Career Averages - Azamat Murzakanov
Career Averages - Brendson Ribeiro
Azamat Murzakanov
Brendson Ribeiro
Azamat Murzakanov - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 34 of 70 | 48% | 34 of 70 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 0:20 |
| Paulo Costa | 1 | 55 of 80 | 68% | 61 of 86 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 1:20 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 7 of 26 | 26% | 7 of 26 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Paulo Costa | 0 | 21 of 31 | 67% | 23 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:31 | |
| 2 | Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 23 of 38 | 60% | 23 of 38 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 0:20 |
| Paulo Costa | 0 | 19 of 31 | 61% | 23 of 35 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 0:49 | |
| 3 | Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 4 of 6 | 66% | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Paulo Costa | 1 | 15 of 18 | 83% | 15 of 18 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Murzakanov | 34 of 70 | 48% | 26 of 59 | 8 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 30 of 65 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Paulo Costa | 55 of 80 | 68% | 27 of 44 | 16 of 23 | 12 of 13 | 44 of 66 | 6 of 7 | 5 of 7 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Murzakanov | 7 of 26 | 26% | 6 of 23 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 25 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Paulo Costa | 21 of 31 | 67% | 8 of 14 | 5 of 9 | 8 of 8 | 14 of 22 | 2 of 2 | 5 of 7 | |
| 2 | Azamat Murzakanov | 23 of 38 | 60% | 16 of 30 | 7 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 20 of 34 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Paulo Costa | 19 of 31 | 61% | 9 of 17 | 7 of 10 | 3 of 4 | 15 of 26 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Azamat Murzakanov | 4 of 6 | 66% | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Paulo Costa | 15 of 18 | 83% | 10 of 13 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 15 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Azamat Murzakanov, citing his power, wrestling, and knockdowns in every UFC fight. He acknowledges Paulo Costa's recent good performance but is skeptical of Costa moving up in weight and his history of canceled fights. He expects Azamat to bring pressure and suggests a possible over 1.5 rounds bet.
Big Brady is impressed with Murzakanov's speed, power, takedown defense, and defensive striking. He notes that Murzakanov's cardio has improved and he carries power late. He doubts Paulo Costa's recent performances, citing losses to Vettori, Strickland, and Adesanya. He predicts Murzakanov wins by decision, possibly hurting Costa but not finishing him.
Cody picks Costa as an underdog, believing he can weather Murzakanov's early storm and outwork him in later rounds. He notes Murzakanov's low volume and Costa's durability, expecting a decision win for Costa.
Connor picks Murzakanov, citing Costa's inconsistency and lack of defensive awareness. He notes that Murzakanov is a one-shot knockout artist with excellent timing and defensive awareness, and that Costa's high-volume, low-defense style leaves him vulnerable. Connor also questions Costa's motivation and his move up to light heavyweight, suggesting that Murzakanov's calm, patient approach will allow him to land a clean shot. He compares Murzakanov to Fedor Emelianenko in terms of timing and cage craft.
Daniel Vreeland picks Azamat Murzakanov because he believes Murzakanov is criminally underrated and has been disrespected by oddsmakers. He notes that Murzakanov has heavy hands and good wrestling, and that Costa's cardio and discipline are questionable. He also points out that Costa's move up to light heavyweight may not help his psyche or performance.
Daniel believes Murzakanov is being disrespected and sees him as a heavy hitter with good takedown defense. He thinks Costa gets discouraged in fights and that Murzakanov will box him up.
The host thinks the odds are too aggressive favoring Murzakanov (implied probability 67%) and would cap the fight closer to 50/50. He believes Costa has better cardio and is the more complete striker, while Murzakanov is a better boxer with more power but fades after the first round. He prefers the underdog value on Costa but is not confident in a win.
James picks Murzakanov, citing his power, speed, and accuracy advantage over Costa, who he believes is on a downtrend and not suited for light heavyweight. He expects Murzakanov to hurt Costa early and possibly finish him.
Costa's durability and volume should be too much for Murzakanov, who relies heavily on knockout power. Murzakanov has been close to losing in several fights and his power may not phase Costa. Costa's athleticism and counter-striking can neutralize Murzakanov's blitzes. Costa looked sharp against Kopylov and can outpoint or even knock out Murzakanov. This is a winnable fight for Costa at plus money.
Paul favors Murzakanov due to Costa's questionable commitment and Murzakanov's knockout power. He thinks Costa may be one foot in, one foot out, while Murzakanov's sole purpose is knocking dudes out.
The MMA Guru picks Paulo Costa over Azamat Murzakanov. He is very confident, calling it a 'masterclass'. He believes Costa's speed, body kicks, and technical striking will be too much for Murzakanov, who he thinks is overrated and whose best days are behind him. He predicts a TKO in round two via body kick or similar.
Zane picks Murzakanov, emphasizing Costa's psychological fragility and tendency to fade when pressured. He notes that Murzakanov does a lot of maintenance work—cutting off the cage, feinting, and being defensively aware—which will set up his knockout power. Zane also points out that Costa's only recent good performance was against Roman Kopylov, and that moving up to light heavyweight again raises questions about his commitment. He believes Murzakanov's timing and power will be too much for Costa, who is prone to getting hit and may not want to engage.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aleksandar Rakić | 0 | 9 of 14 | 64% | 13 of 18 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:36 |
| Azamat Murzakanov | 1 | 3 of 8 | 37% | 4 of 9 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aleksandar Rakić | 0 | 9 of 14 | 64% | 13 of 18 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:36 |
| Azamat Murzakanov | 1 | 3 of 8 | 37% | 4 of 9 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aleksandar Rakić | 9 of 14 | 64% | 0 of 3 | 3 of 4 | 6 of 7 | 8 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Azamat Murzakanov | 3 of 8 | 37% | 1 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aleksandar Rakić | 9 of 14 | 64% | 0 of 3 | 3 of 4 | 6 of 7 | 8 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Azamat Murzakanov | 3 of 8 | 37% | 1 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Murzakanov (-118), Rakic (-102)
Round 1
The main card of one of the presumably final pay-per-views for the organization kicks off with a light heavyweight eliminator, although the elimination could be one’s job depending on the result. Having lost his last three, “Rocket” Rakic (14-5, 6-4 UFC) needs to record his first triumph since 2021. On a slow-moving rocket blasting towards him is Russia’s Murzakanov (15-0, 5-0 UFC), three years the elder but never having lost as a professional. This tale of two tides will be overseen by referee Rich Mitchell, quite aware of the implications this outing may have on the light heavyweight division.
