Robert Whittaker (1.62) vs. Ikram Aliskerov (2.30)
Whittaker is 16-5 in UFC, 25-7 overall. Last 5: W-L-W-L-W
Aliskerov is 2-0 in UFC, 15-1 overall. Last 5: W-W-W-W-W
Whittaker (33) looked off in a loss to the new MW Champion Dricus Du Plessis (KO) at UFC 290 but rebounded well against Paulo Costa (decision) at UFC 298. 1-1 in 2022, failing to win back the MW title from Israel Adesanya (decision) in a competitive contest at UFC 271 before a comfortable 30-27 win over Marvin Vettori. Beat three MW contenders to earn that rematch with wins against Kelvin Gastelum (decision), Jared Cannonier (decision) and Darren Till (decision). Lost his title against Adesanya (KO) at UFC 243, a belt that he won at UFC 213 when he showed tremendous heart to take over in the second half of the fight against Yoel Romero (decision) to win the vacant strap. Pushed to the limit in the Romero rematch at UFC 225, this time surviving a late rally (decision) to pick up what turned out to be his lone successful title defence. Had a rough time of it prior to losing his title, suffering injuries (that forced him to withdraw from a scheduled MW title fight with Gastelum at UFC 234) and personal issues that saw him fight only once in 2018 and 2019. A force since moving up to MW (13-3) with other wins over Jacare (KO), Derek Brunson (KO), Clint Hester (KO), Brad Tavares (KO), Uriah Hall (decision) and Rafael Natal (decision). Winner of TUF Smashes at WW (beating Brad Scott by decision in the final), overall 3-2 in that weight class with losses to Stephen Thompson (KO) and Court McGee (decision). Excellent boxer and a powerful striker, owns a particularly vicious left hook. Very tough, multiple times he has proven he can weather early storms and come back (good chin and cardio). 11/25 wins by decision, hasn't finished anyone since 2017. Fights out of PMA Super Martial Arts in Australia.
Aliskerov (31) was set to compete on last week's card against Antoni Trocoli but got moved into this main event after the late withdrawal of Khamzat Chimaev had the UFC scrambling to find a replacement. He got his UFC career off to a great start in 2023 with first round KO finishes of Phil Hawes and Warlley Alves at UFC 288 and UFC 294 respectively. One of the most decorated fighters to be involved on the 2022 edition of Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series, earning a contract with a dominant first round submission of Mario Sousa (19-4-1). The Russian owns regional wins over UFC veterans Nah-Shon Burrell (decision) and Denis Tiuliulin (submission), while his only professional loss came against Khamzat Chimaev (KO) during an 8-1 run with Brave FC that saw him pick up other wins over Miro Jurkovic (11-5), Geraldo Neto (18-7) and Chad Hanekom (9-3). Combat Sambo background. 11/15 wins inside the distance (6 KO, 5 SUB). Trains at KHK MMA Team. Has never seen the championship rounds in his career to date.
High risk low reward fight for Whittaker. I've got a sneaky suspicion Aliskerov is live for an early finish although if it is a longer fight then Whittaker has a lot of experience fighting for 25 minutes.
