There was nothing lazy about Abdoul Abdouraguimov’s performance at Ares Fighting Championship 3.
The “Lazy King” entered the main event of ARES FC 3 with the goal of becoming the promotion’s welterweight champion, but standing in his way was 11-fight UFC veteran Godofredo Pepey, who was making his debut with the promotion. Abdouraguimov (14-1) wasted little time taking care of business, flexing his black belt BJJ skills in a wild scramble that led to a first-round submission finish.
Pepey (14-7), a BJJ black belt himself, started the finishing sequence from his back by going for a triangle choke that he transitioned into an omoplata attempt. Abdouraguimov rolled through and found himself on Pepey’s back, but in an inverted position. Pepey grabbed the fence to try to stabilize himself which prompted the referee to remove his hand as Abdouraguimov continued to adjust his positioning.
Seconds later, the inverted triangle was locked in, but “Lazy King” isolated an arm too, and cranked on the limb while he squeezed the choke with his legs. Naturally, Pepey had no choice but to tap.
Check out video of the finish below (via Twitter):
IT’S OVER 🔥🤩
The @LazyKingMMA finishes the fight in the first round by submission!
Too easy! 💥#ARES3 pic.twitter.com/XXYF0YLEqY— ares_fighting (@ares_fighting) February 3, 2022
If the finish wasn’t spectacular enough, Abdouraguimov added another touch of flair to the moment with his celebration. Sticking with the inverted moves, he hopped on the cage, and then hung upside down and posed with his arms crossed. He wasn’t done yet, though, as he followed that up with a back handspring and a quick shadowbox shuffle.
Good Vibes 🦥✨@LazyKingMMA 🤸🏻#ARES3 pic.twitter.com/vD08KLtYCA
— ares_fighting (@ares_fighting) February 3, 2022
The 26-year-old Russian dazzled the fans in attendance at the Le Dome de Paris in France, making his crowning moment a memorable one. The new ARES welterweight champion made it four straight first-round finishes, all of which came by submission.
THE LAZY KING IS CROWNED! 👑🤴@LazyKingMMA #ARES3 pic.twitter.com/jJ5NdKckt8
— ares_fighting (@ares_fighting) February 3, 2022