Rakic quickly lets loose a range-finding low kick, and he skims the side of his opponent when lifting his leg higher. Rakic hammers the upper chest with a kick, and he ducks away from two looping hooks. Rakic prods at the front leg with his shin, and he scores another heavy body kick that Murzakanov partially leaned into. Rakic kicks up the middle and then hits the front leg, and he changes things up for a double-leg entry and bullies the Russian to the fencing. Murzakanov defends the first effort with his back to the wall, and he starts taking knees to the thigh while he looks off at the clock that reads three minutes remaining. Murzakanov pushes off and separates, and he lances a trio of punches down the middle at his foe. Rakic replies with a right hand to the waist, and Murzakanov gives him one back to think about. Rakic kicks the body, then the lead leg, and those two open up a single-leg entry.
Murzakanov times a counter to roll Rakic over, but this results in an uncomfortable position for both men so they abandon it and start back over on the feet. Murzakanov sits down on a short right hand, and it catches Rakic’s chin perfectly and separates him from his senses right as Rakic was rushing forward to engage. The Austrian hits the floor and turns over to his side to shell up, seemingly totally out of it and done for the day. Murzakanov seems almost surprised, and he rains down a few punches to punctuate the performance and keep his undefeated record that way. Mitchell waves the fight off, and in the blink of an eye the two went from trading blows to lights out. The Russian has landed his fifth knockout as a UFC light heavyweight, and less than a dozen men hold more in promotional history—Chuck Liddell’s nine in the modern era still leads the pack.
The Official Result
Azamat Murzakanov def. Aleksandar Rakic R1 3:11 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo leans toward Azamat Murzakanov despite acknowledging Rakic's reach and technical striking. He notes Murzakanov has knockdowns in all six UFC fights and is powerful, but also small for the division. Angelo thinks Rakic is too low-volume and used to losing, and he might sprinkle a small bet on Murzakanov if the odds widen.
Big Brady leans toward Aleksandar Rakić, despite Murzakanov's undefeated record. He notes Rakić has faced elite competition (former champions) and has a significant size advantage (4-inch height, 7.5-inch reach). Brady expects Rakić's superior cardio and leg kicks to be decisive as Murzakanov slows down in fights. He predicts a close decision win for Rakić, though he hates picking against Murzakanov.
Cody picks Azamat Murzakanov despite the size disadvantage, citing his undefeated record and knockout power. He notes that Rakić is on a three-fight losing streak and may have confidence issues, while Murzakanov finds a way to win. Cody acknowledges that Rakić is world-class and will have moments, but believes Murzakanov's power and finishing ability will prevail, though he expects a close fight.
Connor picks Rakić, arguing that Murzakanov's level of competition has been low and his size disadvantage will be too much. He believes Rakić's reach and kicking game will keep Murzakanov at bay, and that Murzakanov's low output will cost him rounds. Connor thinks this is a step too far for Murzakanov.
Daniel Vreeland questions Rakić's confidence and durability, noting his tendency to fade and his recent losses. He believes Murzakanov's pressure, southpaw power, and ability to close distance will overwhelm Rakić. He predicts Murzakanov will walk Rakić down, get into punching range, and knock him out. He acknowledges Murzakanov's cardio issues but thinks he can finish early.
Lucrative James picks Aleksandar Rakić, but hesitantly. He cites Rakić's experience against top competition (Jan Błachowicz, Jiri Prochazka, Magomed Ankalaev) and his size advantage, which could make his head kicks effective. He notes Murzakanov's power and explosiveness but questions his cardio and level of competition. He believes Rakić can win the minutes and land kicks from the outside, but acknowledges Murzakanov's danger.
The host believes Rakić can stay away from Murzakanov's power, chip away with calf kicks, and mix in grappling. He thinks Rakić's size and strength will lead to a knockout.
Paul also picks Murzakanov but is hesitant, noting the size difference and Rakić's speed. He plans to wait for weigh-ins to get a better price, as Murzakanov may drift to plus money. Paul acknowledges that Murzakanov's cardio is a concern, but believes his power and the Abu Dhabi crowd support give him an edge.
The MMA Guru picks Aleksandar Rakić by decision, but admits he is hesitant. He notes that Azamat Murzakanov is undefeated and has KO power, but Rakić has a significant reach advantage and has trained with Jon Jones. He believes Rakić's low kicks and range management will be key, and that Murzakanov's shorter frame may struggle to land. He references Rakić's close fight with Magomed Ankalaev and his performance against Jiri Prochazka before getting injured. He expects a 29-28 decision, possibly with a scare in the third round.
Zane picks Murzakanov, comparing him to a wolverine who will not accept losing. He believes Murzakanov will absorb early damage from Rakić's kicks but then storm forward and steal rounds with crushing offense. Zane notes Rakić's tendency to fall apart under pressure and thinks Murzakanov's aggression will be the difference.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Murzakanov | 1 | 27 of 36 | 75% | 29 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:27 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 0 | 8 of 22 | 36% | 8 of 22 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Murzakanov | 1 | 27 of 36 | 75% | 29 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:27 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 0 | 8 of 22 | 36% | 8 of 22 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Murzakanov | 27 of 36 | 75% | 23 of 32 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 20 of 26 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 8 of 22 | 36% | 3 of 16 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 4 | 8 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Murzakanov | 27 of 36 | 75% | 23 of 32 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 20 of 26 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 8 of 22 | 36% | 3 of 16 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 4 | 8 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Azamat Murzakanov confidently, noting his power, wrestling, and durability. He highlights that Azamat has a knockdown in all five UFC fights and showed a second gear when rocked by Alonzo Menifield. He thinks Brendson Ribeiro is hittable and has a quit button. He includes Azamat in a parlay as one of his most confident picks.
Big Brady is confident in Murzakanov despite his age (jokes he is in his 70s). He praises Murzakanov's striking and well-rounded game, and thinks Ribeiro is hittable and doesn't like getting hit. He expects Murzakanov to find a knockout early, possibly in the first round, noting his history of second- and third-round KOs but thinking this one comes sooner.
Connor agrees, noting Murzakanov is a bruiser who will punish Ribeiro's defensive lapses. He highlights Ribeiro's vulnerability to being backed up and his lack of durability, while Murzakanov keeps power late. Connor sees it as a similar fight to Ribeiro's last win but with a more dangerous opponent.
The fight might be closer than the odds indicate, especially if Murzakanov leans on his striking. Ribeiro has a huge height and reach advantage that could cause trouble, but Murzakanov is expected to eventually get to his grappling and find a ground-and-pound finish.
The MMA Guru picks Azamat Murzakanov, praising his deceptive speed, composure, and power. He compares his striking to Fedor and notes he beat Dustin Jacoby and destroyed Yorgan De Castro. He believes Murzakanov sets traps and will finish Ribeiro by TKO in round one or two. He calls the matchmaking dumb as Murzakanov is a level above.
