Arriving In Style: The UFC Debut Of Russian Suplex Machine Rustam Khabilov

Suplex knockouts are a rare sight in MMA, but every time, they are a highlight reel moment.  With everything that’s happened in Mixed Martial Arts over the weekend, it’s easy to miss out on some of the highlight reel moments and talented fighters on the preliminaries.  Russian Lightweight Rustam Khabilov is one of those fighters, who made his UFC debut on Fuel TV against “The Ultimate Fighter 15” contestant Vinc Pichel and left fans with one knockout that will not be easily forgotten.

Khabilov captured such a moment on Saturday night when he utilized his decorated Sambo background to unceremoniously dump Pichel on his head three times.  After the third suplex, Khabilov was set to follow up with punches, and perhaps may have landed a few too many, as onlookers could see that Pichel was out cold after the suplex.  This is a unique form of offense that opponents will have to be prepared for, as not only does Khabilov have excellent form with his suplexes, he is also very good at getting inside to lock his opponents up and send them for his hellacious ride.  And Khabilov is a former World Sambo Champion and Russian National Sambo Champion, which means that the surface has probably barely been scratched for what Khabilov could be capable of in the Octagon.

This is not the first time that Khabilov has ended an opponent’s night with a brutal throw. In the M-1 Challenge on August 16th, 2009,  Khabilov met up with Akin Duran in Amsterdam, Holland and delivered the same brutal knockout.

Fans, keep an eye on Rustam Khabilov, and keep an eye on the preliminary fights.  Lots of excellent fighters from all over the world are finding their way to the UFC, and in some situations, the preliminaries are the first chance to see a budding superstar grow. 

(Photo Credit: Rustam Khabilov’s Facebook Page)