Absolute Championship Berkut (ACB) were in action again this evening as the Russian promotion took ACB 52: Another Level of MMA Fighting to the Hallmann Dome in Vienna, Austria.

The card underwent a lot of changes just 24-hours out after eight of the Russian fighters expected to fight were unable to get into Austria following visa issues. After a lot of last minute scrambling, the promotion was able to save the show and put on a ten-strong fight card that had no shortage of action.

Kincl finishes Agujev 

The card was headlined by local man Arbi Agujev taking on Patrik Kincl in a contest featuring two men looking to make their way into the welterweight title picture.

The crowd were heavily behind Agujev and they rose to their feet and sang out his name as the fighters touched gloves and the fight got underway. 

Round one was a close affair as neither man managed to dominate the stand up, the clinch or the ground action as they wrestled and struggled for supremacy.

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In round two things really livened up lot and it resulted in the finish. Agujev started well and stunned his man on the feet before nearly locking in a fight ending armbar. The Czech fighter somehow fought out the position though and managed to turn the tables by taking Agujev's back.

Agujev defended the rear-naked choke, but while doing so he let Kincl get into full mount and it was the beginning of the end. The Czech fighter poured on the ground and pound and landed several shots on Agujev who did what he could to parry the strikes. After several strikes landed, but Agujev still attempting to defend himself, Neil Hall the referee called the fight over much to the displeasure of the crowd. 

It was a touch and go decision, but the fight was done and Kincl was the winner. With four wins in a row we could well be seeing Kincl in an ACB welterweight title fight soon.

Andrysak demolishes Smoldarev in one round

 

In the co-main event, Michał Andryszak took on Esotnian Denis Smoldarev in heavyweight action.

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As it expected, this one didn't take long. Andryszak looked far more comfortable from the outset and used his boxing to push Smoldarev back against the cage. From there he unloaded a massive knee to send him to the canvas for the knockout win in the first round. It was short-lived, but impressive from Polish fighter who took his record to 18-6.

Noguiera gets the upset win over Nikaev

Third from the top, Brazilian Joaz Luiz Nogueira scored a huge upset when he defeated the previously undefeated Shamil Nikaev via a unanimous decision. 

Nogueira nearly finished the fight in the first round when he sunk in a dip guillotine choke that Nikaev only just managed to escape. 

The Belgian then fought back well to take round two himself, but in the third and decisive round it was Nogueira who managed to take his man down and dominate him from there as he looked for multiple different submissions. 
The crowd didn't like the decision, but it was clearly Nogueira's fight and he took all three scorecards 29-28.

Gjoka wins on just 24 hours notice

Opening up the card there was a sensational performance by Niko Gjoka from the U.K. who took his fight with Paulo Ridrigo De Sousa on just 24-hours notice. 

Gjoka got the call to fight as a last minute replacement when the issue with the Russian fighter's visa arose on Friday. Gjoka, who was eating dinner at the time, took the call and managed to make it Vienna in the morning getting to Austria barely 12-hours before the fight.  

Those thinking he was just turning up for a paycheck would've been sorely disappointed. He put on a fantastic display and using his boxing to get into range and then take his opponent down multiple times in every single round.
Unsurprisingly Gjoka got the nod 30-26 on all three scorecards cageside.

ACB 52 Full Results

Patrik Kincl def. Arbi Agujev via TKO (strikes), Round 2
Michał Andryszak def. Denis Smoldarev via KO (knee), Round 1
Joaz Luiz Nogueira def. Shamil Nikaev via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Nikola Dipchikov  def. Alexander Takacs via KO (knee), Round 1
Erhan Kartal def. Rebuenilton Pereira via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) 
Andrei Vasinca def. Ismail Naurdiev via KO (knee), Round 1
Matjaz Vicar def. Kahzmat Musaev via submission (armbar), Round 1
Malik Merad def. Cristian Mitrea via TKO (strikes), Round 1
D. Yagshimuradov def. Dan Konecke via TKO (strikes), Round 2
Niko Gjoka def. Paulo Ridrigo De Sousa via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)