Abdul Hussein delivered in his Octagon debut earlier today (Sat., July 25, 2026) at UFC Abu Dhabi LIVE on Paramount+ from inside Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE, stopping bantamweight veteran Cody Gibson with a late third-round submission (arm-triangle choke).
Gibson was filling in on short notice and a sizeable underdog according to the pre-fight odds, but that didn’t stop the 38-year-old from grabbing an early takedown. From there, Gibson surprised Hussein with countless submission attempts and top pressure. Hussein was able to defend, but it was a tremendous way for Gibson to start the fight.
Gibson’s luck ran out in the second as Hussein was able to score a big knockdown and controlled most of the round from the top. Hussein tried to finish Gibson with multiple submission attempts, but Gibson was able to defend nicely. However, Gibson’s gas tank was completely depleted and even told his corner before the third round that he had “nothing left.”
The third round was all Hussein as he unloaded countless strikes along the cage before securing another takedown and working towards a finish. Hussein eventually found a chance to lock up a tight arm-triangle choke and put Gibson in a position to tap. Gibson took it and the fight was over.
Check out the video highlights below:
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