Mohammed Usman’s Late Right Hands Turned the Tide
Mohammed Usman defeated Hamdy Abdelwahab by unanimous decision at UFC Baku on June 21, 2025. Each judge scored the heavyweight contest 29–28 after Usman recovered from an uncomfortable opening round and finished strongly at Baku Crystal Hall.
Abdelwahab’s kicks controlled the opening
Abdelwahab attacked the legs immediately, disrupting Usman’s balance and making his movement uncomfortable. Usman tried answering with an overhand, but the repeated kicks remained the most effective feature of the round.
All three judges awarded that opening frame to Abdelwahab. Usman therefore needed to change the direction of the remaining exchanges.
Right hands created the response
An accidental eye poke briefly interrupted the second. After the restart, Usman connected with right hands that forced Abdelwahab backward and shifted the momentum.
Usman increased his activity in the third, using jabs to the body and further right hands. A strong late connection hurt Abdelwahab and allowed Usman to press him toward the fence before the final horn.
The decision preceded a later suspension
Every judge awarded Usman the last two rounds. His recovery secured the same 29–28 total on all three cards, rather than a stoppage after the late attack.
In January 2026, the UFC announced that Usman had accepted a thirty-month anti-doping suspension after a September 2025 testosterone test and admissions of additional prohibited use. The announced suspension runs from October 9, 2025, through April 9, 2028.
Sources
- UFC: Baku date, venue and official judges’ scores
- Cageside Press: leg kicks, second-round response and late right hand
- MMA Decisions: identical round assignments on all three cards
- UFC: January 2026 suspension statement and dates
