UFC Abu Dhabi: First Round Management’s Bryce Mitchell and Asu Zulfikar Dominate

At UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. de Ridder, hosted at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on July 26, 2025, First Round Management proudly cheered on two of its standout clients, Bryce Mitchell and Asu Almabayev, who both delivered unforgettable performances on the same card.

Bryce Mitchell: Making Big Waves in His Bantamweight Debut

Bryce Mitchell stepped into the Octagon for the first time at 135 lbs, marking a bold return to his bantamweight roots after competing at featherweight most recently. Despite a rocky start, Mitchell was rocked early by a knee that dropped him in round one, he displayed his trademark grit and wrestling prowess to seize control in rounds two and three  .

He twice locked in potential submissions and secured top control throughout the later rounds. By fight’s end, all three judges scored it 29‑28 in his favor, sealing a unanimous decision win over Said Nurmagomedov. Mitchell called it “honestly the hardest fight ever,” but also one that reestablished him in a division where he can be a serious contender  .

For First Round Management, this performance stands out, not only as a comeback but a statement win. His wrestling dominance and ability to weather adversity showcase the champion mindset we represent.

Asu Almabayev: Rising Through the Flyweight Rankings

Asu Almabayev put on a masterclass at flyweight against Jose Ochoa. Over three rounds, Zulfikar outgrappled and outcontrolled his late-notice opponent, earning a clear-cut unanimous decision, with two judges scoring it 30‑27 and one at 29‑28  .

With this win, Almabayev positions himself as a legitimate top‑10 contender in the 125lb division. Analysts are already discussing potential matchups against former title challengers like Kai Kara‑France in what would be a stylistic clash well suited to showcase Asu’s grappling heavy game plan.

First Round Management sees this victory not just as another win, but as a strategic pivot toward bigger fights, titles, and recognition.

At First Round Management, we’re proud to guide fighters who don’t just win, they overcome, adapt, and rise. Bryce and Asu embodied that spirit in Abu Dhabi. Their wins are more than personal victories. They represent the momentum of careers built on strategic choices, relentless training, and a refusal to back down.

We congratulate Bryce Mitchell and AsuAlmabayev on their wins, and we’re already mapping the next steps to help them capitalize on this moment.