Video: This heavyweight's highlight-reel KO may only be topped by the referee's smooth stoppage

Undefeated Ali Isaev might be the next Russian heavyweight to break into the spotlight – but keep an eye on Russian referee Alexandr Sidorin, as well.

At this past weekend’s Fight Nights Global 90 event in Moscow, Isaev (4-0) took on fellow heavyweight Alexander Gladkov (10-3) in the night’s co-feature. While the two men were rather conservative for most of the opening stanza, that changed in the final two minutes of the frame, when Isaev unleashed a spinning wheel kick that landed flush on his opponent’s temple, sending him toppling to the canvas. Isaev followed to the floor with a barrage of punches that ended the fight at the 3:13 mark of the first round.

That’s when Sidorin sprung into action.

Rushing forward as duty beckoned, Sidorin planted his right foot just short of Gladkov’s downed torso, simultaneously putting his right arm under Isaev’s chin in an attempt to establish back control. From there, Sidorin launched into the air, brilliantly keeping his chest pressure on Isaev’s back and spinning into a modified referee’s position on the opposite side.

Spectacular.

Check out the video above to see the impressive finishes by both Isaev and Sidorin.

Fight Nights Global 90 results include:

Vladimir Mineev vs. Magomed Ismailov declared a split draw

Ali Isaev def. Alexander Gladkov viaknockout (spinning wheel kick, punches) – Round 1, 3:13

Ruslan Kolodko def. Maxim Shchekin via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 4:20

Mukhamed Eminov def. Vladimir Egoyan via majority decision

Bekhruz Zukhurov def. Ilya Kurzanov via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 4:15

Evgeniy Ignatiev def. Sharamazan Chupanov via unanimous decision

Maxim Butorin def. Maxim Panshin via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 1:27

Nariman Abbasov def. Mikhail Gogitidze via TKO (knee, punches) – Round 1, 2:24

Bakhachali Bakhachaliev def. Igor Zhirkov via unanimous decision

Nikita Baltabaev def. Grachik Engibaryan via submission (kneebar) – Round 1, 4:13

Kirill Kryukov def. Dmitry Morozov via TKO (knees) – Round 3, 1:35

Gadzhi Rabadanov def. Bekbolot Abdyldaev via unanimous decision

Karakhan Balakerimov def. Azubuike Okafor via TKO (slam, punches) – Round 1, 0:27

Safarbek Kurbonov def. Khamrokul Yusupov via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 2:13

For more on Fight Nights Global 90, check out the MMA Events section of the site.

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