UFC on ESPN 71 – Nick Klein vs Andrey Pulyaev – Full Fight Replay Available Today

Momentum shifts defined the middleweight meeting between Nick Klein and Andrey Pulyaev on August 2, 2025, at UFC on ESPN 71 in Las Vegas. Klein wasted no time asserting his wrestling, driving Pulyaev to the mat twice in the opening exchanges and quickly taking his back, where he hunted for a neck crank. The first few minutes showed clear intent from Klein to control every second of the round on the ground.

As the round went on, Pulyaev’s composure began to show. Even while under constant pressure, he managed to escape back to his feet and land a few clean punches, including a sharp left that momentarily forced Klein backward. Despite this resistance, Klein continued with his grappling-heavy strategy and ended the frame by completing yet another takedown.

In the second round, the fight’s momentum swung dramatically. Pulyaev adjusted his approach, creating space with kicks to slow Klein’s forward movement. When Klein’s entries became predictable, Pulyaev punished him with precise strikes to the body and legs, gradually wearing him down.

The turning point came just over a minute into round two when Pulyaev delivered a crushing body kick that folded Klein. Following him to the canvas, Pulyaev unleashed a relentless series of punches, forcing the referee to step in at 1:31 of the round for a TKO victory.

This comeback marked Pulyaev’s first win inside the UFC, a performance that showed poise and striking power after a rough start. Klein left the Octagon with clear positives in his grappling dominance early on but also with lessons to learn about dealing with an opponent who can adjust and strike with precision under pressure.