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Jordan Newman comes back from knockdown to score three en route to amazing first-round TKO

August 1, 2025 | Thomas Albano

Jordan Newman found plenty of success as a collegiate wrestler at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, becoming a 3-time NCAA Division III All-American and 2-time University Greco-Roman All-American while also winning a pair of national D-III titles. This marks Newman’s PFL debut after all of his pro career thus far has occurred in Bellator, going 7-0. Newman last fought at the Bellator Champions Series card in San Diego last year, defeating Imamshafi Aliev.

Eslam Abdelbaset was a longtime standout on the Egyptian MMA circuit and is one of the country’s most experienced international competitors. A former ADCC grappling silver medalist and a Brazilian jiu-jitsu brown belt, Abdelbaset is known for explosive finishes and a consistent output across three rounds. The two-time former regional middleweight champion fought in Bellator last September, losing to Mike Shipman.

Which of these two men will be victorious in this middleweight showcase bout?

Round 1

Newman comes in to start. Low kick from Newman. Right hand by Abdelbaset. A right hand drops Newman! Abdelbaset already on the back. He lands several shots with the left hand. Now with the right hand. Abdelbaset seems to be getting hooks in. He lands shots, trying to flatten Newman out. Abdelbaset gets to the back of Newman despite being against the fence. Newman is able to work himself off the fence and move into top position about two minutes into the round.

Huge shot from Eslam Abdelbaset.

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Newman looked to get to the back but rode too high. But he’s able to keep Abdelbaset down. Big right hand from Newman. Left knee to the body by Newman. High kick by Newman. Low kick by Newman. Newman with a left. Abdelbaset responds in kind. Both with a right. Right hand into a left by Newman, and Abdelbaset appears to have been hurt. Newman lands a knee that drops Abdelbaset! He swarms! Abdelbaset gets a hold of Newman and manages to survive. Newman knocks him down again! But Abdelbaset isn’t finished still! Another knockdown! Somehow, someway, Abdelbaset is not done, and he’s able to get out of the round!

Massive knee from Jordan Newman.

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Wait a minute. Between rounds, Abdelbaset is not listening to the referee’s command to stand up. Keith Petersen is warning…the fight is over! Abdelbaset has quit!