Abdul Azim Badakhshi, an Afghan mixed martial arts fighter, returned to competition in spectacular fashion after a one-year absence from the cage, securing a swift and impressive victory. Badakhshi faced Belarusian fighter Artem Bolovchik at India’s IFL organization and submitted his opponent within the first 15 seconds of the opening round.
The bout was contested at 70 kilograms and marked Badakhshi’s 15th victory in his 20th professional fight. Prior to the bout, he had recorded 14 wins and five losses. His victory over Bolovchik brought his professional win total to 15.
Badakhshi’s return to the cage came amid some controversy during his recent stay in India. However, his quick victory in his first fight after a year away could mark a fresh start in the Afghan fighter’s professional career.
Artem Bolovchik, a 28-year-old Belarusian fighter, had competed in 19 professional bouts before this fight, recording nine wins and 10 losses. Following his defeat to Badakhshi, his number of professional losses increased to 11.
Badakhshi’s original opponent was scheduled to be Siewhir Huseimen, a 28-year-old Chinese fighter. However, the organizers changed his opponent shortly before the bout, with Artem Bolovchik replacing Huseimen.
Badakhshi is known as the “Knockout Man” because of the power of his strikes. Before this fight, he had secured 14 victories, 11 of them by knockout—accounting for nearly 79 percent of his total wins.
Badakhshi had also recorded two submission victories and one win by decision before this bout. By submitting Bolovchik in just 15 seconds, he secured his third submission victory.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
