Ramiz Brahimaj Delivers Stunning Upset Over Austin Vanderford at UFC 320
The bright lights of Las Vegas have witnessed countless upsets, but on October 4, 2025, UFC 320 added another chapter to its storied history. Austin Vanderford, a fighter with a reputation for relentless wrestling and a track record as a Bellator title challenger, was expected to assert his dominance against Ramiz Brahimaj. Yet, the script was torn up in spectacular fashion.
From the moment the cage door closed, it was clear both men understood what was at stake. Vanderford, husband of former UFC star Paige VanZant, entered the octagon with a renewed sense of purpose, seeking to solidify his UFC career after a successful debut earlier in the year against Nikolay Veretennikov. Opposite him stood Brahimaj, a perennial underdog but a man growing ever more comfortable with that label—and, perhaps, even thriving on it (MMA News).
Vanderford Controls Early, Brahimaj Answers Back
The first round saw Vanderford employ his trademark wrestling. He circled cautiously, testing Brahimaj’s reactions before unleashing a sharp jab and a lightning-fast head kick that signaled his intent. When the fight hit the mat, Vanderford pressed the advantage: isolating an arm, landing a damaging elbow, and maintaining top control. The early going seemed to confirm oddsmakers’ predictions. For five minutes, it was all Vanderford—standing, grappling, controlling the pace (Cageside Press).
But fights can turn in an instant. As the second round began, Brahimaj emerged with a new sense of urgency. He fired a lead leg head kick that stumbled Vanderford, catching the favorite off guard. The crowd, sensing the shift in momentum, roared. Vanderford responded as wrestlers often do—by shooting for a takedown. He managed to drag Brahimaj back to the canvas, but this time, the roles reversed.
Guillotine Choke Secures the Victory
With blood trickling from a cut on his head, Vanderford found himself trapped in Brahimaj’s guillotine choke. The grip was tight, the pressure relentless. Vanderford fought to escape, but Brahimaj squeezed with surgical precision. At 2:24 of round two, the tap came—ending Vanderford’s night and marking Brahimaj’s twelfth professional win by submission (MMA Fighting).
The finish was more than a technical showcase. It was a statement. Brahimaj’s third consecutive win, all as the underdog, all by stoppage. The victory not only handed Vanderford his first UFC loss but also likely earned Brahimaj another Performance of the Night bonus. In the words of commentator Drake Riggs, “Brahimaj scores the sub and absolutely slices Vanderford with a brutal head kick in the process. Didn’t see that coming.” (MMA Junkie)
Social Media Erupts: Fighters and Fans React
In the aftermath, the MMA world lit up with reactions. Henry Cejudo urged, “Put some respect on his name!!!” while Belal Muhammad praised Brahimaj’s unique guillotine. Terrance McKinney lauded the combination leading to the submission, and Billy Goff, another fighter, joked about his own experience: “So I ain’t the only one it’s happened to? I still want that rematch back.” The sentiment was clear—Brahimaj had arrived, and the underdog narrative was wearing thin.
Even oddsmakers were called out for their misjudgment, with fans noting the +240 odds on Brahimaj as “easy money.” The underdog keeps barking, as one commentator put it. The win extended Brahimaj’s streak to three, each time overcoming expectations.
Vanderford’s Career at a Crossroads
For Austin Vanderford, the loss was more than a setback. After challenging Gegard Mousasi for the Bellator middleweight title in 2022, Vanderford transitioned to UFC with high hopes. His debut win in Seattle showed promise, but since then, his record has slipped to 2-3. The defeat to Brahimaj raises questions about his future trajectory and whether he can recapture the momentum that once carried him to title contention.
Vanderford remains a formidable grappler, but on this night, his strengths were neutralized. Brahimaj’s resilience and finishing instincts proved decisive, highlighting the fine margins that separate victory from defeat in elite MMA. As the dust settles, Vanderford will need to regroup and reassess—because in a sport as unforgiving as mixed martial arts, the next opportunity can be as elusive as it is sudden.
Brahimaj’s Rise: No Longer the Underdog?
For Ramiz Brahimaj, UFC 320 may mark a turning point. Once written off by oddsmakers and overlooked by casual fans, he’s now on a three-fight winning streak, all delivered with style and tenacity. His ability to finish fights under pressure, particularly against seasoned opponents like Vanderford, is earning him respect across the MMA landscape.
As fighters and fans alike rally behind him, Brahimaj’s journey embodies the unpredictability and drama that define the sport. The underdog narrative, once a source of motivation, is now becoming a reputation for grit and skill. The question now is: how far can Brahimaj go when the odds begin to favor him?
This fight illustrated the razor-thin margins of high-level MMA, where momentum can swing on a single kick or a perfectly timed submission. Brahimaj’s victory over Vanderford was more than an upset; it was a testament to the power of perseverance and the ability of fighters to redefine expectations with each performance.