Put “Honey Badger” on the big stage already.
Top Bantamweight prospect and UAE Warriors Bantamweight champion Asaf Chopurov scored a blistering 63-second knockout over former ONE Championship title challenger Reece McLaren in the main event of UAE Warriors 72 today (Thurs., July 23, 2026) inside Space42 Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
And it was nasty.
McLaren came out ultra aggressive, as usual, throwing combinations and chopping away with leg kicks. But Chopurov refused to give ground, matching
the pressure and waiting for his opening.
As McLaren blitzed forward with a combination, Chopurov sat down on a perfect overhand right counter that knocked him out cold. To make the finish even crazier, Chopurov caught McLaren’s kick as the former ONE title challenger went unconscious and crashed to the canvas.
Check out the finish below:
After the fight, Chopurov called for a massive matchup against former UFC fighter Muhammad Mokaev, and the promoter appeared to like the idea.
But honestly, it is not even necessary, as Chopurov needs to go straight to UFC.
The 24-year-old is one of the best — if not the best — Bantamweight prospects outside the promotion right now, and this was exactly the kind of performance that should get him on the radar immediately.
Chopurov is now 11-0, with all but one of his wins coming by finish. He owns five knockouts, five submissions and has already defended his UAE Warriors title three times.
Even more impressive?
In a rare feat on the regional scene, Chopurov has never fought an opponent with a losing record.
It is honestly astonishing that UFC did not sign him for UFC Baku last month, especially considering the promotion ended up bringing in three fighters for that card.
As for McLaren (19-10), the loss snapped his three-fight win streak. The longtime ONE Championship veteran was released from the promotion in Sept. 2025 after competing 17 times under its banner.
McLaren was supposed to be one of Chopurov’s toughest tests yet, and instead, “Honey Badger” made him another highlight.
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