Luke Riley delivered a statement to the rest of the featherweight division on his UFC debut as he produced a highlight-reel knockout to finish Austrian Bogdan Grad at UFC Qatar in Doha.
Former Cage Warriors star Riley had compiled an impressive 11-0 record on the European scene before eventually being offered a shot on the world stage with the UFC.
And with the Widnes-based, Liverpool-trained fighter determined to make a big impression on his Octagon debut, Riley produced a brilliant performance to finish Grad in the second round and show the world what he’s all about.
The Final Verdict: Luke Riley gives fans a glimpse of his ‘stand-and-bang’ fighting style
Riley thrives in the stand-up exchanges, and backs his striking skills against anybody he shares the cage with. And, as the action went into the second round, Riley loaded up on his shots and connected with a beautiful short left hook that spun Grad’s head around and sent the Austrian down the mat.
For a split second, it looked like Grad might have been KO’d by that shot, but he attempted to defend off his back after hitting the canvas. But Riley maintained his composure, picked his shots, and hammered Grad with some hard, accurate shots to eventually knock him out 30 seconds into the second round.
WHAT A DEBUT 😱 💥 #UFCQatar
How about that for a KO from @LukeRileyMMA?! pic.twitter.com/RbWwqsuU0G
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) November 22, 2025
Riley’s punch power on full display in UFC debut victory
Riley’s knockout of Grad took his tally of KO wins to nine from 12 career victories, and kicked off his UFC career with a highlight-reel finish.
It also showed his ability to adjust his approach and act on his corner advice, as he heeded the advice of coaches Paul Rimmer and Ellis Hampson, as well as that of his Next Generation teammate and UFC lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett, to eventually score the spectacular knockout win.
What’s next for Luke Riley?
Riley, who will have a tear-up with anyone at 145 pounds, is a matchmaker’s dream. And given that he didn’t seem to take any serious damage in the fight, it’s quite possible we see him make a relatively swift turnaround to fight early in 2026.
The UFC usually come to England in March for their annual show at The O2 Arena, and a spot on that card would make a lot of sense for Riley. And with the featherweight division arguably the most stacked in the UFC, there will be no shortage of exciting matchup possibilities for the UFC’s matchmakers to choose from.
🗣️ “UNBELIEVEABLE!” #UFCQatar@LukeRileyMMA reflects on THAT KO in his Octagon debut! pic.twitter.com/r9RoRxHwJe
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) November 22, 2025
UFC Qatar: Official results
MAIN CARD
- Arman Tsarukyan def. Dan Hooker via submission (arm-triangle choke) – Round 2, 3:34
- Ian Machado Garry def. Belal Muhammad via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
- Volkan Oezdemir def. Alonzo Menifield via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 1:27
- Myktbek Orolbai def. Jack Hermansson via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 2:46
- Waldo Cortes Acosta def. Shamil Gaziev knockout (punch) – Round 1, 1:22
- Kyoji Horiguchi def. Tagir Ulanbekov via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 2:18
PRELIMINARY CARD
- Luke Riley def. Bogdan Grad via knockout (punches) – Round 2, 0:30
- Nicolas Dalby def. Saygid Izagakhmaev via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
- Asu Almabayev def. Alex Perez via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 3, 0:22
- Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev def. Rafael Cerqueira via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 0:33
- Aleksandre Topuria def. Beksat Almakhan via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
- Ismail Naurdiev def. Ryan Loder via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 1:26
- Nurullo Aliev def. Shem Rock via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Denzel Freeman def. Marek Bujlo via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
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