Zane picks Murzakanov because he is more aggressive and willing to punish openings than Nergosje, who Ribeiro beat. He notes Murzakanov's power delivery and durability, and expects him to pressure Ribeiro early, exploiting Ribeiro's tendency to back up to the fence and his chinny defense. Zane acknowledges Ribeiro's danger but thinks Murzakanov's style is a bad matchup.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Murzakanov | 1 | 45 of 85 | 52% | 48 of 88 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:44 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 0 | 15 of 74 | 20% | 19 of 80 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:51 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 22 of 40 | 55% | 25 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:36 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 0 | 8 of 32 | 25% | 10 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:12 | |
| 2 | Azamat Murzakanov | 1 | 23 of 45 | 51% | 23 of 45 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:08 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 0 | 7 of 42 | 16% | 9 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:39 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Murzakanov | 45 of 85 | 52% | 34 of 69 | 11 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 43 of 82 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 2 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 15 of 74 | 20% | 14 of 73 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 73 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Murzakanov | 22 of 40 | 55% | 14 of 28 | 8 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 22 of 40 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 8 of 32 | 25% | 8 of 32 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 32 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Azamat Murzakanov | 23 of 45 | 51% | 20 of 41 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 21 of 42 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 2 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 7 of 42 | 16% | 6 of 41 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 41 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Murzakanov (-205), Menifield (+170)
Round 1
It took seven fights for the promotion to matchmake a fight between two members of the UFC roster with records in it over .500. Murzakanov (13-0, 3-0 UFC) puts his unbeaten record on the line as the winner of three straight in the Octagon, while powerhouse Menifield (15-4-1, 8-4-1 UFC) hunts to take that “0” away. Fists are sure to fly in a moment, but the light heavyweights first wait for referee Dan Movahedi to check in the fight. They hesitantly touch gloves, and Menifield is the one looking for offense first but is not running at his opponent. Murzakanov times an uppercut as Menifield dips down, and he snaps out a powerful jab. Menifield gets jabbed and reaches with a right hand, and he tries again but is out of range. “The Professional” steps in with a heavy left, and he backs Menifield up and drills him with a clean knee. Menifield shakes it off and blocks a head kick, and Murzakanov bears down on him and lays into him with heavy punches and a knee. Menifield blocks the worst of the blows, but the body shots are landing cleanly on him. Menifield ties him up, and Murzakanov lands a few punches to the back of the head before pushing the Texan to the wire. Murzakanov is warned twice for hooking his fingers in the cage, and again strikes Menifield in the back of the head. They jockey for position against the wall, and fans in the building grow restless while Movahedi asks for more from the two. Menifield breaks away and ducks into an uppercut, and he takes a knee and winds up with a big right hand. Murzakanov is warned for another foul, and he blocks a right hand as they clash heads due to both going forward. Menifield takes a body shot and gives a right back, and he eats a short combination and gets his bell rung. Murzakanov bullies him to the fencing again, and Menifield wants nothing to do with it and breaks off. Murzakanov lashes out with an elbow, and his uppercut clangs off the forehead. The Russian plants a right hand on the dome and a left to follow, and he slips away from a punch and draws some blood over the eye of his foe. Menifield goes up with a kick that is blocked, and he absorbs a flush body kick. The horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Murzakanov
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Murzakanov
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Murzakanov
Round 2
The light heavies are ready to get after it, and Movahedi has to ask them to back off before beginning. When they do, Menifield swarms into action, only to walk into a knee and an uppercut. Menifield launches big shots back, but Murzakanov’s defense is solid and his counters are sharp. Murzakanov draws further blood with an uppercut on the left eye that is leaking, and he slips punches and does not stand still long enough to eat big strikes. Menifield shrugs off two uppercuts that would knock out lesser fighters and punch his way into the distance. Murzakanov loops two right hands around the guard, and Menifield tanks vicious punches without batting an eye. Murzakanov drives a knee to the chin and a huge right hand on the temple, and gets caught with a clean uppercut that surprises him. Murzakanov punches and pushes off, and he jumps with a knee and rips a left to the body. Menifield lumbers forward swinging hooks, and Murzakanov is the faster and crisper, and he blocks a head kick. Murzakanov whiffs on a booming uppercut and ties his man up, pushing the Fortis MMA-trained fighter to the wall while watching the clock. Menifield turns him around and shoots low for a double, bailing on it when Murzakanov stands him up and threatens with a counter trip. This results in a reset, and both men attack with uppercuts. Menifield walks face-first into a monster left hand, and he hurts Murzakanov with a sudden counter. This only infuriates the Russian, who swings with bad intentions and rocks Menifield badly.
Three ferocious punches from “The Professional” knock Menifield’s head around, who stumbles back and falls over when retreating. Murzakanov runs at the downed man, bludgeoning him with a hammerfist and a punctuating right hand, with the second shutting Menifield’s lights out.
Movahedi pulls Murzakanov off of the doomed Menifield, and Murzakanov walks off to celebrate with his corner. Menifield comes to, spitting out his mouthpiece, and his team might need to explain what happened. Murzakanov is now 14-0 with 10 knockouts, with this one undoubtedly the biggest of his career.
The Official Result
Azamat Murzakanov def. Alonzo Menifield R2 3:18 via KO (Punches)
Angelo picks Murzakanov because of his high fight IQ and power, noting Menifield's poor decision-making and tendency to make mistakes. He acknowledges Menifield's talent and power but thinks Murzakanov is too dangerous to make errors against. He hopes Menifield proves him wrong.
Big Brady is not a big fan of Murzakanov but cannot pick Menifield after his embarrassing 12-second knockout loss. He thinks Menifield cannot wrestle, knock out Murzakanov (who has never been knocked out), or outpoint him. He predicts a lackluster fight with Murzakanov winning by decision.
Cody picks Azamat Murzakanov, citing his slightly better volume, punch selection, and durability. He notes that both fighters are low-volume power punchers, but Murzakanov is undefeated and has never been knocked out, while Menifield was knocked out in 12 seconds recently. Cody thinks Murzakanov's cardio is slightly better and that he can win a decision or land the bigger shots. He also mentions the potential for home cooking in Abu Dhabi.
Daniel picks Murzakanov, citing his cleaner striking and smarter decision-making. He notes Menifield's wins have come against questionable competition and that Murzakanov has a more polished game. He acknowledges Menifield's power but believes Murzakanov has more finesse.
Both have knockout power, but Murzakanov has more tools. If he can stay safe from Menifield's power, he should find his own knockout within the first two rounds.
