On Friday, Oct. 7, World Series of Fighting hosted its 33rd event from the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo.
The card was slated to be headlined by undefeated lightweight champion Justin Gaethje against challenger Ozzy Dugulubgov. However, Dugulubgov suffered an undisclosed illness and was removed from the event on fight day. Due to the last-minute change, no replacement was sought to challenge Gaethje.
As a result of the change, two-division champion David Branch was elevated to the main event as he aimed to defend his light heavyweight title against fellow UFC veteran Vinny Magalhaes. Branch, who also holds the promotion’s middleweight belt, has never tasted defeat in the WSOF cage. He extended his winning streak to eight with a decision win over Clifford Starks in April. The Brazilian Magalhaes had won four straight since his UFC exit, including two straight under the WSOF banner.
The action kicked off with a preliminary card stream live on Combat Press beginning at 8:30 p.m. ET, before transitioning to the NBC Sports Network at 11 p.m. ET for the five-fight main card.
Joao Zeferino def. Jason High by TKO (strikes). Round 3, 0:51
Brian Foster def. Luiz Firmino by submission (triangle choke). Round 1, 3:14
Abubakar Nurmagomedov def. John Howard by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Shawn Jordan def. Ashley Gooch by TKO (strikes). Round 1, 4:40
Timur Valiev def. Chris Gutierrez by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Bekbulat Magomedov def. Jesse Brock by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Abu Azaitar def. Michael Arrant by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Magomed Magomedkerimov def. Bobby Cooper by split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)
Bryce Mitchell def. Brandon Phillips by submission (triangle choke). Round 2, 3:14