Umar Dzambekov continued his march toward the light heavyweight elite with a chilling second-round knockout over Artem Brusov at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, California.
The Los Angeles-based southpaw, trained by Marvin Somodio at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym, wasted no time asserting dominance in the main event of Tom Loeffler’s Hollywood Fight Nights on UFC Fight Pass.
From the opening bell, Dzambekov (13-0, 9 KOs) overwhelmed Brusov (13-2, 12 KOs) with crisp power shots, staggering the Floridian three times in the first round. The finish came in the second, when Dzambekov uncorked a vicious left uppercut that folded Brusov instantly. Referee Thomas Taylor waved off the contest before the bell, handing Dzambekov his most explosive win yet.
At just 27, Dzambekov’s combination of composure and menace continues to draw attention as one of 360 Promotions’ most exciting unbeaten forces in California’s power-packed light heavyweight scene. Discussing the immediate finish, Dzambekov said post-fight, “The knockout blow came as Brusov likely underestimated my power. The most dangerous punches are the ones you don’t see coming, and that was one of them.”
Daniel ‘Chucky’ Barrera outclasses veteran Mario Hernandez
In the super flyweight co-feature, Daniel “Chucky” Barrera (10-1-1, 4 KOs) turned in a career-best showing with a convincing eight-round unanimous decision over the durable Mario Hernandez (13-7-1, 4 KOs).
Barrera boxed beautifully behind sharp counters and intelligent movement, frustrating the Santa Ana fighter throughout. Judges scored it 80-72, 79-73, and 77-75 for the 23-year-old Eastvale talent, who continues to grow in confidence under the 360 Promotions banner.
Backed by loud home support, Barrera stayed poised and precise, dominating from range and leaving little doubt that his ceiling at 115 pounds is rising fast.
‘Sugar’ Cain Sandoval stops Rodrigo in the tenth round of a brutal slugfest
Cain Sandoval (17-0, 15 KOs) lived up to his “Sugar” nickname but added plenty of spice with a dramatic final-round stoppage of Filipino brawler Jino Rodrigo (13-6-2, 11 KOs) in a standout win.
Under the guidance of Hall of Famer Freddie Roach, the Sacramento native traded heavy artillery with Rodrigo through nine punishing rounds before sealing the win with a savage three-punch combination in round ten. Rodrigo hit the deck, and referee intervention followed at 2:30 of the final frame. At the time of the stoppage, Sandoval was ahead on all cards — 88-83 twice and 89-82 — capping another destructive performance from one of California’s most dangerous super lightweights.
Sandoval commented on the tough nature of the fight, saying, “Whatever you do best in the ring, I’m going to take away from you. He landed punches. I adjusted to them. That’s what real fighters do. That’s who I am.”
‘Right Hook’ Roxy Verduzco dominates Perla Lomeli
Unbeaten Los Angeles southpaw Roxy Verduzco (6-0, 1 KO) showcased her technical craft in an eight-round decision over Mexican veteran Perla Lomeli (7-6, 1 KO).
Verduzco, competing at junior featherweight for the first time, controlled the action with measured counterpunching and smart ring IQ. Judges returned tallies of 80-72 twice and 79-73 as the 23-year-old extended her unbeaten streak with ease.
Vazquez opens with a bang
In the night’s opener, Jonathan Vazquez (2-0, 1 KO) floored Antonio Ferrel (0-2) twice en route to a swift first-round stoppage in their featherweight bout. The Santa Maria native wasted no time making an impression as the crowd at Chumash Casino came alive early.
Loeffler Praises Sold-Out Chumash Show
Promoter Tom Loeffler praised the success of the latest Hollywood Fight Nights installment. “It was another great show at the beautiful Chumash Casino. This card, top to bottom, lived up to the billing,” Loeffler said. “We want to thank the fans for coming out for another sold-out show and everyone who tuned in to UFC Fight Pass.
“We are looking forward to building Chumash Casino as the destination for world-class boxing.”
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.