Prediction: Whittaker by decision.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Sergei Pavlovich (1.40) vs. Alexander Volkov (3.00)
Pavlovich is 6-2 in UFC, 18-2 overall. Last 5: W-W-W-W-L
Volkov is 11-4 in UFC, 37-10 overall. Last 5: W-L-W-W-W
Pavlovich (32) will look to rebound from the disappointment of losing his interim HW title shot against Tom Aspinall via first round KO at UFC 295. He put himself in a position for that opportunity when he bulldozed through Curtis Blaydes (KO) in the first round of his first UFC main event in April last year. Completed an incredible 2022 with his third consecutive first round KO, walking through a durable opponent in Tai Tuivasa in just 54 seconds. Had already added a big name to his resume earlier in the year when he used a similar fast-start game-plan to blitz Derrick Lewis in 55 seconds at UFC 277, albeit there were some who claimed it was a premature stoppage. Finally returned to the Octagon in March 2022 after more than two years inactivity due to a combination of injuries and visa issues, finishing Shamil Abdurakhimov (KO) with strikes towards the end of the first round. Before the hiatus he had started to look like the HW prospect we saw tearing through the Russian scene in dominant first round finishes of Marcelo Golm (KO) and Maurice Greene (KO) in 2019. Disappointed in his UFC debut; it was a very tough assignment against Alistair Overeem and the gap in experience showed as he was taken down and ground and pounded for a first round KO loss. Prior to arriving in the UFC he fought most of his pro career in Fight Nights Global, going 11-0 after debuting in MMA at the end of 2014. Notable career wins over Chaban Ka (8-5-2), Alexei Kudin (26-12-2), Mikhail Mokhnatkin (15-6-2) and Kirill Sidelnikov (14-7). 15/18 wins by KO with all of those coming in the first round. Trains at Eagles MMA but has previously spent time at American Kickboxing Academy. Strong, fast and athletic HW with a massive reach (84 inches). Prefers to strike and has a Greco-Roman wrestling background to help keep fights standing.
Volkov (35) is on a three fight win streak after going into enemy territory to defeat Tai Tuivasa (submission) at UFC 293. He went 2-0 last year having earlier picked up a dominant first round finish of Alexander Romanov (KO). Had contrasting fortunes in a pair of 2022 main events, getting comprehensively beaten by Tom Aspinall (submission) in March before returning to pick up his own dominant win over Jairzinho Rozenstruik (KO). 2-1 in 2021, losing a title shot eliminator against Ciryl Gane (decision) in between victories against Marcin Tybura (decision) and Alistair Overeem (KO). Has struggled when facing the very top of the food chain with other losses in the last six years against Curtis Blaydes (decision) and Derek Lewis (KO), other wins over that period against Walt Harris (KO), Greg Hardy (decision) and Fabricio Werdum (KO). Started his UFC career with four consecutive wins having enjoyed other successes against Stefan Struve (KO), Timothy Johnson (decision) and Roy Nelson (decision). Former Bellator HW Champion and two-time Grand Prix winner, holding a 6-3 record in that organisation with the highlight being a submission of Blagoi Ivanov. Lost the Bellator HW title to Vitali Minakov (KO), other losses in that organisation against Cheick Kongo (decision) and Tony Johnson (18-8-2). Very experienced on the Russian MMA circuit with wins over Atilla Vegh (33-10-2), Denis Smoldarev (18-12) and Denis Goltsov (34-8) - 10-3 in M-1 over two spells. A very long, lean HW standing at 6'7 - although he has packed quite a bit of muscle on his frame in recent years. 24/37 wins by KO; despite not really possessing true one punch power, his volume and the range on his kicks allow him to finish opponents. Trains at Strela Team.
Tough one to call - I think it's reasonable to assume these two will have sparred each other and will known each others game well. Pavlovich will be live for an early blitz but things get interesting if Volkov is still there at the start of round two.
Prediction: Volkov by decision.
------------------------------------------------------------
Johnny Walker (1.90) vs. Volkan Oezdemir (1.90)
Walker is 7-5-1 in UFC, 21-8-1 overall. Last 5: W-W-W-NC-L
Oezdemir is 7-6 in UFC, 19-7 overall. Last 5: L-L-W-L-W
Walker (32) is 0-3 in UFC main event following defeat to Magomed Ankalaev (KO) in January, which was a rematch of their original UFC 294 contest that was ruled a no contest due to an accidental illegal knee. Before that he had been building a head of steam with three consecutive wins in a row - the last of those over Anthony Smith (decision). The streak began with back-to-back first round finishes of Ion Cutelaba (submission) and Paul Craig (KO). It was a good rebound from a rough period that saw him lose four of five including setbacks in his first two UFC main events against Thiago Santos (decision) and Jamahal Hill (KO). Other losses in that bad patch against Corey Anderson (KO) and Nikita Krylov (decision) - the only win in that bad run came over Ryan Spann (KO) and he had to come back from nearly getting finished in that contest as well. Made a brilliant start to his UFC career, finishing his first three wins in a combined 170 seconds - in his UFC debut he softened up Khalil Rountree in the Thai clinch before sealing the deal with a brutal elbow before following that with other fast victories over Justin Ledet (KO) and Misha Cirkunov (KO). Gained entry to the UFC with a unanimous decision win over UFC veteran Henrique da Silva in the Brazil edition of Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series. Notable regional wins over Cheick Kone (18-12) and Stuart Austin (18-8). 19/21 wins inside the distance (16 KO). Three other pro losses against UFC veterans Wagner Prado (KO) and Klidson Abreu (submission), as well as Henrique Silva Lopes (5-2). Known for a reckless offensive style, although we saw him adopt a new more conservative approach during a period where he trained at TriStar. Very tall, lanky LHW at 6'5.
