UFC debutant gets point deducted for a strictly illegal move despite denial - Find out everything

UFC Fight Night 220 was full of exciting moments and it all started with the very first bout on the fight card. In the opening fight of the night, Nurullo Aliev made his promotional debut against Rafael Alves in a lightweight bout.

The fight started on a controversial note as in the first round, Alves appealed to referee Mark Smith against Aliev allegedly biting him. 'Tajik Eagle' denied the accusation but Mark Smith went on to deduct a point from Aliev.

But in the end, it did not matter as the 23-year-old used his grappling prowess to dominate the Brazilian on the ground and despite a point deduction cruised to a majority decision victory. The three judges scored the contest 29-27, 29-27 and 28-28 in favor of Aliev. With an impressive win, 'Tajik Eagle' extended his undefeated MMA record to 9-0.

The 23-year-old enjoys a huge following in his home country of Tajikistan. Dana White shared a video of a stadium in Tajikistan, full of people who were there to support Aliev on his UFC debut:

"This is how many people showed up at a stadium in Tajikistan to watch UNDEFEATED Nurullo Aliev's first fight in the UFC. How BADA** is this?!?!"

"Hey guys, look at me now. My country, 10 million people, first fighter in the UFC. Tajikistan, look at me now."

Watch the post-fight octagon interview below:

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UFC Fight Night 220 ends with an impressive victory for Brendan Allen

After the original main event between Ryan Spann and Nikita Krylov was scrapped at the last moment, Brendan Allen and Andre Muniz got the opportunity to headline the card on February 25.

'All In' put on a special performance and submitted Muniz in the second round with a rear-naked choke.

Augusto Sakai broke his four-fight losing skid and returned to winning ways at UFC Fight Night 220. The Brazilian got the better of Don'Tale Mayes for the majority of the fight and cruised to a unanimous decision victory with 30-27 on the three scorecards.

After being on the sidelines for nearly four years, Tatiana Suarez made a triumphant return to the octagon. The 32-year-old submitted Montana De La Rosa with a guillotine choke in the second round.

Mike Malott and Yohan Lainesse opened up the main card in a welterweight clash. Malott got the better of Lainesse and submitted him with an arm-triangle choke in the first round.