Former MMA Series fighter Shamil Gaziev scored an emphatic stoppage victory at UFC Fight Night 285 in Sacramento, California.

Gaziev faced American heavyweight Kennedy Nzechukwu, and the bout did not make it out of the opening round. Gaziev hurt Nzechukwu before finishing him by knockout inside the first five minutes.

The victory improved Gaziev’s professional MMA record to 15-3, while Nzechukwu suffered the eighth defeat of his career.

Before joining the UFC, Gaziev built his experience across several promotions, including events in Russia. The heavyweight also competed under the MMA Series banner before taking his career to the international stage.

Gaziev earned a UFC contract in 2023.