At UFC Fight Night 235, a notable confrontation took place between undefeated Russian contender Aliaskhab Khizriev and Uzbekistan’s Mahmud Muradov. The scheduled clash began with intensity, but it was ultimately halted just 11 seconds after the opening bell when Khizriev accidentally touched Muradov in the eye with a finger. The eye injury rendered Muradov unable to continue, and the bout was ruled void as a result of the incident.
Khizriev enters this sport with an impressive unbeaten record across 14 professional fights, a streak he has maintained since beginning his MMA career in 2014. Competing in the heavyweight division, he has earned recognition as a national champion in universal combat in Russia, a world champion in universal combat, and the Moscow sambo champion. His rise in the sport also includes a heavyweight title win at Fight Nights Global, amplifying his status as a top-tier fighter with a diverse combat sports background.
On the undercard, Brazilian veteran Renato Carneiro prepared to face American Drew Dober, a matchup that drew attention from fans eager to see how each fighter’s experience would translate under the bright lights of the UFC stage. The main event pairing showcased Georgian entrant Roman Dolidze taking on France’s Nassurdin Imavov, a bout expected to highlight a clash of styles and strategic approach from two rising contenders on the UFC roster.
Meanwhile, reflections from a former UFC champion added a layer of personal gravity to the event. He disclosed having recurring nightmares connected to Islam Makhachev, illustrating how top-level competition can leave a lasting psychological impression beyond the physical demands of fighting. This admission underscored the human side of athletes who often appear fearless inside the octagon but still contend with pressure, memory, and mental resilience off the mat. The conversation around mental health and performance continues to be a meaningful thread within the sport, inviting fans to consider the broader journey of professional fighters as they chase peaks of athletic achievement.