Damon stayed heavy on top, pressing his shoulder into Malikin's jaw, making every inch of space a battle.
He worked methodically, his hips low, knees tight. This wasn't a scramble; it was a dismantling, brick by brick. But Malikin wasn't going quietly.
The Russian adjusted quickly, showing why he was a champion in two other divisions. He bridged hard, turning toward Damon, and slid his knee between them to create space.
Damon anticipated it, shifting his weight, but Malikin was already moving, snaking his left arm under Damon's far leg and attacking a deep half-guard sweep.
"Malikin's not just a power wrestler," one commentator warned. "This guy has a serious grappling pedigree."
Damon adjusted, but Malikin used the momentum to explode, tipping Damon sideways for just a moment.
Not enough to reverse completely, but enough to create space.
Malikin scrambled to his knees, his hands locking around Damon's waist in a tight body lock.