Oezdemir (34) is coming off a first round win over the debuting Bogdan Guskov (KO) - a win that looks better in hindsight after Guskov KO'd his next two opponents. He split a pair of fights in 2022, beating Paul Craig (decision) in July before going on to lose to Nikita Krylov (decision) at UFC 280. The Craig win snapped a two-fight losing streak that saw him come up short against former UFC LHW Champion Jiri Prochazka (KO) and top contender Magomed Ankalaev (decision). Experienced a fast rise after arriving in the UFC at the beginning of 2017, earning a title shot after showcasing his scary power in fast KO wins over Jimi Manuwa and Misha Cirkunov and a successful short notice UFC debut against Ovince St.Preux (decision). Majorly outclassed by Daniel Cormier (KO) in the title fight, which was then followed by further losses against Anthony Smith (submission) and Dominick Reyes (decision) - albeit the last one was a decision that could easily have been scored in his direction. Other UFC wins over Alexander Rakic (decision) and Ilir Latifi (KO). 13/19 wins by KO, hurts opponents with shots that don't look like they have much steam behind them. Had a brief 1-1 spell with Bellator in 2013-14, looking very ordinary in a submission loss against Kelly Anundson (9-3). Owns a good career win over Russian HW Alikhan Vakhaev (13-3). Previously training at Hard Knocks 365 but now affiliated with Swiss gym Fight Move Academy.
Walker is hittable and that's going to be dangerous against a power puncher like Oezdemir.
Prediction: Oezdemir by KO in round 1.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Kelvin Gastelum (1.44) vs. Daniel Rodriguez (2.87)
Gastelum is 12-9-1 in UFC, 18-9-1 overall. Last 5: W-L-L-W-L
Rodriguez is 7-3 in UFC, 17-4 overall. Last 5: W-W-W-L-L
Gastelum (32) lost his return to the WW division against Sean Brady (submission) in December - the first time he had competed at 170 lbs since 2016. He finished his time as a MW with a win over Chris Curtis (decision) at UFC 287, which was his first fight in over 18 months. Had been playing the role of top 10 MW gatekeeper, picking up losses against Jared Cannonier (decision), Robert Whittaker (decision), Jack Hermansson (submission), Darren Till (decision) and Israel Adesanya (decision) in a bad run of five losses in six fights with a win over Ian Heinisch (decision) the lone success. Other MW wins over Michael Bisping (KO), Jacare (decision), Nate Marquardt (KO), Tim Kennedy (KO) and Uriah Hall (decision) in the TUF 17 final (he also had a KO win over Vitor Belfort overturned due to a failed drug test) and the other loss against Chris Weidman (submission). 5-2 in his original WW stint but was forced to abandon the division after repeatedly missing weight and/or having fights cancelled - losses at WW to Neil Magny (decision) and Tyron Woodley (decision) and notable wins over Johny Hendricks (decision), Jake Ellenberger (submission) and Rick Story (decision). Wrestling background but has developed into primarily a boxer (7/17 wins by KO). Trained at Kings MMA in the past but currently associated with Yuma United Mixed Martial Arts.
