Ukrainian fighter Amosov stuns UFC, submits Spanish opponent and grabs massive bonus (video)
Amosov vs. Alvarez (photo: instagram.com/ufc)
Ukrainian mixed martial artist Yaroslav Amosov earned his second consecutive victory in the sport's elite division. At UFC 328 in Newark, he gave Joel Alvarez, an experienced Spanish fighter, no chance.
Dominance, anaconda: Fight details
The welterweight bout, held on the night of May 10, was a true showcase for 32-year-old Amosov (30-1). Yaroslav took control from the opening moments, demonstrating total dominance over his opponent.
- First round: The round was marked by relentless pressure from the Ukrainian. Amosov constantly pressed the Spaniard against the cage and secured a takedown with his signature wrestling.
- Second-round finish: Alvarez attempted to be more active in striking exchanges, but Amosov was fully prepared for the stand-up exchanges. The decisive moment came with a powerful, high-amplitude throw, after which Amosov immediately locked in a tight anaconda choke. The Spaniard was forced to tap out.
Immediately after the referee stopped the fight, the Ukrainian celebrated his victory with an energetic breakdance in the center of the octagon, drawing enthusiastic cheers from the American crowd.
Cash bonus, championship ambitions
The Ukrainian fighter's performance impressed the promotion leadership so strongly that he was awarded Performance of the Night. Thus, in addition to his base purse, Yaroslav will receive an extra $100,000.
"That was a good fight, but I know I can do even better. I'm an MMA fighter: I can strike, I can wrestle, I can do everything. I want to fight those who are winning. That makes sense," Amosov said after the bout.
Yaroslav Amosov's bout poster (photo: instagram.com/ufc)
Who is Yaroslav Amosov
The 32-year-old Ukrainian is a sambo specialist and mixed martial artist competing in the welterweight division.
He is a three-time world champion in combat sambo, a two-time European champion, a Eurasian champion, a Cup of Europe winner, a multiple-time national and international tournament winner, and an Honored Master of Sports.
Since 2012, he has competed professionally in MMA. From 2018, he fought in the Bellator promotion, where he became the first Ukrainian champion in the organization, capturing the welterweight title in 2021. His winning streak reached 27 consecutive fights.
In November 2023, Amosov suffered his first career defeat against Jason Jackson from Jamaica. In September 2024, he announced the end of his collaboration with the organization.
In March 2025, Amosov returned after a break, defeating American Curtis Millender at Cage Fury Fighting Championships 140 in Philadelphia. This opened the door to a move to the UFC, the world's most prestigious MMA organization.
He made his UFC debut in December 2025, defeating Neil Magny in his first fight. His UFC record stands at two fights, two stoppage victories. His overall MMA record is 30 wins and 1 loss.
When Russia unleashed its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Amosov joined the territorial defense forces and took part in combat operations.
