Agulali vs. Saikia: A 37-Second Knockout That Shook Road to UFC Season 4
On May 22, 2025, at the UFC Performance Institute in Shanghai, China, the Road to UFC Season 4 flyweight quarterfinal delivered a moment that left the MMA world buzzing. In a clash between two undefeated prospects, China’s Agulali faced off against India’s Mridul “Crusher” Saikia in a fight that ended almost as quickly as it began. The 37-second knockout not only showcased Agulali’s explosive power but also marked a historic moment for Indian MMA, despite the heartbreaking outcome for Saikia.
Mridul Saikia, a 26-year-old from Guwahati, Assam, entered the octagon as the first fighter from Northeast India to compete in the Road to UFC, a tournament designed to unearth Asia’s top MMA talents for UFC contracts. With an unblemished 8-0 record, including three knockouts and five submissions, Saikia had earned his nickname “Crusher” through a relentless finishing rate. His most recent victory, a guillotine choke submission over Himanshu Kaushik at Matrix Fight Night 15 in August 2024, solidified his status as South Asia’s top-ranked flyweight. Training out of Dojang MMA Studio under coach Manas Daimary, Saikia was seen as India’s best hope to join Anshul Jubli and Puja Tomar as the third active Indian fighter in the UFC.
His opponent, Agulali, a 20-year-old phenom from Chengdu, Sichuan, China, was equally formidable. Boasting a 12-1 record and riding a seven-fight win streak, Agulali had already made a name for himself in the Asian MMA scene with his devastating grappling and striking. Known for finishing fights early—six of his seven recent wins came in the first round—Agulali was a favorite to advance deep into the tournament. Representing Enbo Fight Team, he was ranked as China’s 13th-best flyweight and brought a reputation for relentless aggression.
The stage was set for an electrifying showdown: Saikia’s explosive striking and submission prowess against Agulali’s unforgiving ground attacks and knockout power. Fans and analysts anticipated a clash of titans, with Saikia aiming to make history and Agulali looking to cement his status as a rising star.
As the opening bell rang, Agulali wasted no time. The young Chinese fighter came out swinging, unleashing a flurry of strikes that caught Saikia off guard. Within seconds, Agulali’s aggression overwhelmed the Indian prospect. As Saikia attempted to clinch and slow the pace, Agulali disengaged and landed a blistering left hook that dropped Saikia against the cage. A brutal follow-up right hand sealed the deal, leaving Saikia unconscious in just 37 seconds of the first round.
The knockout was one of the most devastating of the Road to UFC Season 4 opening rounds, earning Agulali widespread praise. Social media erupted with reactions, with fans calling it a “demolition” and hailing Agulali as a favorite to win the entire flyweight tournament. The victory marked Agulali’s eighth consecutive win and eighth straight finish, solidifying his reputation as a terrifying force in the flyweight division.
For Saikia, the loss was a crushing blow. The undefeated streak that had defined his career came to an abrupt end, and with it, his immediate hopes of securing a UFC contract. The knockout was described as “scary” by outlets like Bloody Elbow, noting the brutal follow-up shot that left Saikia out cold. Despite concerns from some fans about a possible eye injury due to visible bleeding, no official reports confirmed any serious damage beyond standard post-fight medical care.
Agulali’s emphatic victory propelled him into the flyweight tournament semifinals, where he is set to face Mongolia’s Namsrai Batbayar on August 22, 2025, in Shanghai. Batbayar, who also secured a knockout win in the quarterfinals, promises to be a tough test, but Agulali’s performance against Saikia has made him a standout contender. At just 20 years old, his combination of youth, skill, and finishing instinct has drawn comparisons to some of the UFC’s brightest prospects.
For Saikia, the loss is a setback but not the end of his journey. The 26-year-old remains a pioneer for Indian MMA, particularly in the Northeast, where the sport is still gaining traction. Posts on X reflected the emotional weight of his defeat, with fans expressing both disappointment and pride in his historic appearance. One user, claiming to have trained under Saikia, called him a “rock” who inspires others to pursue MMA. Saikia is expected to return to the drawing board, likely competing in regional promotions like Matrix Fight Night to rebuild his momentum. With his talent and work ethic, another shot at the UFC remains within reach.
The Road to UFC tournament has become a critical platform for Asian fighters to break into the UFC, with 17 contracts awarded across its first three seasons. However, as noted by Bloody Elbow, few tournament winners have risen to prominence in the UFC, highlighting the steep challenge Saikia faced. His participation alone was a milestone, showcasing the growing presence of Indian fighters on the global stage. With only two active Indian UFC fighters—Anshul Jubli and Puja Tomar—Saikia’s journey underscores the potential for India to become a larger player in MMA.
Agulali’s win, meanwhile, reinforces China’s growing influence in the sport. The UFC Performance Institute in Shanghai, where the fight took place, symbolizes the organization’s investment in the region. The event’s broadcast on Sony Sports Ten 2 and UFC Fight Pass ensured that fans across Asia, including India, could witness the action live.
The Agulali vs. Saikia fight, though brief, was a microcosm of MMA’s unpredictability and brutality. For Agulali, it was a statement win that announced his arrival as a force to be reckoned with. For Saikia, it was a painful but valuable lesson on the road to greatness. As the Road to UFC Season 4 continues, Agulali’s star is rising, while Saikia’s story is far from over. Indian MMA fans will no doubt rally behind their “Crusher” as he prepares for his next chapter, while the MMA world keeps a close eye on Agulali’s path to potential UFC stardom.