Rodriguez (37) has taken over a year off following a first round head kick KO loss to Ian Garry, which was his second loss in a row having also finished second best against WW top ten gatekeeper in Neil Magny (submission) towards the end of 2022. Fortunate to emerge with a split decision win over Jingliang Li in a hastily arranged fight at UFC 279. A perfect 3-0 in 2021, finishing with the biggest win of his career over Kevin Lee (decision) - other wins in that calendar year over Mike Perry (decision) and Preston Parsons (KO). His other UFC setback came at the end of 2020 when Nicolas Dalby (decision) out-hustled him. 3-1 overall in that year, beating a very tough opponent in Tim Means (submission) in his debut and going on to pick up further wins over Dwight Grant (first round KO - having been badly hurt himself) and Gabriel Green (decision). Appeared on the third season of Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series, beating Rico Farrington (8-3) by decision but not impressively enough to earn a UFC contract. Most of his regional career took place in Latin American promotion Combate Americas, where he went 5-1 with solid wins over Joel Champion (6-2) and Alex Velasco (8-6) and a split decision loss against Victor Reyna (11-6-1). 12/17 wins inside the distance (8 KO). Trains at 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu.
Rodriguez arrived in the UFC fairly late in his career and I think we're seeing him regress now. It'll probably be competitive but I give the edge to Gastelum.
Prediction: Gastelum by decision.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Muhammadjon Naimov (1.90) vs. Felipe Lima (1.90)
Naimov is 3-0 in UFC, 11-2 overall. Last 5: W-W-W-W-W
Lima makes his UFC debut, 12-1 overall. Last 5: W-W-W-W-W
Naimov (29) extended the winning start he has made to his UFC career to three when Erik Silva couldn't continue due to a leg injury suffered in the first minute of their February match-up. The most notable scalp of the three was Nathaniel Wood (decision), who he defeated at UFC 294. Comfortably second best in his short notice UFC debut last June against Jamie Mullarkey before his opponent got over aggressive and walked into a big counter shot in the second round. Prior to arriving in the UFC he was best known for an unsuccessful appearance on the 2020 Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series, where he lost to UFC veteran Collin Anglin (decision). The majority of his professional career was spent competing in top North American regional organisation Titan FC, where he went 5-1 with the most notable win over Josh Augustine (7-3) and the setback against Olivier Murad (7-2). One other good career win over Sitik Muduev (12-4). 6/11 wins by KO. Trains at Elevation Fight Team.
Lima (26) takes this short notice fight to get his foot through the UFC door; he has competing in Europe for Oktagon MMA, where he departed as their BW Champion after winning the belt against Jonas Magard (15-6). Other good career wins over Gustavo Oliveira (10-2), Farbod Iran Nazhad (12-3-1) and Evgeniy Odnorog (18-8) since losing his pro debut against Ivan Luiz (7-6) back in 2015. 6/12 wins by decision. Competing up a weight class at FW.
Naimov is due a loss, I feel he's been overachieving so far but he will enjoy a size advantage here.
Prediction: Naimov by decision.
------------------------------------------------------------
Nasrat Haqparast (1.44) vs. Jared Gordon (2.87)
Haqparast is 8-4 in UFC, 16-5 overall. Last 5: L-L-W-W-W
Gordon is 8-5-1 in UFC, 20-6-1 overall. Last 5: L-W-L-NC-W
Haqparast (28) has built some momentum with three wins in a row, first of all picking up decisions over John Makdessi and Landon Quinones before running through Jamie Mullarkey in under two minutes in his most recent appearance. Prior to that he lost back-to-back fights when taking a step up in competition against Bobby Green (decision) and Dan Hooker (decision). Other UFC losses against Drew Dober (KO) at UFC 246 and in his short notice UFC debut against Marcin Held (decision) in 2017. The pick of his UFC wins are over Rafa Garcia (decision), Joaquim Silva (KO) and Marc Diakiese (decision). An Afghan immigrant who moved to Germany before relocating to North American to train at top MMA fight camps (originally Kings MMA, now TriStar). Decent regional wins over Ruslan Kalyniuk (5-2) and Patrik Berisha (8-6-1). 10/16 wins by KO.
