Dennis Buzukja capped off an impressive performance with a statement finish for his first UFC victory.
On the prelims of UFC on ESPN 54 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J., Buzukja (12-4 MMA, 1-2 UFC) closed the show against the debuting Connor Matthews by landing a beautiful left hook on the temple.
The shot caused Matthews (7-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC) to fall to the canvas, and the follow-up punches from Buzukja led to a TKO stoppage at 0:22 of Round 3.
Check out video of the finish below (via X):
THAT LEFT HOOK WAS CLEAN FROM DENNIS BUZUKJA 😮💨 #UFCAtlanticCity pic.twitter.com/zSSAyV7hKJ
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 31, 2024
The third time was the charm for Buzukja, who dropped his first two UFC outings. His first win in the promotion will be one he won’t soon forget, as it came close to his hometown of Staten Island, N.Y.
Up-to-the-minute UFC on ESPN 54 results include:
- Dennis Buzukja def. Connor Matthews via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 0:22
- Ibo Aslan def. Anton Turkalj via TKO (punch) Round 3, 1:32
- Jacob Malkoun def. Andre Petroski via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 0:39
- Caolan Loughran def. Angel Pacheco via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 54.
