Dustin Stoltzfus submits Abdul-Malik at UFC 330 in Round 2

Dustin Stoltzfus defeated Mansur Abdul-Malik by submission at UFC 330, forcing a tap with a rear-naked choke at 4:25 of the second round at Xfinity Mobile Arena. The victory brought an end to Stoltzfus’ two-fight losing streak and halted Abdul-Malik’s momentum.

Stoltzfus established control early in a demanding opening round. He outstruck Abdul-Malik and completed two takedowns, including one in the centre of the octagon. After taking the mount, he delivered sustained ground-and-pound and then tried to finish the fight with a rear-naked choke.

Abdul-Malik responded strongly at the start of Round 2, setting the pace and applying immediate pressure. He badly hurt Stoltzfus during the exchange, but Stoltzfus stayed in the contest by holding onto his opponent’s leg as he worked towards returning to his feet.

The 34-year-old changed the fight once he regained his footing. A powerful right hand stunned Abdul-Malik and nearly put him down. Stoltzfus then went for a guillotine, but when that attempt did not produce the finish, he returned to his striking and top control.

Hammerfists and further ground-and-pound weakened Abdul-Malik before Stoltzfus secured his decisive submission. He locked in the rear-naked choke and forced Abdul-Malik to tap at 4:25 of the second round.

The result gives Stoltzfus a recovery win after two consecutive defeats. It also ends the run of Abdul-Malik, who entered the bout carrying rising momentum but could not withstand Stoltzfus’ combination of takedowns, striking and submission work.