Nicole Schafer vs. Mariya Agapova: Live round-by-round updates
Nicole Schafer will take on Mariya Agapova on Sept. 27 in a six-round featherweight bout as part of the Alycia Baumgardner vs Delfine Persoon undercard at Lux Studios, Atlanta. Schafer, hailing from Germany, returns to the ring looking to build on her unbeaten record. Meanwhile, Agapova, a well-known figure in MMA, will make her professional boxing debut.
Schafer last fought in September 2022, where she stopped Sabine Hempel in the first round. She also secured two early stoppages in her previous bouts, including a first-round TKO in her 2020 debut. She fought to a draw against the experienced Leonie Giebel in June 2022.
Mariya Agapova, an MMA standout with a background in striking, steps into the boxing ring for the first time to test her skills in a new sport. She holds a 10-5 record in MMA and has also competed in the UFC.
The fight can be streamed on Brinx.TV and Fubo Sports. The preliminary card of the event will start at 7 p.m. ET/ 4 P.M. ET. Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for live results and play-by-play coverage of the Alycia Baumgardner vs. Delfine Persoon fight:
Round 1
Schafer starts the fight taking center control and opening up with shots to the body. Schafer is getting low on the stance while Agapova is marinating a tall rangy stance. Left hand on the entry lands for Shcafer but Agapove counters with a short punch. A solid exchange from the fighters closes out an exciting first round.
Our Score: 10-9 Agapova
Round 2
Agapova tries to break Schafer's guard with short uppercuts and hooks. Schafer has approached the fight with a low dodging stance but Agapova is doing a good job of scoring with the jab. She lands a solid hook to the body to halt Shcafer's forward movement. A short check hook from Agapova to seal another round.
Our Score: 10-9 Agapova
Round 3
Agapova is opening up with the right uppercut. The former UFC fighter is scoring with the jabs now, turning the fight into a quintessential range battle. Schafer moves in with a body shot and a solid overhand right that catches Agapova's attention. A good left uppercut from Agapova to counter Schafer's forward movement.
Our Score: 10-9 Agapova
Round 4
Agapova lands a two-punch combination to set the tone of the round. A hard left hook from inside the range lands for Schafer. So far, Schafer's entries have been met with smart exits from Agapova. The Kazakh fighter lands multiple combinations while backtracking. She slips while engaging in a fiery exchange and the referee makes the right call.
Our Score: 10-9 Agapova
Round 5
Schafer opens the fifth round with a left hook-right cross combination to kick off the action. Agapova regroups from outside range, delivering sharp punches to maintain distance and deter her opponent. This bout has been fought at a relentless pace, with neither competitor showing any intention of easing up. Schafer narrowly misses with a left hand that could have shifted the momentum.
Our Score: 10-9 Schafer
Round 6
Agapova keeps Schafer at bay, peppering her with short punches while preserving her range. Schafer falls short with a left hand to the mid-section of her rival. Agapova counters effectively with a step-back hook. Schafer retaliates with a crisp left hook that halts Agapova's momentum. Both fighters finish the round with heated exchanges, neither willing to concede an inch.
Official Result: Mariya Agapova and Nicole Schafer settle for a unanimous draw (57-57 on all three judges scorecards)