Muhammad Naimov’s Early Kick
Muhammad Naimov defeated Bogdan Grad by unanimous decision at Baku Crystal Hall on June 21, 2025. All three judges scored the featherweight contest 29–28 after Naimov combined an effective opening attack with takedown defense and a useful late spell on top.
A spinning attack forced Grad to recover
Naimov hurt Grad with a spinning hook kick during the opening round. Grad responded with a timely takedown, creating the space he needed to recover rather than allowing Naimov to extend the striking attack.
Naimov eventually returned to his feet. Grad then worked in the clinch with knees and short punches, but could not establish another sustained takedown sequence before the break.
Grad’s pressure tested the defensive work
Grad advanced more assertively in the second and pursued a single-leg takedown. Naimov widened his stance, fought the hands and resisted the body lock as the exchange continued.
Naimov also threatened a guillotine during another entry. Grad eventually completed a takedown near the end of the round, but had little time remaining to develop offense from above.
A third-round reversal helped secure the verdict
Grad’s next takedown effort left Naimov on top during the final round. They later returned to standing and completed the distance without a finish.
Naimov received the decision and earned a second consecutive win after defeating Kaan Ofli in February. Grad had entered after stopping Lucas Alexander, making Baku a meeting between featherweights seeking to build on successful starts to the year.
Sources
- UFC: Baku date, venue and official judges’ cards
- UFC: June 21 Baku results and finish classifications
- Cageside Press: spinning kick, clinch exchanges, defensive wrestling and late top position
- UFC: Naimov’s Ofli win and Grad’s Alexander finish
