Knockout artists meet in the co-main event this weekend as Abdul Razak Alhassan aims to bounce back from defeat against Khaos Williams, who is looking to extend his winning streak to eight bouts.
Abdul Razak Alhassan (10-2) was an undefeated 6-0 fighter when he joined the UFC in 2016 and made an instant impression as he won his debut that November against Charlie Ward by KO in the first minute, earning himself a Performance of the Night (POTN) bonus. He comes into this weekend after a unanimous decision loss to Mounir Lazzez in his most recent fight in July; a contest that took place at a 174lbs catchweight after Alhassan missed weight following a period out of competition lasting 22 months, which was deemed the Fight of the Night.
Alhassanâs inactivity was due to a court case relating to a 2018 incident, but having been cleared of all charges in March âJudo Thunderâ is trying to stay as active as possible. The Ghanaian had won his last three fights, all by round one KO/TKO, including two bouts against Sabah Homasi, before his loss in July.
The first meeting with Homasi was at UFC 218 in December 2017 and Alhassan won by TKO in the last minute of the first round. However, some felt that referee Herb Dean had stopped the fight prematurely so a rematch was held the month after at UFC 220 where Alhassan removed any doubts by knocking out his opponent, again late in round one.
Alhassan has a background in Judo and Muay Thai, and all ten of his career wins have been by KO/TKO with six of these coming within a minute of the opening bell. The 35-year-old will be expecting a stand-up battle against Williams, who is nearly nine years his junior, and will hope to produce another quick KO finish to put himself back in the win column.
Khaos Williams (10-1) is the former Total Warrior Combat 165lbs catchweight champion. His last fight was his UFC debut in February and, similarly to his opponent this weekend, he made a huge impression by knocking out Alex Morono after 27 seconds, earning himself a POTN bonus.
Ive been saying it for years now but come next week when I say ITS NOT PERSONAL….ITS JUST PUNISHMENT đ the đ wont have no choice but to think about me #Dreamchaser #Oxfighter #Oxnationđ
— Khaos williams (@khaosOXwilliams) November 2, 2020
Williams comes into this contest having won his last seven bouts, four of which have been first-round finishes (three KO/TKO, one submission, and three unanimous decisions). âThe Oxfighterâ has six career finishes in total, only one of which came beyond the first round.
Williams and Alhassan appear to be well-matched; they will both be confident in their power and back themselves to finish the fight on the feet. Although they differ in age, they have a similar amount of professional experience and Williams will feel that with his four-inch reach advantage he can continue his run of good form in impressive fashion in this weekendâs co-main event slot.
Prediction: Williams by KO/TKO in a POTN
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