Unbeaten Contender Series featherweight Marwan Rahiki made his promotional debut at UFC Vegas 114, taking on fellow 145lb prospect Harry Hardwick.
While Australia’s Rahiki started the night with an unblemished record, Hardwick had dropped his UFC debut to Kauê Fernandes and was looking to bounce back.
The bell rang and Hardwick immediately checked a leg kick from Rahiki. Rahiki slipped while throwing another kick, allowing Hardwick to quickly jump on his back. Rahiki reacted well and broke free almost instantly without facing any real danger.
Back on the feet, Hardwick landed a stiff right hand as Rahiki continued working his kicks. Rahiki mixed in several nasty oblique kicks while Hardwick stayed composed, stabbing the body with jabs and crowding space with his punches. Hardwick then landed a heavy leg kick, prompting Rahiki to surge forward with a barrage of punches. Just as it looked like Rahiki might drop him, Hardwick fired back with a sharp counter that forced Rahiki to reset. It was an entertaining opening round filled with offense and very little defense from either man.
Round two began with Hardwick clipping Rahiki, only for Rahiki to immediately return the favor and hurt Hardwick. Hardwick leaned his head against the cage to regain his composure before firing back, but the momentum didn’t last long. Rahiki caught him with a left hand during an exchange that forced Hardwick backward. Sensing the moment, Rahiki went for the finish, ripping a series of punches to both the body and head. Remarkably, Hardwick absorbed the damage and fought back.
Rahiki then landed a spinning kick followed by a knee to the body. Hardwick caught the kick and attempted to wrestle, but Rahiki smartly turned into him and ended up on top. With only a little time remaining, Hardwick managed to push off and create space.
However, the fight was stopped between rounds after Hardwick was found to have suffered a broken jaw. A fantastic fight while it lasted.
Official Result: Marwan Rahiki def. Harry Hardwick by TKO (corner stoppage – broken jaw), Round 2, 5:00