Rafael Aghayev dominated at Karate Combat 37, claiming the interim title in the process.
Aghayev bested Raymond Daniels in a meeting of legends, with the Olympian coming out on top.
Aghayev, an Olympic medalist but undersung in the western world due to his lack of English, is an icon to his legions of devoted fans around the world. They stayed true to their man, making for something of a karate civil war as Daniels’ fans argued with Aghayev’s fans about how the fight would play out.
Daniels’ best moment of the entire fight came in the dying seconds of the fifth and final round when a tired Aghayev left himself open for a flying knee. The shot landed well and it was astonishing Aghayev survived it.
The Azeri welterweight was felled but dragged Daniels down with him and managed to wrestle his way to his feet and finish the round.
With the win, Aghayev became the interim welterweight champion and will meet Josh Quayhagen to unify the titles in 2023.
Karate Combat 37: Full Results
Karate Combat Interim Welterweight Championship Bout
Rafael Aghayev def. Raymond Daniels via Unanimous Decision
Karate Combat Bantamweight Championship Bout
Eoghan Chelmiah def. Jesus Lopez via Split Decision, R5
Gabriel Varga def. Tommy Azouz via TKO (Punches) at 2:03 of Round 3
Samuel Ericsson def. Tarek Khelifi via TKO (Ankle Injury) at 1:25 of Round 3
Sasha Palatnikov def. Rob Buxton via TKO (Punches) at 2:39 of Round 1
Andres Madera def. Maciej Tercjak via TKO (Punches) at 1:30 of Round 3
Gabriel Stankunas def. Maximo Nunez via Unanimous Decision (R3)
Gabo Diaz def. Samy Ennkhaili via TKO (Shoulder Injury) at 1:22 of Round 3
