (15-0) showcased his trademark pressure and pace across three rounds, controlling the action from start to finish and reminding the MMA world why he remains one of the sport’s most promising rising talents.
In the co-main event, Russian welterweight Raimond Magomedaliev made a successful promotional debut, submitting Andrey Augusto Ferreira with a second-round kimura.
A highlight moment came during the Namo Fazil vs. Yakub Suleimanov matchup, where a dramatic twist unfolded between rounds. Veteran referee Grant Waterman announced to the crowd that 971 FC promoter Mounir Lazzez had just pledged a $20,000 bonus if the fight ended in a knockout. Fazil answered the call with a third-round TKO, capping off a back-and-forth battle in spectacular fashion.
Lazzez, a former UFC fighter himself, continues to impress in his new role, bringing fighter-first thinking and fresh energy to the promotion.
Elsewhere on the card, James Gallagher returned to form with a clinical second-round armbar submission over Fabricio Soares. The Irishman dominated the grappling exchanges and secured the finish with precision.
In total, 11 of the 14 fights ended in finishes, with standout performances from Amin Ayoub, Ahmed Faress, Mohamed Salem, Adrian Sanchez, and Junior Karanta.
The event also featured Ali Al Qaisi on commentary, adding valuable insight from an Arab MMA pioneer, and saw several regional stars in attendance, including Pouya Rahmani and Mohammad Karaki.
971 FC 2 Results:
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Muhammad Mokaev def. Thomas Assis via unanimous decision
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Raimond Magomedaliev def. Andrey Augusto via submission (kimura), Round 2
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Kane Mousah def. Amaury Junior (result pending confirmation)
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James Gallagher def. Fabricio Soares via submission (armbar), Round 2
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Amin Ayoub def. Pedro Souza via TKO (ground and pound), Round 1
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Wisem Hammami def. Arthur Jacob via unanimous decision
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Namo Fazil def. Yakub Suleimanov via TKO, Round 3 (KO bonus awarded)
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Adrian Sanchez def. Mirafak Akhatmov via TKO (doctor stoppage), end of Round 2
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Junior Karanta def. Oli Thompson via TKO (corner stoppage), end of Round 2
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Ahmed Faress def. Eduardo Mora via KO, Round 2
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Mohamed Salem def. Salamat Orozakunov via submission (rear-naked choke), Round 2
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Bondo Meskhi def. Elie Mansour via KO, Round 1
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Grant Ogborne def. Yazan Jaber via submission (rear-naked choke), Round 2
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Max Flynn def. Redentor Manguiat via TKO, Round 1
