Dominick Reyes Knocks Out Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 333

Dominick Reyes reminded the MMA world exactly why he remains a dangerous force in the UFC light heavyweight division, scoring a devastating first-round knockout victory over Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 333 on October 24, 2026, in Abu Dhabi. [tapology.com], [ufcalendar.com]

Entering the matchup, Murzakanov was viewed as one of the division’s toughest contenders, while Reyes continued his quest to reestablish himself among the elite at 205 pounds. By the end of the opening round, Reyes had produced one of the most memorable finishes of the event and sent a strong message to the rest of the division.

Reyes Uses Range and Timing Early

The fight began with a tactical approach from Reyes, who immediately looked to capitalize on his physical advantages. Standing taller and possessing a longer reach, Reyes used kicks to maintain distance and prevent Murzakanov from finding a comfortable rhythm.

Murzakanov attempted to pressure forward and close the gap, but Reyes remained composed, picking his spots while forcing his opponent to navigate through long-range attacks. The measured start quickly gave way to a dramatic finish that changed the complexion of the fight in an instant.

The Head Kick That Changed Everything

The breakthrough came midway through the opening round when Reyes unleashed a perfectly placed high kick that landed behind Murzakanov’s head. The impact immediately disrupted Murzakanov’s balance and left him vulnerable.

Sensing the opening, Reyes attacked without hesitation. He followed the kick with a sharp left hand that further hurt the Russian contender and sent him into survival mode. As Murzakanov covered up on the canvas, Reyes continued his offensive assault with follow-up strikes.

Referee Mike Beltran closely monitored the action before stepping in to halt the contest, officially awarding Reyes the victory via first-round knockout. According to fight records, the stoppage came at the 2:40 mark of Round 1. [tapology.com], [ufcalendar.com]

A Massive Win for Reyes

The victory represents another major step forward in the resurgence of Reyes’ career. Once known primarily for his memorable title challenge against Jon Jones, Reyes has steadily rebuilt momentum and demonstrated that he remains a legitimate threat in the light heavyweight rankings.

What made the performance particularly impressive was the caliber of opposition. Murzakanov entered the bout as a highly respected contender with a reputation for durability, power, and relentless pressure. Reyes neutralized those strengths with disciplined distance management before delivering a highlight-reel finish.

The knockout also showcased the evolution of Reyes’ striking game. Rather than engaging recklessly, he remained patient, waiting for the perfect opportunity to land the fight-ending sequence.

What Comes Next?

With an emphatic first-round finish over a ranked opponent, Reyes has strengthened his case for another high-profile matchup in the UFC’s increasingly competitive light heavyweight division. Performances like this are exactly the kind that can move a fighter closer to title contention.

For Murzakanov, the loss serves as a setback, but his proven skill set and previous success make him a fighter who should remain a factor in the division moving forward.

On this night, however, the story belonged entirely to Dominick Reyes. A perfectly timed head kick, relentless follow-up pressure, and a first-round knockout ensured that UFC 333 ended with Reyes firmly back in the spotlight.

Result

Dominick Reyes def. Azamat Murzakanov via first-round knockout (KO/TKO), Round 1, 2:40. [tapology.com], [ufcalendar.com]

Sources

• Tapology: Dominick Reyes vs. Azamat Murzakanov – UFC 333 [tapology.com]
• MMA Fighting: UFC 333 video – Dominick Reyes rocks Azamat Murzakanov with head kick, scores first-round knockout [mmafighting.com]
• MMA Junkie: UFC 333 video – Dominick Reyes KOs Azamat Murzakanov in Round 1 [mmajunkie….atoday.com]

Tags: UFC 333, Dominick Reyes, Azamat Murzakanov, UFC, MMA, UFC Results, Light Heavyweight, UFC Knockout, UFC Abu Dhabi, The Devastator, UFC News, MMA News, Combat Sports, Knockout Victory, UFC Highlights