Overview
- The finish came eight seconds into the prelim on Saturday at UFC Baku when Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev landed an overhand right that immediately dropped Julius Walker and led to a referee stoppage.
- The knockout moved Yakhyaev to 10-0 as a pro and 3-0 in the UFC and ranks among the fastest finishes in UFC history and the second-fastest knockout in light-heavyweight records.
- Yakhyaev told media after the fight he wants bigger opponents and to chase records, a public push that is likely to accelerate matchmaking toward top-15 opposition.
- Julius Walker posted a reflective Instagram statement describing the loss as a harsh moment but said he will return to training after time with family, leaving his near-term UFC future uncertain.
- UFC Baku produced a night of multiple fast stoppages and record performances on the prelims, including a nine-takedown round and several performance bonuses that spotlighted rising fighters.