UFC Vegas 49: Fight winner wants his prize crocs from Belal Muhammad

Benny A. King

In a stellar performance, Ramiz Brahimaj got the first submission of the night.

Brahimaj walked out of the octagon wearing his country’s flag – Kosovo. This is particularly controversial considering that Kosovo’s status is unclear. It’s especially interesting in light of Zimbabwe competitor being denied the right to walk out with his flag during UFC 271.

Fellow fighter Edmen Shahbazyan was punished for displaying an ‘illegal regime flag’ at UFC Vegas 5. Shahbazyan walked into the octagon with the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic flag before his fight with Derek Brunson, which upset the government of Azerbaijan.

Fans were left wondering if the UFC is being fair in the way they allow fighters to display their nationality.

In the very first round, Brahimaj showcased slick BJJ as he put pressure on his opponent Michael Gilmore.

Gilmore was able to fight off the first submission attempt, but seconds later succumbed to a deep rear-naked choke which awarded Brahimaj victorious.

During the post-fight interview, Brahimaj jokingly demanded his teammate Belal Muhammed to answer where “his crocs” were.

“I wanna know where my crocs are, and where Paul Felder’s Persian rug is?” said Brahimaj while pointing at Belal Muhammed.