Paul picks Azamat Murzakanov, noting that both fighters have power but Murzakanov has better volume and durability. He mentions that Menifield has cardio issues and has been knocked out before. Paul thinks Murzakanov's technique is superior and that he can outwork Menifield. He also notes that Menifield is always live for a knockout but Murzakanov is the safer pick.
The MMA Guru picks Azamat Murzakanov over Alonzo Menifield, trusting Murzakanov's chin more. He notes Menifield has power but is likely to get cracked first. He mentions Murzakanov's sharp hands and power, and that he broke his arm in his last fight but has had time to recover. He criticizes Menifield's performance against Karl Roberson.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 64 of 131 | 48% | 96 of 167 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 3:06 |
| Dustin Jacoby | 1 | 67 of 127 | 52% | 70 of 130 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 0:16 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 19 of 39 | 48% | 19 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Dustin Jacoby | 0 | 25 of 50 | 50% | 25 of 50 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:12 | |
| 2 | Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 21 of 40 | 52% | 37 of 56 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:17 |
| Dustin Jacoby | 1 | 26 of 45 | 57% | 29 of 48 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 | |
| 3 | Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 24 of 52 | 46% | 40 of 72 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 1:49 |
| Dustin Jacoby | 0 | 16 of 32 | 50% | 16 of 32 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Murzakanov | 64 of 131 | 48% | 36 of 95 | 8 of 12 | 20 of 24 | 60 of 126 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Dustin Jacoby | 67 of 127 | 52% | 51 of 110 | 12 of 13 | 4 of 4 | 64 of 122 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Murzakanov | 19 of 39 | 48% | 8 of 24 | 2 of 4 | 9 of 11 | 19 of 39 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Dustin Jacoby | 25 of 50 | 50% | 20 of 44 | 4 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 25 of 48 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Azamat Murzakanov | 21 of 40 | 52% | 12 of 27 | 2 of 4 | 7 of 9 | 20 of 39 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Dustin Jacoby | 26 of 45 | 57% | 20 of 39 | 5 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 24 of 43 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Azamat Murzakanov | 24 of 52 | 46% | 16 of 44 | 4 of 4 | 4 of 4 | 21 of 48 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Dustin Jacoby | 16 of 32 | 50% | 11 of 27 | 3 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 15 of 31 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Dustin Jacoby as the better technical striker, noting he was ranked 2nd in the world in kickboxing. However, he is not betting because Jacoby lacks power and Murzakanov hits very hard and has comeback KO power. He expects Jacoby to need to point-fight perfectly for 15 minutes to win, which is risky.
Big Brady picks Dustin Jacoby to win by decision. He cites Jacoby's size, reach, and volume advantages, as well as his good takedown defense and chin. He doubts Murzakanov's cardio and ability to take Jacoby down, and believes Jacoby will outpoint him over three rounds. He notes Murzakanov's power but thinks Jacoby can absorb it.
Cody notes Murzakanov is a first-round finisher but low volume, while Jacoby throws high volume (120+ strikes). He thinks Jacoby's reach and cardio will be key, and that Murzakanov's power shots may not be enough to overcome Jacoby's output. He prefers to bet Jacoby live after the first round.
Connor also picks Jacoby, agreeing that Murzakanov's power-punching style is ill-suited for Jacoby's rangey, technical approach. He notes that Jacoby is durable and has only been knocked out by elite punchers like King Mo and Alex Pereira. Connor believes Murzakanov's lack of combination punching and setup will leave him vulnerable to Jacoby's consistent output and counter-striking.
Jacoby's range, footwork, and kicks will keep Murzakanov at distance. Murzakanov's cardio and wrestling are questionable, and he tends to fade. Jacoby's disciplined striking and cardio advantage should lead to a clear decision victory. Murzakanov is difficult to finish, so expect a full 15 minutes.
Paul sides with Jacoby's volume and reach advantage (5 inches). He notes Murzakanov may be undersized at 205 and that Jacoby's output should overwhelm him. He agrees with Cody that the live market may offer better value.
The MMA Guru picks Dustin Jacoby to win by unanimous decision, citing Jacoby's length, footwork, and striking output. He warns Jacoby must avoid a war and use leg kicks from the outside to outpoint Murzakanov, who has fight-ending power but slow starts. He notes the -190 line is a bit high and would prefer -170, but still sides with Jacoby.
Zane picks Jacoby, citing his volume, durability, and technical kickboxing as too much for Murzakanov. He notes that Murzakanov is a one-dimensional power puncher who relies on timing and rhythm changes, but Jacoby's jab, kicks, and counter-punching will keep him at range. Zane also points out that Murzakanov's wins have come against lower-level competition, while Jacoby has proven himself against tougher opponents like Khalil Rountree.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 14 of 52 | 26% | 39 of 83 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:26 |
| Devin Clark | 1 | 79 of 106 | 74% | 95 of 127 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 3:40 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 6 of 23 | 26% | 17 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 7 of 15 | 46% | 12 of 23 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:52 | |
| 2 | Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 5 of 19 | 26% | 19 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:26 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 41 of 52 | 78% | 52 of 64 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:24 | |
| 3 | Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 3 of 10 | 30% | 3 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Devin Clark | 1 | 31 of 39 | 79% | 31 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:24 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Murzakanov | 14 of 52 | 26% | 4 of 29 | 3 of 7 | 7 of 16 | 13 of 50 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Devin Clark | 79 of 106 | 74% | 41 of 65 | 31 of 34 | 7 of 7 | 24 of 42 | 9 of 9 | 46 of 55 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Murzakanov | 6 of 23 | 26% | 2 of 11 | 0 of 2 | 4 of 10 | 6 of 23 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Devin Clark | 7 of 15 | 46% | 4 of 12 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Azamat Murzakanov | 5 of 19 | 26% | 2 of 12 | 1 of 3 | 2 of 4 | 4 of 17 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Devin Clark | 41 of 52 | 78% | 12 of 21 | 22 of 24 | 7 of 7 | 10 of 18 | 9 of 9 | 22 of 25 | |
| 3 | Azamat Murzakanov | 3 of 10 | 30% | 0 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Devin Clark | 31 of 39 | 79% | 25 of 32 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 24 of 30 |
Angelo picks Azamat Murzakanov, citing his power and wrestling credentials. He notes Devin Clark has chin issues and Murzakanov is the more dangerous fighter. He likes the value at -170, believing the line should be closer to -200.
Big Brady picks Azamat Murzakanov to knock out Devin Clark early, likely in the first round. He notes that Murzakanov has power that carries into later rounds, as shown in his last fight. Clark has poor striking defense (46%) and has been finished in six of seven losses. Murzakanov is a much better striker and has dangerous ground and pound. Brady expects a quick finish.
