International spotlight –Four star 205lb prospect Jimi Manuwa remains unbeaten at UCMMA

One of the top pound for pound prospects in all of the UK was in action over the weekend, as undefeated Jimi Manuwa (8-0) put his light heavyweight belt on the line versus Reza Mahdavian (3-3) in the co-main event of a 10 fight bill from Ultimate Challenge MMA in London.

Manuwa is a rare big time athlete who possesses natural knockout power at his weight class. Stepping in the cage for his eighth professional fight, Manuwa has yet to be tested during his two year MMA stint.

Mahdavian, known for alternating wins and losses, looked to use the most of his shot against the fighter nicknamed "The Poster Boy".

In a fight contested nearly entirely on the feet, Mahdavian striking strategy came down to a search for the one big shot while Manuwa hung back and picked his spots. Halfway into the opening period Manuwa landed a punch that put Mahdavian on the mat. Two insurance strikes gave Manuwa the TKO victory at 3:19 of round one and his first win of 2010.

Six of Manuwa's eight wins have now come inside of the opening round. Manuwa sits at number 44 in the ULTMMA50 due to his striking skills and raw athleticism. The ULTMMA50 is a pound for pound listing of the top 50 unsigned prospects in MMA today.

Ultimate Challenge MMA
London England

Tom Dixon def. Daniel Shortman by Submission Triangle Choke 2:38 R1
Luke Newman def. Carl Kinslow by TKO (Punches) 2:09 R1
Andy Gooch def. Michael Brown by TKO (Punches) 4:47 R1
Colin French def. Jody Cottham by TKO (Punches) 3:51 R1
Lee Wieczorek def. Dean Bray by Submission North-South Choke 2:52 R1
Jamaine Facey def. Dyson Roberts by Submission Rear-Naked Choke 2:37 R2
Djo Lema def. Scott Jansen by Submission Armbar 3:05 R1
Paul Cahoon def. Earl Brown by TKO (Eye Injury) 5:00 R2
Jimi Manuwa def. Reza Mahdavian by TKO (Punches) 3:19 R1
Neil Grove vs. Stav Economou Declared A Draw (29-28, 28-29, 28-28)