Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev made good on some lopsided pre-fight odds when he won his UFC debut in just 33 seconds.
Taking place at Ali Bin Hamad al-Attiyah Arena in Doha, UFC Qatar marks the promotion’s first visit to Qatar and third-to-last event of 2025 before a pair of cards in December.
The night’s main event between Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker and co-main event featuring Belal Muhammad and Ian Machado Garry received plenty of attention for how those matchups will influence their respective decisions, but the card was also littered with fighters making their UFC debuts and saw Yakhyaev take on Raffael Cerqueira during the prelims.
Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev Makes History In UFC Debut
Undefeated in his professional MMA career, Yakhyaev earned an invitation to Dana White’s Contender Series after he won and defended the Ares FC light heavyweight title last year.
READ MORE: UFC Qatar free live stream results & highlights for Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dan Hooker
“Hunter” made absolutely sure he’d be offered a UFC contract when he stopped Alik Lorenz in just 30 seconds on DWCS, and that quick finish help build quite a bit of anticipation for his formal UFC debut in Qatar.
This one can be over QUICK! 💥
Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev vs @Raffael_UFC
[ #UFCQatar | LIVE NOW on the @ESPN app ] pic.twitter.com/md4NkrP26B
— UFC (@ufc) November 22, 2025
Yakhyaev found himself lined as the biggest favorite at UFC Qatar when he entered the cage to take on Cerqueira, and the 24-year-old proved that those lopsided odds were more than warranted when he blitzed his opponent right from the opening bell.
After initially dropping Cerqueira with strikes, Yakhyaev gave him no space to return to his feet and eventually locked up a rear naked choke that forced a tap just 33 seconds into the light heavyweight bout.
HE DGETS IT DONE IN UNDER A MINUTE 🚨
Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev wins his debut in impressive fashion!
[ #UFCQatar | LIVE NOW on the @ESPN app ] pic.twitter.com/2lVcZ0vodj
— UFC (@ufc) November 22, 2025
Cerqueira came into UFC Qatar with his back against the wall after dropping his first three UFC bouts. Prior to that, “The Lion” had put together a stellar 10-0 record that saw him finish all but one of the opponents he faced.
READ MORE: UFC Qatar fighter flattens opponent with sensational one-shot knockout
The Brazilian’s UFC run more than likely came to an end with a fourth-straight loss at UFC Qatar, but Yakhyaev firmly established himself as a rising light heavyweight talent with his sixth first-round finish out of eight pro victories.
A new record at LHW 🚨
Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev now holds the record for the fastest submission at 205lbs, at 33 seconds 👏
[ #UFCQatar | LIVE NOW on the @ESPN app ] pic.twitter.com/Qu3dJbezNr
— UFC (@ufc) November 22, 2025
More MMA Knockout News
• UFC Hall of Famer Clay Guida previews RAF debut, reflects on 22-year MMA career
• UFC reportedly kicks off new Paramount deal with banger first fight of 2026
• Islam Makhachev retakes UFC’s P4P crown from Ilia Topuria after UFC 322 masterclass
• UFC’s hottest knockout machine teases announcement for next fight
Stick with MMAKnockout for more FREE coverage of the UFC and MMA.
Follow MMAKnockout on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