Cody picks Murzakanov by knockout, noting he liked him coming into the TUF fight and cashed his flying knee finish. He thinks the line is moving toward Clark, so he may wait for a better price. Cody believes Murzakanov has enough grappling to keep the fight standing and will land a knockout.
Daniel Levi picks Azamat Murzakanov, dismissing the narrative that his last win was a fluke. He explains that Murzakanov was winning on two scorecards before the finish and that his speed and power will be too much for Devin Clark. Levi notes that Clark tends to blitz with his chin up and that Murzakanov has knockout power, predicting a KO win.
The host expects an early finish from Murzakanov, noting his big power but not much volume. He includes Murzakanov in his totals parlay under 1.5 rounds, expecting a first-round KO.
Paul picks Murzakanov by knockout in round two. He criticizes Clark's durability and low volume, noting Clark has been knocked out before and relies on pressing opponents against the cage. Paul believes Murzakanov has heavier hands and will clip Clark with something like a flying knee.
The host picks Azamat Murzakanov, recalling his previous knockout of Devin Clark in a regional tournament. He trusts Murzakanov's stand-up and grappling, and believes Clark has taken too much damage over his career. He expects a first-round TKO in a firefight, though he acknowledges Clark's power makes it risky.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 43 of 98 | 43% | 50 of 105 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:14 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 1 | 28 of 69 | 40% | 28 of 70 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 0:39 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 17 of 40 | 42% | 24 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:14 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 0 | 13 of 31 | 41% | 13 of 32 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:11 | |
| 2 | Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 25 of 52 | 48% | 25 of 52 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 0 | 12 of 31 | 38% | 12 of 31 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:26 | |
| 3 | Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 1 of 6 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 1 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Murzakanov | 43 of 98 | 43% | 14 of 59 | 17 of 27 | 12 of 12 | 35 of 88 | 8 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 28 of 69 | 40% | 25 of 60 | 3 of 8 | 0 of 1 | 26 of 67 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Murzakanov | 17 of 40 | 42% | 5 of 22 | 7 of 13 | 5 of 5 | 12 of 33 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 13 of 31 | 41% | 11 of 24 | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 13 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Azamat Murzakanov | 25 of 52 | 48% | 8 of 32 | 10 of 13 | 7 of 7 | 22 of 49 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 12 of 31 | 38% | 11 of 29 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 10 of 29 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Azamat Murzakanov | 1 of 6 | 16% | 1 of 5 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 3 of 7 | 42% | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Azamat Murzakanov, expecting him to use his wrestling despite being known for striking. He notes that Tafon Nchukwi has more high-level experience but tends to back up and slow down under pressure. He believes Murzakanov's forward pressure and wrestling will be the difference.
Big Brady picks Azamat Murzakanov to win by first-round TKO. He notes Murzakanov is very well-rounded with heavy hands and a solid top game, but has cardio concerns since he's never been to a third round. He thinks Murzakanov can hurt Nchukwi on the feet or take him down and finish him, referencing Nchukwi's poor get-up game against Jung Park. However, he won't bet the fight due to the cardio and low-output risks.
Cody is confident in Murzakanov, citing his speed, power, and well-rounded skills. He notes Nchukwi's size but believes Murzakanov's speed and pressure will be too much. He mentions a parlay with Ankalaev.
Daniel Levi picks Azamat Murzakanov, stating that he is a little more experienced, smarter, and more comfortable in the cage. He thinks Murzakanov will point-fight for three rounds or possibly find a finish. Levi acknowledges Tafon Nchukwi's power and potential but believes Murzakanov's experience and fewer mistakes will be the difference.
Murzakanov is a fast, agile striker with good cardio and takedown ability. He can close distance quickly and has power in both hands. Nchukwi has speed and cardio issues, and may overextend. Murzakanov is expected to outwork Nchukwi over 15 minutes or finish late, with a decision at plus 320 being a value play.
Paul is confident in Murzakanov, citing his speed, power, and well-rounded skills. He notes Nchukwi's size but believes Murzakanov's speed and pressure will be too much. He mentions a parlay with Ankalaev.
The MMA Guru picks Azamat Murzakanov over Tafon Nchukwi, citing his nasty hands and power advantage. He notes that Murzakanov has laid opponents out cold and has grappling to fall back on, referencing a video of him beating Ion Cuțelaba in a grappling competition. He predicts a first-round TKO, trusting Murzakanov's physicality and technique despite Nchukwi having good stand-up of his own.
Brendson Ribeiro - Fight History
AJ does not make a pick for this fight. He does not mention either fighter in the transcript.
Angelo thinks Tuchalov will dominate and finish Ribeiro, noting that Ribeiro has been finished in his last three losses by nasty opponents. He acknowledges the -600 odds are not great but sees insane value because Tuchalov will win easily. He recommends parlaying Tuchalov.
Big Brady picks Tuchalov to win by first-round submission, citing Ribeiro's horrible 21% takedown defense, chinny nature, and poor cardio. He notes Tuchalov has power on the feet and good wrestling, and expects him to get the fight to the ground early and submit Ribeiro, similar to his previous losses.
James picks Tuchalov to win by KO in round one, but admits he hasn't tape studied him. He notes Tuchalov trains with Ankalaev and is a -600 favorite. He mentions Ribeiro's shaky chin and poor takedown defense, and predicts a first-round finish. He acknowledges Ribeiro could be a live underdog but goes with the favorite.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev | 0 | 7 of 15 | 46% | 23 of 38 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 | 0 | 1:56 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 0 | 8 of 17 | 47% | 8 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev | 0 | 7 of 15 | 46% | 23 of 38 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 | 0 | 1:56 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 0 | 8 of 17 | 47% | 8 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev | 7 of 15 | 46% | 6 of 14 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 8 of 17 | 47% | 5 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 8 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev | 7 of 15 | 46% | 6 of 14 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 8 of 17 | 47% | 5 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 8 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Yakhyaev (-2000); Ribeiro (+1000)
Round 1
At just eight fights into his professional career, Russian Yakhyaev (8-0, 1-0 UFC) by way of Turkey is about to close as one of the biggest betting favorites in company history. He ranges anywhere from -1200 to -2000 depending on the sportsbook, which all-but dismisses the heavy-handed Brazilian Ribeiro (17-9, 1 NC; 2-4 UFC). Odds don’t say the whole picture, so the light heavyweights will handle their business as referee Mike Beltran stands vigilant. There is a glove touch before the fists fly.
