UFC light heavyweight Ibo Aslan spoiled Raffael Cerqueira’s undefeated run with a 51-second knockout to wrap up the UFC 308 prelims.
Aslan added to a wild UFC 308 preliminary card with a 51-second knockout over Cerqueira to hand the talented Brazilian his first professional loss.
Aslan wasted no time blitzing Cerqueira with a flurry of punches in the opening seconds at UFC 308. After forcing Cerqueira against the fence, Aslan mauled Cerqueira with a barrage, eventually forcing the referee to step in and stop the fight.
Ibo Aslan steals undefeated prospect’s spotlight with brutal knockout at UFC 308
In case you missed the finish, check out the brutal closing sequence between Aslan and Cerqueira below.
Aslan will likely earn a post-fight performance bonus for his win over Cerqueira. The Dana White’s Contender Series alum is 2-0 since securing a UFC contract in 2023.
As for Cerqueira, his short-notice showcase fell short at UFC 308. He was originally scheduled for three separate bookings on DWCS on Sept. 10, before getting signed to the promotion after all three opponents withdrew.
Ibo Aslan demolishes Raffael Cerqueira for a statement win at UFC 308
Aslan cemented himself as a surging UFC light heavyweight with the 51-second finish over Cerqueira. Before UFC 308, Aslan knocked out fellow DWCS alum Anton Turkalj with an overhand right in March for a successful promotional debut.
Aslan earned the nod from UFC CEO Dana White by finishing Paulo Renato Jr. on DWCS last year. The former IFG light heavyweight champion has won six consecutive fights and is knocking on the door of the UFC light heavyweight Top 15.
Aslan’s quick knockout came after a pair of wild fights on the UFC 308 prelims. Former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos hurt his leg against Geoff Neal for his third consecutive loss in the Octagon
Heavyweight fan favorite Chris Barnett appeared to injure himself during his pre-fight intro just before a stoppage loss to Kennedy Nzechukwu.
As for Aslan, he moved to 14-1-0 in his professional MMA career and served one of the division’s top prospects a devastating knockout defeat.