After a four-year absence from MMA, Dylan Tuke returned to professional competition in 2022, having gone 2-2 since. Tuke, who has finished in five of his six victories, including three submissions, defeated Connor Hughes in July but dropped a decision to Jakub Kaszuba in September.

 

The 10-3 Yazid Chouchane also had a four-year layoff from MMA, returning in 2017 and sporting a 4-3 record since. A former lightweight tournament champion on the regional MMA scene, Chouchane has won three straight and four of his last five fights. He competed in a showcase bout when making his PFL Europe debut in September, defeating Henrique Madueira via unanimous decision.

 

Which lightweight fighter will make a statement on this big stage in Dublin?

 

Round 1

 

The two circling around the center of the SmartCage. Low kick from Chouchane is missed. A lot of lateral movement already from Tuke. Tuke continues to move out of the way, keeping his distance away from Chouchane. Chouchane goes in for a strike, but Tuke avoids it. A couple of kicks from Tuke. Low kick from Chouchane. High kick from Chouchane doesn’t connect. Chouchane manages to land with a couple of rights on the inside, getting Tuke off-balance a bit.

 

Low kick from Chouchane. Right hand lands for Tuke but he has to dodge Chouchane’s countershot. Tuke continuing to dance around the center. Low kick by Chouchane. Tuke with a high kick, followed by a front kick to the body. Low kick by Chouchane. Body kick by Tuke. Left hand by Chouchane. One-two by Tuke. High kick from Tuke, which Chouchane answers right away with a right hand.

 

Round 2

 

Chouchane came forward but Tuke continued with his lateral movement. Low kick from Chouchane. Right hand by Chouchane. And another as the two exchange. Tuke kicks to the body but falls back. Chouchane comes forward with pressure and takes Tuke down. Tuke works his way back to the feet, however, and Tuke scores his own takedown. Tuke trying to work his way to a choke. Tuke landing up top. Tuke manages to get to Chouchane’s back and locks in a body triangle as he searches for a choke! He gets the tap!

 

 

Another finish for Tuke as he celebrates in front of a native crowd!

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Dylan Tuke def. Yazid Chouchane via second-round submission (rear-naked choke, 2:36)