Ribeiro starts first after about 12 seconds of measuring with a low kick, and Yakhyaev beans him with a right hand behind the ear. Ribeiro stumbles, resets and cracks Yakhyaev back. Yakhyaev shoots in for a takedown, surprised that he has taken some shots early, and the Brazilian bounces away. Ribeiro kicks Yakhyaev in the head through the guard and has his kick caught, with Yakhyaev taking him down to the floor. Ribeiro grabs hold of a two-on-one wrist lock to threaten with a kimura off his back in hopes of turning the fighter repping Turkey over. Yakhyaev responds with 12-to-6 elbows to the side, and Ribeiro wrenches his way back up but is under fire all the way up. Yakhyaev presses his weight down to keep Ribeiro on his knees, smothering him from behind while trying to slip a hook in. When Ribeiro stands, Yakhyaev easily mat returns him and establishes control of the back momentarily. Yakhyaev flirts with a rear-naked choke, but finds his right hand having to deal with a kimura sweep effort.
Yakhyaev pulls his arm out of it and looks to set up a choke, but he settles for punches to the sides of the dome instead.
Yakhyaev allows Ribeiro to sit up so he can ratchet on a rear-naked choke, and it is not going anywhere. Ribeiro is caught in a web, and “welcome to my parlor” says the spider to the fly. Yakhyaev cranks the neck with full power, and Ribeiro taps out lest he go out.
“The Hunter” releases the grip upon Beltran’s intervention, and he signals to someone in the crowd as if he knew he was going to get the submission the whole time. That makes it 9-0 with eight finishes for light heavyweight prospect Yakhyaev, who will not get many more opponents like this before taking a hefty step up in competition.
The Official Result
Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev def. Brendson Ribeiro R1 2:52 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
Angelo is extremely confident in Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev, calling it the easiest pick on the card. He notes Yakhyaev is a good prospect with wrestling, striking, and power, while Brendson Ribeiro is hitable and has a quit button. However, he strongly advises against betting at -1400 odds, calling it not worth the risk.
Big Brady is extremely confident Yakhyaev will win, calling it 'dumb matchmaking.' He expects Yakhyaev to knock out Ribeiro within the first minute, as he has done in recent fights. He notes Ribeiro has no chin and that Yakhyaev finishes fights quickly.
Cody is confident Yakhyaev wins by first-round knockout, given Ribeiro's history of first-round KO losses. He notes Yakhyaev's well-rounded skills and the mismatch, but warns about the prohibitive moneyline.
Connor agrees, calling it a squash match. He notes that Ribeiro is extremely hittable and has poor defense under pressure. Connor points out that Yakhyaev throws big single strikes and marches through opponents, which should be more than enough to finish Ribeiro.
James is very high on Yakhyaev, calling him one of the greatest fighters in the division and predicting he will steamroll Ribeiro and become a champion. He compares his confidence to his previous correct call on Loena Cavana.
James is extremely confident in Yakhyaev, calling it a 'murder scene.' He highlights Yakhyaev's explosiveness, wrestling, and finishing ability, while noting Ribeiro's lack of durability and short-notice camp. He predicts a round one KO, stating Yakhyaev is a legitimate prospect who will run through Ribeiro. He mentions the odds are too high to bet but is certain of the outcome.
The host is extremely confident in Yakhyaev, citing his insane ceiling, dangerous grappling and striking, and a horrible stylistic matchup for Ribeiro. He expects a first-round finish and advises against parlaying the heavy chalk, instead looking for props. He notes Ribeiro's recent losses and lack of success against similar competition.
Paul is confident Yakhyaev wins, likely by submission or KO in the first round. He notes the price is prohibitive but suggests playing the round one prop or parlay.
The MMA Guru confidently picks Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev, citing his undefeated record, fast starts, and nasty finishes. He notes that Brendson Ribeiro has been finished multiple times early in fights and expects Yakhyaev to secure a first-round TKO.
Zane sees this as a walkover for Yakhyaev, noting that Ribeiro crumbles under pressure and has been finished in almost all his losses. He describes Ribeiro as a fighter who folds when going backwards, covering up and falling into the cage. Zane believes Yakhyaev's aggressive style will overwhelm Ribeiro quickly.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oumar Sy | 0 | 17 of 43 | 39% | 21 of 49 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:28 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 0 | 5 of 14 | 35% | 11 of 22 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oumar Sy | 0 | 17 of 43 | 39% | 21 of 49 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:28 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 0 | 5 of 14 | 35% | 11 of 22 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oumar Sy | 17 of 43 | 39% | 14 of 38 | 0 of 1 | 3 of 4 | 4 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 13 of 32 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 5 of 14 | 35% | 2 of 10 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 5 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oumar Sy | 17 of 43 | 39% | 14 of 38 | 0 of 1 | 3 of 4 | 4 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 13 of 32 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 5 of 14 | 35% | 2 of 10 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 5 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Oumar Sy confidently, despite holding a grudge from Sy's previous loss. He acknowledges Sy's athleticism, speed, and power, and believes he can weather Ribeiro's early danger and then dominate with wrestling. He criticizes Ribeiro's quit button and susceptibility to being hit. He expects Sy to win, likely by wrestling, but warns that if he loses, he should be cut.
Big Brady is very confident in Oumar Sy, calling it a layup. He highlights Ribeiro's 0% takedown defense and poor ground game. He expects Sy to take him down easily and finish via submission or TKO in the first round, despite Sy's previous failure as a heavy favorite.
Connor picks Sy, arguing that Ribeiro's lack of discipline and tendency to make mistakes will be his downfall. He notes that Sy's size and reach will allow him to control range, and that Ribeiro's aggressive grappling and wild striking leave him open. Connor also points out that Sy's confidence should be higher against Ribeiro than against a more imposing fighter like Menifield.
The host thinks this is a great matchup for Sy to bounce back after his first pro defeat. He expects Sy to put pressure on Ribeiro, drag him to the ground, and open up a finishing position via ground and pound or submission.
The Guru picks Oumar Sy, citing his well-roundedness, patience, and footwork. He believes Sy can control the pace and avoid Ribeiro's wildness, similar to how Alonzo Menifield couldn't finish Sy. He predicts a 30-27 decision win, with Sy's movement neutralizing Ribeiro's chaos.