Gordon (35) was impressive in finishing Mark Madsen (KO) in the first round at UFC 295; his only other fight of last year was ruled a no contest when Bobby Green's KO finish came directly as the result of an accidental clash of heads. 1-2 in 2022 with a win over Leonardo Santos (decision) sandwiched in between losses to Grant Dawson (submission) and Paddy Pimblett (decision) - the latter a much debated outcome. Had the best form of his UFC career in 2020/21 when he won three fights in a row with the most impressive against Joe Solecki (decision). Not a particularly fan friendly fighter, using wrestling and top control to pick up other decisions wins over Chris Fishgold and Danny Chavez in that streak. That good run came after losing three of his last four with the losses all via KO against Charles Oliveira, Joaquim Silva and Diego Ferreira. Made a good start to his UFC career, dominating a normally very tricky opponent in Hacran Dias (decision) with heavy grappling pressure and finishing Michel Quinones (KO) in his UFC debut. Most of his regional career was spent in the CFFC organisation, where he held an 8-1 record with the only loss coming to TUF veteran Jeff Lentz (KO). 11/20 wins by decision - 6/8 in UFC - and 4/6 losses by KO. Trains at Renzo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
Haqparast is better on the feet and I think he's going to be able to keep the fight standing long enough to win at least two rounds.
Prediction: Haqparast by decision.
------------------------------------------------------------
Rinat Fakhretdinov (1.28) vs. Nicolas Dalby (3.75)
Fakhretdinov is 3-0-1 in UFC, 21-1-1 overall. Last 5: W-W-W-W-D
Dalby is 7-3-2 in UFC, 23-4-3 overall. Last 5: L-W-W-W-W
Fakhretdinov (32) looked on course to beat Elizeu Zaleski in November but he ended up clinging on for a draw after a 10-8 third round. Earlier in 2023 he put on his most impressive UFC performance by some distance when he choked Kevin Lee out cold inside a minute. Dominant in his other two UFC wins in 2022 over Bryan Battle (decision) and Andreas Michailidis (decision) but they were much less entertaining to the viewer. Signed after being scouted at a UAE Warriors show at the beginning of 2021, knocking out UFC veteran Eric Spicely in front of Dana White. Knocked out two UFC veterans in his last three regional fights having also beaten Alberto Emiliano Pereira in 2019. Apart from that he took on a fairly modest level of regional competition with Jhonny Carlos (12-7) and Nurgazy Kaldar (6-2) the pick of his other wins. One career setback in his second pro fight against Aigun Akhmedov (19-2-1) - currently riding a 21-fight undefeated streak. Good finisher with 17/21 wins inside the distance (11 KO), packs a fair amount of power in his overhand right. Comes from a Kudo martial arts background. Has spent time at American Kickboxing Academy when preparing for fights.
Dalby (39) has done tremendously since returning to the UFC, going 6-1-1 with the most recent of those over Gabriel Bonfim (KO) in enemy territory in November arguably the most impressive. 3-0 last year with wins earlier in the year over Warlley Alves (decision) and Muslim Salikhov (decision). The only setback in this second UFC spell was against Tim Means (decision), although he also had a first round KO loss against Jesse Ronson overturned to a no contest following a positive drug test. Other wins since his return over Daniel Rodriguez (decision), Alex Oliveira (decision) and Claudio Silva (decision). A path back to the big leagues opened up following a legendary clash with Ross Houston (8-1-1) at Cage Warriors 106; the fight was waved off and ruled a no contest in the third round when it was deemed the canvas was unsafe due to the amount of blood that had been spilled. 1-2-1 run in an initial UFC run in 2015-16, picking up an excellent win over Elizeu Zalkeski (decision) and drawing with Darren Till but looking more limited in decision losses against Zak Cummings and Peter Sobotta. 3-1-1 in Cage Warriors after that release with a good win over Alex Lohore (24-10) and a loss to UFC veteran Carlo Pedersoli Jr. (decision). 12/23 wins by decision - the Bonfim win was his first UFC finsh. Trains at Rumble Sports.
