Nearly one year ago, Russian heavy-hitter Timofey Nastyukhin scored one of the biggest upsets in mixed martial arts history.
The 30-year-old Novokuznetsk native had his finest moment at ONE: A NEW ERA on 31 March 2019 in Tokyo, Japan.
As one of the quarterfinalists in the star-studded ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix, Nastyukhin faced off with American icon “The Underground King” Eddie Alvarez.
Alvarez had built his career competing in DREAM in Japan several years earlier, and the stage was set for an incredible homecoming.
Being the clear underdog, Nastyukhin had a point to prove in this momentous showdown, and it showed in his confidence.
“When I saw him face-to-face, I just felt that massive urge to jump into the cage and fight him,” Nastyukhin said.
“If you don’t expect to win, what’s the point of fighting at all?”
The Russian dynamo struck first, hurling a volley of jabs and hooks toward the four-time Lightweight World Champion.
Nastyukhin quickly settled into a rhythm and by the opening minute, he found success with his straight right.
His power stung the American athlete, who did his best to reply with punches and kicks of his own, but they did little to deter Nastyukhin’s advance.
As both men traded blows amid a crossfire, the Russian landed a thunderous punch that sent his American rival staggering back against the Circle Wall.
Sensing his opponent was in trouble, Nastyukhin leaped forward with another series of powerful blows – including a massive right hook that dropped Alvarez to the canvas.
Another string of follow-up shots had “The Underground King” covering up, forcing the referee to call the stoppage and award Nastyukhin the first-round TKO win.
“It’s my style. I love to finish fights in the first round by knockout,” Nastyukhin said to Mitch Chilson immediately after the match.
True to his word, the Russian ace authored the greatest win of his career against an American legend. It was a historic upset that will be talked about for years to come.
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