Zane picks Sy, noting that Ribeiro is dangerous but undisciplined, often making mistakes that cost him. He believes Sy's size and reach advantage will allow him to fight comfortably at range, and that Ribeiro's tendency to back himself to the cage and sell out with wild swings will be exploited. Zane also mentions that Sy's confidence should be higher against Ribeiro than against Menifield.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Murzakanov | 1 | 27 of 36 | 75% | 29 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:27 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 0 | 8 of 22 | 36% | 8 of 22 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Murzakanov | 1 | 27 of 36 | 75% | 29 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:27 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 0 | 8 of 22 | 36% | 8 of 22 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Murzakanov | 27 of 36 | 75% | 23 of 32 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 20 of 26 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 8 of 22 | 36% | 3 of 16 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 4 | 8 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Murzakanov | 27 of 36 | 75% | 23 of 32 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 20 of 26 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 8 of 22 | 36% | 3 of 16 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 4 | 8 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Azamat Murzakanov confidently, noting his power, wrestling, and durability. He highlights that Azamat has a knockdown in all five UFC fights and showed a second gear when rocked by Alonzo Menifield. He thinks Brendson Ribeiro is hittable and has a quit button. He includes Azamat in a parlay as one of his most confident picks.
Big Brady is confident in Murzakanov despite his age (jokes he is in his 70s). He praises Murzakanov's striking and well-rounded game, and thinks Ribeiro is hittable and doesn't like getting hit. He expects Murzakanov to find a knockout early, possibly in the first round, noting his history of second- and third-round KOs but thinking this one comes sooner.
Connor agrees, noting Murzakanov is a bruiser who will punish Ribeiro's defensive lapses. He highlights Ribeiro's vulnerability to being backed up and his lack of durability, while Murzakanov keeps power late. Connor sees it as a similar fight to Ribeiro's last win but with a more dangerous opponent.
The fight might be closer than the odds indicate, especially if Murzakanov leans on his striking. Ribeiro has a huge height and reach advantage that could cause trouble, but Murzakanov is expected to eventually get to his grappling and find a ground-and-pound finish.
The MMA Guru picks Azamat Murzakanov, praising his deceptive speed, composure, and power. He compares his striking to Fedor and notes he beat Dustin Jacoby and destroyed Yorgan De Castro. He believes Murzakanov sets traps and will finish Ribeiro by TKO in round one or two. He calls the matchmaking dumb as Murzakanov is a level above.
Zane picks Murzakanov because he is more aggressive and willing to punish openings than Nergosje, who Ribeiro beat. He notes Murzakanov's power delivery and durability, and expects him to pressure Ribeiro early, exploiting Ribeiro's tendency to back up to the fence and his chinny defense. Zane acknowledges Ribeiro's danger but thinks Murzakanov's style is a bad matchup.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diyar Nurgozhay | 0 | 17 of 39 | 43% | 20 of 42 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:49 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 1 | 28 of 58 | 48% | 29 of 60 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 1 | 0:14 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Diyar Nurgozhay | 0 | 15 of 35 | 42% | 16 of 36 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 1 | 23 of 50 | 46% | 24 of 52 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:11 | |
| 2 | Diyar Nurgozhay | 0 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 4 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:49 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 0 | 5 of 8 | 62% | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 1 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diyar Nurgozhay | 17 of 39 | 43% | 5 of 21 | 7 of 13 | 5 of 5 | 16 of 36 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 28 of 58 | 48% | 13 of 35 | 5 of 10 | 10 of 13 | 28 of 58 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Diyar Nurgozhay | 15 of 35 | 42% | 4 of 19 | 7 of 12 | 4 of 4 | 14 of 32 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 23 of 50 | 46% | 12 of 32 | 5 of 9 | 6 of 9 | 23 of 50 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Diyar Nurgozhay | 2 of 4 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 5 of 8 | 62% | 1 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Diyar Nurgozhay over Brendson Ribeiro. He is very high on Nurgozhay as a prospect, praising his wrestling, finishing ability, and quality wins. He notes Ribeiro is hittable and has a quit button. Angelo recommends betting on Nurgozhay now before the line skyrockets.
Big Brady picks Diyar Nurgozhay, praising his wrestling, vicious ground and pound, and power. He is not sold on Brendson Ribeiro, citing poor striking defense, durability, ground game, and heart, noting that Ribeiro's loss to Magomed Gadzhiyasulov is aging poorly. Brady believes if Nurgozhay gets on top, he will pound Ribeiro out. He predicts a second-round knockout for Nurgozhay.
Cody picks Jean Matsumoto, citing his youth, volume, and improved wrestling. He notes that Miles Johns has abandoned his wrestling and is low volume. He believes Matsumoto's performance against Rob Font showed he can compete at a higher level and that he will outwork Johns.
Connor agrees, describing Nurgozhay as a pillar-like fighter with Sambo timing and a devastating uppercut. He notes that Ribeiro is a classic light heavyweight with all power and no breaks, and that he will likely get caught by Nurgozhay's counters. He also mentions that Nurgozhay is durable and has a coherent striking game.
Daniel does not make a clear pick for this fight. He discusses the matchup briefly but does not state a preference or bet.
The host believes Nurgozhay will walk through Ribeiro using a grapple-heavy approach, taking him down and finding a dominant position to finish.
Paul picks Matsumoto, noting that Miles Johns has been trying to strike more but lacks volume and power. He believes Matsumoto's wrestling and volume will be too much for Johns, who has not been using his wrestling effectively.
The MMA Guru picks Diyar Nurgozhay, citing his well-rounded game, power, and submission ability. He notes Nurgozhay has a win over a PFL winner and knocked out a guy on the Contender Series with a head kick. He criticizes Brendson Ribeiro's mixed results, including a loss to Mingyang Zhang, and thinks Nurgozhay will knock him out on the feet. He predicts a first-round TKO debut win.
Zane picks Nurgozhay as a top light heavyweight prospect with a complete game. He notes that Nurgozhay has excellent counter-striking, particularly his uppercut, and that Ribeiro is formless and likely to get nuked. He compares Nurgozhay to Ankalaev in terms of patience and defensive boxing, and notes that Ribeiro has been knocked out in three of his four recent losses.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brendson Ribeiro | 0 | 76 of 184 | 41% | 79 of 187 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Caio Machado | 0 | 49 of 131 | 37% | 49 of 131 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brendson Ribeiro | 0 | 22 of 43 | 51% | 22 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Caio Machado | 0 | 16 of 34 | 47% | 16 of 34 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Brendson Ribeiro | 0 | 22 of 58 | 37% | 22 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Caio Machado | 0 | 12 of 36 | 33% | 12 of 36 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Brendson Ribeiro | 0 | 32 of 83 | 38% | 35 of 86 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Caio Machado | 0 | 21 of 61 | 34% | 21 of 61 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brendson Ribeiro | 76 of 184 | 41% | 24 of 114 | 33 of 47 | 19 of 23 | 76 of 184 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Caio Machado | 49 of 131 | 37% | 25 of 93 | 16 of 25 | 8 of 13 | 49 of 130 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brendson Ribeiro | 22 of 43 | 51% | 3 of 21 | 7 of 10 | 12 of 12 | 22 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Caio Machado | 16 of 34 | 47% | 6 of 21 | 5 of 6 | 5 of 7 | 16 of 34 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Brendson Ribeiro | 22 of 58 | 37% | 6 of 31 | 11 of 18 | 5 of 9 | 22 of 58 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Caio Machado | 12 of 36 | 33% | 5 of 22 | 4 of 9 | 3 of 5 | 12 of 36 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Brendson Ribeiro | 32 of 83 | 38% | 15 of 62 | 15 of 19 | 2 of 2 | 32 of 83 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Caio Machado | 21 of 61 | 34% | 14 of 50 | 7 of 10 | 0 of 1 | 21 of 60 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Caio Machado as the cleaner fighter with more ways to win. He notes Machado is well-rounded, has volume and footwork, good clinch work, and underrated BJJ. He acknowledges Brendson Ribeiro could come in wild and connect, but outside of that, Machado is the better fighter. He shares a funny anecdote about accidentally messaging Machado instead of another fighter.