Dalby keeps winning when I back his opponent but this time I think he is facing a very difficult stylistic challenge - I expect him to spend a lot of time on his back eating ground and pound.
Prediction: Fakhretdinov by decision.
------------------------------------------------------------
Muin Gafurov (1.62) vs. Kyung Ho Kang (2.30)
Gafurov is 0-2 in UFC, 18-6 overall. Last 5: L-W-W-L-L
Kang is 8-4-1 in UFC, 19-10-1 overall. Last 5: W-L-W-W-L
Gafurov (28) is still searching for his first UFC win having been submitted with a guillotine by Said Nurmagomedov just 73 seconds into their fight at UFC 294. He made his debut on two week's notice halfway through last year, losing a fun back-and-forth fight with John Castaneda (decision). Brought in despite being unsuccessful in an appearance on the 2021 edition of Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series, losing a split decision to Chad Anheliger. Following that he went 2-0 in LFA, beating Herbeth Sousa (16-2) and Diego Silva (16-9) - the latter to win the vacant BW title. 3-3 in a spell with ONE FC with wins over UFC veteran Leandro Issa (KO), Toni Tauru (11-8-1) and Casey Suire (6-2) and losses to former top ranked UFC BW John Lineker (decision), Kevin Belingon (20-10) and Reece McLaren (17-9). 17/18 wins inside the distance (10 KO, 7 SUB), finished for the first time in his MMA career in his last fight.
Kang (36) fought twice in a calendar year for the first time since 2019 in 2023; he submitted Cristian Quinonez in the first round in June before coming up short against John Castaneda (decision) at UFC 295. 2-2 since a near two-year absence between 2019 and 2021; he lost his return against Rani Yahya (decision) but rebounded against Batgerel Danaa (decision) at UFC 275. The hiatus was a shame because 2019 was his best year in the UFC, going 3-0 with wins over Pingyuan Liu (decision), Brandon Davis (decision) and Teruto Ishihara (submission). 6-3 since returning from a longer career break to complete his mandatory service in the South Korean military with the other appearances a win over Guido Cannetti (submission) and a competitive loss to Ricardo Ramos (decision). Debuted in the UFC in 2013, losing to Alex Caceres (later overturned to a no contest due to a failed drug test). Other UFC wins over Michinori Tanaka (decision) and Shunichi Shimizu (submission) while his other UFC loss came against Chico Camus (decision). Average looking MMA record on the regional circuit, graduated from a strong South Korean MMA scene that has no problem throwing prospects to the wolves. Regional losses include Andrew Leone (8-4), Bae Yong Kwon (9-4) and Shigeki Osawa (19-8-6). 12/19 wins by submission, 7/10 losses by decision. Trains at Busan Team M.A.D.
Gafurov seems to have a bad habit of underperforming in his biggest fights but I've got a feeling he's going to be able to win this one with his back against the wall.
Prediction: Gafurov by decision.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Shara Magomedov (1.16) vs. Antonio Trocoli (5.50)
Magomedov is 1-0 in UFC, 12-0 overall. Last 5: W-W-W-W-W
Trocoli makes his UFC debut, 12-3-1 overall. Last 5: L-W-W-NC-W
Magomedov (30) showed some takedown defence holes in his debut against Bruno Silva at UFC 294 but also showed what an exciting striker he is in a unanimous decision win. Signed after looking like a killer on the Russian regional scene and against some pretty good competition too with wins over Mikhail Ragozin (22-6), Sergey Martynov (18-5), Joel dos Santos (17-10) and Mikhail Allakhverdian (11-4). Kickboxing background (owns a win over UFC veteran Mike Mathetha). Dynamic striker with a real KO threat (10/12 wins by KO). Marketable look and fighting style, although he has had some legal issues in the past so I'm not sure how easily he would get a visa to fight in North America. Trains at GOR MMA.
