Timofey Nastyukhin Shocks Eddie Alvarez, Notches First-Round TKO

Timofey Nastyukhin shocked the world at ONE: A NEW ERA on Sunday, 31 March.

In the last quarter-final bout of the ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix, he spoiled Eddie “The Underground King” Alvarez’s promotional debut at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan.

The Russian knockout artist lived up to his reputation, as he stopped the American legend via TKO in the first round.

Facing a four-time Lightweight Mixed Martial Arts World Champion, Nastyukhin showed no fear when the opening bell sounded.

The Russian quickly settled into his striking combinations. Time and time again, he found a home for his straight right hand.

Alvarez returned fire with a series of fast punches and a couple of kicks right up the middle, as he attempted to back his rival off from those powerful strikes.

Nothing was going to deter Nastyukhin, however.

The 29-year-old Pankration World Champion kept moving forward and walking Alvarez down with his potent striking attack.

It was during one of those massive exchanges when Nastyukhin tagged Alvarez with a glancing punch, which rattled the American and sent him teetering towards the cage.

He immediately seized the moment, knowing that “The Underground King” was in trouble.

Nastyukhin lunged forward with a huge barrage of punches, including another massive right hand that dropped Alvarez to the ground.

The Russian followed up with a couple more shots, which ultimately forced the referee to stop the contest at the 4:05 mark of round one.

Despite stepping into the contest as the underdog, Nastyukhin picked up the biggest win of his career and proved he is an elite lightweight.

“It’s my style. I love to finish fights in the first round by knockout,” he said to Mitch Chilson following the win.

With the victory, Nastyukhin improves his record to 13-4 and advances to the semi-finals of the ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix to face Lowen Tynanes.