This is the UFC 332 live blog for Roberto Soldic vs. Khaos Williams, the main card welterweight bout Saturday at Delta Center in Salt Lake City.
After a forgettable stint with ONE Championship, Soldic (21-4, 1 NC) makes his long-awaited UFC debut. Soldic was a force at 170 pounds during his run with KSW, winning the Polish promotion’s title twice and holding a knockout victory over future UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis. He also won a title at 185 pounds when he defeated KSW legend Mamed Khalidov in 2021. “Robocop” has finished 18 of his 21 wins by KO/TKO.
Williams (16-5) snapped a two-fight skid—the first losing streak of his career—this past May with a first-round knockout over Nikolay Veretennikov. He is 7-4 in the UFC and known for his durability, making him the perfect opponent to welcome Soldic to the octagon.
Check out the UFC 332 live blog for Roberto Soldic vs. Khaos Williams below.
Preamble
OK, make that SEVEN straight first-round finishes. Soldic is favored here, but Williams has never been finished via strikes before, so surely this is where the streak ends?
Round 1
Mike Beltran oversees this contest.
Williams doing a good job staying outside and attacking the front leg. Soldic biding his time, he has that left hand loaded. He lands a jab, but Williams lands a counter a split second later and knocks Soldic down. Fast recovery by Soldic, but Williams with the early lead on the scoreboard.
Williams with another good left hand. He’s the aggressor here, attacking with straight punches. Soldic tests Williams’ chin with a hard right. Oof, there’s another knockdown for Williams, and Soldic has to find a way to shake things up. Soldic with a takedown that draws boos from the crowd. He’s going to ride out the last minute of this round.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Williams.
Round 2
Nice counter right from Soldic to start the round. He tags Williams with a 1-2 combo, Williams needs to wake up this round. He’s throwing a lot of off-balance punches. Soldic with another sharp two-punch combo, then a head kick. Incredible chin shown by Williams. Soldic in control right now. He connects with another head kick. Soldic goes body-head, he’s landing everything this round.
Body shot hurts Williams, Soldic follows with a head shot. No knockdown yet, but he is battering Williams. Another combination has Williams on wobbly legs. They grapple and go to the mat, Soldic on top, landing punches, Williams fully in defense mode trying to tie Soldic up. More than enough time on the clock for Soldic to land more punches from top position. Williams had the knockdowns in Round 1, but I’d argue Soldic did even more damage in Round 2.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-8, Soldic. Overall, 19-18 Soldic.
Round 3
Soldic lands a hard left out the gate. Williams catching air with his counters now, it is not looking good. Two more straight punches from Soldic. He’s stalking Williams, who has slowed considerably since that strong opening round. Soldic marching forward and landing punches, he’s stringing shots together beautifully, if it weren’t for Williams’ iron chin this would be over.
Inside trip by Soldic and he’s on top in Williams’ guard with two minutes to go. Williams has to find a way out of this or Soldic will cruise to a decision win. Williams gives up his back now and this is only getting worse. Somehow, he finds a way to get the fight back to the feet, but he’s out of time.
MMA Fighting scores the round, 10-9 Soldic. Overall, 29-27 Soldic.
Official result: Roberto Soldic def. Khaos Williams via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27 x2)
Post-fight
Soldic says Williams took a lot of shots and that he’s “an amazing fighter.” He calls it a “good welcome” for him to the UFC.
He doesn’t have a callout, leaving his sophomore booking up to the matchmakers.
