Kiwi-Zimbabwean Blood Diamond has suffered an inhospitable welcome to the Octagon, falling to a first-round submission defeat in his promotional debut against Jeremiah Wells at UFC 271.
Taken to the mat early, the two-time 'King in the Ring' champion showed plenty of heart to endure submission attempts from his much larger opponent, before he was eventually choked unconscious, refusing to tap out.
Wells executed his game plan to perfection, capitalising on Blood Diamond's relative grappling inexperience and denying him any opportunity to showcase his highly touted striking en route to his fourth-straight win.
The City Kickboxing product bolted out of the gate with a charging overhand right, but was immediately reeled into the clinch by his American opponent.
While the kickboxing convert's grappling defence held up well initially, Wells - a powerful wrestler - was eventually able to drag him to the mat and advance his position, spelling immediate danger for Blood Diamond.
Trying to survive until the end of the round, Blood Diamond defended valiantly, until Wells, despite not having optimal position, was able to muscle his way to a rear-naked choke and put the Kiwi - who refused to wave the white flag - to sleep.
The loss takes Blood Diamond's mixed martial arts record to 3-1.
Teammate Carlos Ulberg is also in action on Sunday's card, while Israel Adesanya defends his middleweight title against Robert Whittaker in the main event.
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