Dustin Jacoby certainly did not exit the Octagon unscathed on Saturday night.
‘The Hanyak’ was among those making the walk on the UFC Abu Dhabi undercard before Magomed Ankalaev beat Bogdan Guskov in the main event.
The former kickboxer, who once fought former two-division champion Alex Pereira inside the ring, was tasked with handing an undefeated prospect his first loss in the sport to hold on to his No. 11 ranking at 205 pounds.
Jacoby failed in that assignment — and in violent fashion.
- LATEST NEWS: New MMA champion crowned after scary head kick KO in promotion Alex Pereira and Jose Aldo fought in
After returning to winning ways at UFC Abu Dhabi, what’s next for Magomed Ankalaev? 🤔
The Dagestani former champion finished Bogdan Guskov in a lackluster main event 😴
Dustin Jacoby believes he broke his hand before being knocked out by Muhammad Saidov at UFC Abu Dhabi
Jacoby entered Saturday’s event at the Etihad Arena on his best run in the UFC since 2022.
The 38-year-old had won three straight fights via knockout, having finished Vitor Petrino, Bruno Lopes, and Julius Walker with strikes.
On July 25, ‘The Hanyak’ was the victim of such a finish, having been stopped by an onslaught of punches and knees from the highly touted Muhammad Saidov.
The light heavyweight prospect stopped Jacoby in round two, marking a perfect debut for the unbeaten Russian, who is now 10-0 in professional MMA.
In his first statement on social media, the defeated American suggested he likely suffered a broken arm early into the fight, which no doubt would have hampered his efforts in striking exchanges.
“Appreciate the support guys,” Jacoby wrote on Instagram.
“Caught my right arm early in the fight and think I may have broke it. Part of me is certain, the optimistic side is remaining hopeful.
“I hope I’m wrong,” he continued. “I’ll get x-rays first thing when I get back home.
“Sometimes you’re the hammer, sometimes you’re the nail, but I will always be The Man In The Arena!”
While Jacoby seeks medical attention for his likely injury, Saidov will be looking ahead to his next chance to impress inside the Octagon.
Before joining the UFC, ‘Kubik’ scored impressive victories under the banners of UAE Warriors and MMA Series.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Bloody Elbow content each week direct to your mailbox