Trocoli (33) takes this fight on less than a week's notice, although he should be in shape because he was set to fight Ikram Aliskerov on last week's card before he was promoted to the main event of this card. He finally makes it to the UFC almost five years after originally earning a UFC contract with a first round submission of Kenneth Bergh (9-1-1) on Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series; the contract offer was withdrawn when he failed a post-fight drugs test. He's only fought once since then, picking up a win over Reslley Menezes (7-2) in 2021. The Brazilian started his MMA career by winning his first nine contests, including a win over UFC veteran Wendell Oliveira (decision). However, his journey to the big leagues was then delayed by three consecutive losses; he went 0-2 in a spell in Legacy Fighting Championship with losses against UFC veterans Jacob Volkmann (decision) and Dhiego Lima (decision) and the third setback came against Marcelo Barbosa (11-5). Competed as a very tall (6'5) WW earlier in his career but will make his UFC debut at LHW. 8/12 wins inside the distance (3 KO, 5 SUB). Trains at Full House.
Trocoli might be a live underdog if he can get a takedown early (not out of the realm of possibility after how Magomedov's takedown defence looked in his debut) but I think it's more likely that he folds under a barrage of strikes.
Prediction: Magomedov by KO in round 2.
------------------------------------------------------------
Magomed Gadzhiyasulov (1.28) vs. Brendson Ribeiro (3.75)
Gadzhiyasulov makes his UFC debut, 8-0 overall. Last 5: W-W-W-W-W
Ribeiro is 0-1 in UFC, 15-6-1 overall. Last 5: L-W-W-W-L
Gadzhiyasulov (30) graduated to the UFC following a unanimous decision win over Jose Medina (11-3) on last year's Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series. One other good career victory over Mohamed Said Maalem (12-6-1) in a lone appearance for BRAVE FC - the rest of his competition has been very poor. 5/8 wins by KO. 10-3 as an amateur. Sambo background. Fights out of KHK MMA Team.
Ribeiro (27) will look to make amends for a disappointing first round KO debut loss against Mingyang Zhang at UFC 298. He earned his way into the UFC with an upset first round KO of undefeated Brazilian LHW Bruno Lopes (12-1) on the 2023 edition of Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series. Collected a lot of experience competing on regional scenes around the world, including wins over UFC veteran Antonio Arroyo (submission), Flavio Magon (23-17), Leon Soares (9-2), Gilmar Dutra Lima (29-19-2) and Joao Paulo Fagundes (8-3). Career losses against UFC veteran Marcio Alexandre Jr. (submission), Yuri Fraga (13-13-3), Denis Vygovsky (8-7), Marcio Breno (22-7) and David Barkhudaryan (11-4). 15/15 wins inside the distance (9 KO, 6 SUB), 5/6 losses inside the distance (3 KO, 2 SUB). Trains at Evolucao Thai.
Gadzhiyasulov's competition has been too poor to get a good read on just how good he is but I suspect his grappling will pose some serious problems for a brawler like Ribeiro.
Prediction: Gadzhiyasulov by KO in round 2.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Long Xiao (1.90) vs. Chang Ho Lee (1.90) - Road to the UFC BW Tournament Final
Xiao makes his UFC debut, 26-7 overall. Last 5: L-W-W-W-W
Lee makes his UFC debut, 9-1 overall. Last 5: W-L-W-W-W
Xiao (26) made it to the final by winning decisions over Shuya Kamikubo (14-2-1) and Shohei Nose (12-5-2) in the semi- and quarter-finals respectively. The Chinese BW lost an opportunity on the 2021 season of Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series against Cristian Quinonez (decision) but that is the only setback in his last 18 contests. 16-2 in one of the top Chinese regional promotions WLF including wins over Shamaiti Shanati x2 (9-9), Haitao Ti (13-5) and Yunfeng Li (9-5). 13/26 wins by decision.
Lee (30) finished Rana Singh (11-2) and Daermisi Zhawupasi (9-1) with strikes to book his slot in this tournament final. He picked up his only career loss against Sim Kai Ziong (5-1) in a lone appearance for BRAVE FC in 2022. One other notable career win over Micael de Jesus (11-6). 5/9 wins by KO.
Xiao is much more experienced but Lee had the more eye-catching journey to the final. Low confidence pick.
Prediction: Xiao by decision.
No comments:
Post a Comment