Makhachev, Scoggins emerge victorious on UFC 187 prelims

Islam Makhachev def. Leo Kuntz via second-round rear-naked choke

Islam Makhachev is an absolute beast.

A training partner of lightweight buzzsaw Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev overwhelmed Leo Kuntz on Saturday night, dominating in the clinch and on the floor en route to a slick rear-naked choke victory.

Once on the mat, Makhachev stuck to Kuntz's back like glue, eventually sinking in a body triangle before softening him up with elbows and hammerfists, and securing a fight-ending rear-naked choke at 2:38 of the second stanza.

Justin Scoggins def. Josh Sampo via unanimous decision

Justin Scoggins' vaunted striking was on full display during the evening's curtain-jerker, easily outpointing Josh Sampo over 15 minutes en route to a lopsided unanimous decision.

Scoggins used his speed and technique to keep Sampo at range, punishing "The Gremlin" with an array of heavy kicks to the legs and body, while mixing in the occasional hook kick to the head.

Sampo flashed some meaningful offense midway through the third round, catching a Scoggins kick before taking top control and unleashing some decent ground-and-pound. Sampo wasn't able to control Scoggins for long, though, as Scoggins eventually worked his way back to his feet and finished the bout with a takedown of his own.