NORFOLK, Va. – Sean Brady beat Ismail Naurdiev with a unanimous decision Saturday to open the preliminary card at UFC on ESPN+ 27 in Norfolk, Va.
Take a look inside the fight with Brady, who stayed unbeaten with his fourth decision victory in his past five fights.
Result: Sean Brady def. Ismail Naurdiev via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Updated records: Brady (12-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC), Naurdiev (19-4 MMA, 2-2 UFC)
Key stat: Brady landed four takedowns and outstruck Naurdiev 78-34.
Brady on the fight’s key moment
“(The) strategy going in was definitely to use my grappling. I was trying to feel him out a bit at the beginning. He came out hot. I didn’t come out as fast as I wanted to and didn’t get the takedown. I knew he would start to slow down because he throws a lot of big, explosive stuff, so I knew I’d be able to take over in the second and third rounds and impose my grappling.”
Brady on showing more elements of his game
“When I fought Court McGee, I showed a lot more of my striking, so it was nice to show off my grappling a little bit more. I’m a way better grappler than I am a striker, and I’m a pretty good striker. I’m looking forward to improving and showing off new skills each time.”
Brady on what he wants next
“A couple hundred people drove down from Philly, so it was nice to hear that crowd so early on in the night. If the UFC wants to keep fighting me on the East Coast, I’ll bring crowds in all day long. I’d like a bigger name now. Court had a big name. Ismail didn’t have the biggest name, but he’s super tough. I’m ready to keep proving myself.”
To hear more from Brady, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.
