Boxing Results: Bohachuk Edges Butaev by Split Decision at 160

Serhii Bohachuk nicked a tight split over Radzhab Butaev in his first fight at middleweight, a result that exposes judging tension more than it elevates either man in the 160-pound order.

The co-main on Zuffa Boxing 02 at the UFC Apex stayed in close quarters for ten rounds and never found separation. Bohachuk arrived from 154 after repeated scale trouble and looked like a fighter still learning how his work translates upstairs. Butaev, the smaller former WBA welterweight belt holder, began sharper, countering between Bohachuk’s entries and digging the body early. Plenty of observers had him ahead through the opening stretch. Reasonably so.

Bohachuk’s adjustment came with volume, not leverage. He raised output in the middle rounds, strung combinations together, and leaned into exchanges that favored activity over impact. The judges split it 96-94 twice for Bohachuk, 96-94 the other way for Butaev. No knockdowns.

What the judges rewarded

Butaev landed more overall punches, particularly to the body, and did his cleaner work in short counters at close range. Bohachuk answered with steady pressure and longer combinations, especially after round four, which likely caught two cards. The tenth mirrored the rest. Busy, competitive, and unresolved.

This is where the skepticism belongs. When punch totals favor one side and round control favors the other, judges often side with the man coming forward. That is not a rule. It is a habit. Fans noticed. The noise online leaned toward Butaev, less because of outrage and more because the scoring felt familiar.

Where this leaves middleweight business

From a rankings angle, this result does not shove Bohachuk toward a title line. Alphabet politics at 160 are already crowded with mandatory obligations and network lanes tied to bigger names. Zuffa’s Paramount+ platform gives Bohachuk dates, not shortcuts. A split over a former welterweight does not demand placement. It asks for confirmation.

For Butaev, now 16-2, the setback is manageable but limiting. He remains marketable for ten-round fights, especially against movers who will stand with him. Title paths are unlikely without a change in promotional leverage. The belts are elsewhere and spoken for.

What happens next is practical. Bohachuk needs a second middleweight fight against a true 160-pounder who can punch at range. Someone who will not let him bank rounds on activity alone. If he cannot separate there, the division will read him as a durable volume fighter without leverage. Useful. Risky. Not feared.