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Shane Young’s return to the Octagon at UFC 253 was a fight to forget for the Kiwi featherweight.
The first of four Kiwis in action at Fight Island in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, Young was knocked out in just over a minute in the first round by Slovakian Ludovit Klein.
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Ludovit Klein kicks Shane Young during their clash at UFC 253 in Abu Dhabi.
Young (13-5) was making his first appearance in more than 18 months and was forced to prepare for a new opponent shortly after Nate Landwehr retired last week.
Klein (17-2), who stepped in to make his UFC debut after building a seven-game winning streak, lost the weight by 4 pounds (1.8 kg) but the fight went ahead and the 25-year-old proved he’s one. for watch.
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After a brief period of sensation, Klein exploded with a big kick to the head followed by an uppercut that knocked Young’s head back and sent him crashing to the canvas.
The referee quickly stepped in to stop the fight after 1 minute 16 seconds to leave Young with a 2-2 record in the UFC.
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Ludovit Klein celebrates his first round win over Shane Young.
UFC 253 is spearheaded by Nigerian-Kiwi star Israel Adesanya’s defense of the middleweight title against Brazilian Paulo Costa.
Adesanya and Young’s City Kickboxing teammates are also on the card, with flyweight Kai Kara-France against Brandon Royval and lightweight Brad Riddell against Alex Da Silva.
