Omari Akhmedov Outlasts Tim Boetsch In UFC Wichita Main Card Opener

Middleweight veterans Tim Boetsch and Omari Akhmedov kicked off the main card of tonight’s (Sat., March 9, 2019) UFC on ESPN+ 4 at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas.

Boetsch came in off a submission loss Antonio Carlos Jr. nearly one year ago. ‘The Barbarian’ had lost six out of his last 10 fights. Akhmedov, meanwhile, came in off a draw from Marvin Vettori after winning two straight over Abdul Razak Alhassan and Kyle Noke.

Both needed a win to stay afloat in a crowded middleweight division.

Round One:

Akhmedov swung big and just missed early. Boestch stalked but ate a head kick. Akhmedov clinched against the cage. He worked some dirty boxing and knees in close before going for a lifting takedown that Boetsch defended well. Again Akhmedov ground for a takedown and was defended. Akhmedov landed some solid shots. Boetsch responded with a strong uppercut as a solid round for his opponent came to a close.

Round Two:

Boetsch looked more spry to start the second. Akhmedov countered with a low leg kick. All of the sudden, he landed a clean right hand that appeared to break Boetsch’s nose. Akhmedov followed with some shots and a front kick right on the nose. A counter right hand landed again, then he slammed some straight shots down the pipe to counter a kick from Boetsch. Akhmedov clinched against the fence and landed some knees to the body. A low blow halted the action and the final of the round wore down.

Round Three:

Boestch needed to pick it up in the third round. Akhmedov was calm and measured, not forcing the action. He opened up with a good two-punch combo and they exchanged. The action picked up as they threw some big shots. Boetsch was cut open as Akhmedov landed a hook. He followed with a combo and Boetsch did land one of this uppercuts. Herb Dean warned them to engage and Akhmedov scored with more shots. Boetsch was bloodied but resilient. He stalked Akhmedov and landed an uppercut in close. It was too little, too late, however, as Akhmedov ended the fight in the clinch.

Final Result: Omari Akhmedov def. Tim Boetsch via unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)