UFC Stockholm results: Makwan Amirkhani takes out Chris Fishgold with slick anaconda choke

MMAfighting.com

Makwan Amirkhani might not fight often, but when he does, there’s no arguing with the results.

“Mr. Finland” improved his Octagon record to 5-1 with an anaconda choke submission victory over Chris Fishgold on the main card of UFC Stockholm at Ericsson Globe on Saturday. The official time of the stoppage was 4:25 into round two.

“I did what I said, but first of all Sweden, Stockholm, I appreciate all the support,” Amirkhani said post-fight. “I love you guys.”

“Even though we won in ice hockey,” he added to a few light boos.

This was Amirkhani’s first fight since last May and just his second since March 2017. He has now won two straight and his overall record stands at 15-3.

On the other side, Fishgold (18-3-1) is now 1-2 in the UFC after suffering the first submission loss of his career.

Fishgold didn’t bite on Amirkhani’s opening flying knee, nor was he too put off by an early eye poke. Both men were tentative on the feet, with Fishgold looking to score with leg kicks until Amirkhani changed levels and shot in to put him on his back.

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An active Fishgold worked for submission from bottom position, but Amirkhani stayed out of trouble and attacked with a D’Arce choke himself at the round one buzzer.

Fishgold pressed forward in round two, hunting for power punches while Amirkhani answered with short combinations. There was another pause in the action as Fishgold stepped right into an Amirkhani front kick that caught him square between the legs. When the fight resumed, Amirkhani shot in for another takedown and Fishgold attempted to counter with a guillotine. “Mr. Finland” kept his composure and ended up on top, then attacked with an anaconda choke.

Fighting the choke, Fishgold rotated on the mat for as long as he could before Amirkhani sunk the hold in to get the tap.

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It was the second submission win in the UFC for Amirkhani, who has won six of his last seven fights.

“I’m ready to fight anybody from my division,” Amirkhani said. “Mr. Finland is ready. When you’re in Finland and you ask who is Makwan, they know. Now is the time to know about Mr. Finland, about Makwan Amirkhani. I’m here, this is my time.”