Big Brady picks Caio Machado to win by decision. He notes that Ribeiro has poor cardio (about 7.5 minutes of gas) and that Machado, moving down from heavyweight, should have better cardio and volume. Brady thinks Machado can take over as the fight progresses, either by outworking Ribeiro on the feet or by taking him down. He mentions Ribeiro's takedown defense looked awful in his last fight.
Cody picks Caio Machado, noting his improved physique at light heavyweight and his volume striking. He criticizes Ribeiro as a glass cannon with poor cardio and durability, and believes Machado's cardio, volume, and grappling advantage will allow him to outwork Ribeiro. He also mentions Machado's experience and the favorable judging in Canada.
Daniel Vreeland picks Caio Machado to win his light heavyweight debut, despite acknowledging his poor technique. He notes that Brendson Ribeiro has a questionable chin and heart, getting hurt in every fight and covering up when in trouble. Vreeland believes Machado's toughness and willingness to push through adversity will overcome Ribeiro's technical edge, especially since Ribeiro has shown a tendency to quit.
Lucrative James picks Brendson Ribeiro, citing his early finishing upside and Machado's questionable durability. He notes Machado is moving down from heavyweight, which may zap his speed advantage, and that Ribeiro has power to finish early. He also mentions Ribeiro's poor fight IQ and cardio but believes he can get the win.
Machado is going down to light heavyweight for the first time after starting 0-2 in the UFC, but this is a winnable fight where he should have the overall advantage and grind Ribeiro out, winning on the scorecards.
Paul also picks Machado, citing his volume and cardio advantage over Ribeiro, who he sees as a power puncher with questionable durability. He notes that Machado has looked better at light heavyweight and should be able to outwork Ribeiro. He also mentions the over 1.5 rounds prop as a possibility.
The Guru picks Brendson Ribeiro over Caio Machado, though he expresses disdain for heavyweights. He notes Ribeiro's close loss to Gadzhi Omargadzhiev and believes regional heavyweights are better athletes. He predicts a TKO win for Ribeiro.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magomed Gadzhiyasulov | 0 | 26 of 39 | 66% | 93 of 135 | 5 of 5 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 9:59 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 0 | 17 of 35 | 48% | 29 of 51 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 1 | 1 | 1:56 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magomed Gadzhiyasulov | 0 | 8 of 11 | 72% | 29 of 42 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:43 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 0 | 11 of 22 | 50% | 14 of 29 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 0 | 0 | 1:36 | |
| 2 | Magomed Gadzhiyasulov | 0 | 11 of 18 | 61% | 33 of 53 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:41 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 0 | 5 of 10 | 50% | 8 of 13 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 1 | 0:20 | |
| 3 | Magomed Gadzhiyasulov | 0 | 7 of 10 | 70% | 31 of 40 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 4:35 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 0 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 7 of 9 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magomed Gadzhiyasulov | 26 of 39 | 66% | 15 of 25 | 4 of 4 | 7 of 10 | 12 of 23 | 4 of 4 | 10 of 12 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 17 of 35 | 48% | 6 of 19 | 4 of 4 | 7 of 12 | 13 of 29 | 3 of 5 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magomed Gadzhiyasulov | 8 of 11 | 72% | 1 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 4 of 5 | 4 of 7 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 11 of 22 | 50% | 5 of 14 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 6 | 7 of 16 | 3 of 5 | 1 of 1 | |
| 2 | Magomed Gadzhiyasulov | 11 of 18 | 61% | 7 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 5 | 7 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 5 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 5 of 10 | 50% | 0 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 6 | 5 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Magomed Gadzhiyasulov | 7 of 10 | 70% | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 7 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Magomed but expresses skepticism about the wide odds, noting Magomed's record includes many 'fake fights' on carpet in hotel lobbies. He acknowledges Magomed has solid striking, wrestling, and body work, but Ribeiro is dangerous and hitable. He decided not to include Magomed in the safety parlay due to the debut factor and unproven competition. He still expects Magomed to win because Ribeiro gets hit too much and has a quit button.
Big Brady picks Magomed Gadzhiyasulov because he believes he has more paths to victory: on the feet with a big shot or on the ground with a TKO. He questions Ribeiro's durability, noting he has been finished five times, often in the first round. While Gadzhiyasulov's competition has been low-level, Brady thinks his skills are sufficient to exploit Ribeiro's weaknesses. He predicts a second-round TKO.
Cody picks Gadzhiyasulov but suggests the over 1.5 rounds as a better play. He notes Gadzhiyasulov is a decision machine with questionable finishing ability, while Ribeiro is a glass cannon who either wins early or loses early. He expects Gadzhiyasulov to grind out a win past the first round.
Daniel Vreeland leans with Magomed Gadzhiyasulov but is unsure due to unknowns. He notes Gadzhiyasulov's wrestling and grinding style, while Ribeiro is a banger with power but a questionable chin. He expects Gadzhiyasulov to win a decision but acknowledges Ribeiro's knockout potential.
Jacob agrees Magomed should win as the more technical and tactical fighter, but warns that Ribeiro is a dangerous puncher who will give himself a chance. He notes Magomed has wrestling as a plan B if he feels pressure, but if he eats a clean shot he could get put out. Jacob calls Magomed a 'parlay buster' waiting to happen and says picks and bets are different—he picks Magomed but understands betting on Ribeiro for the KO.
JP picks Godzilla (Gadzhiyasulov) by decision, noting his undefeated record and Ribeiro's recent loss. He highlights Ribeiro's reach advantage but believes Godzilla's wrestling and control will be decisive. Brevan adds that Godzilla's Dagestani wrestling base gives him a huge ground advantage, though he warns about Godzilla's tendency to back up and engage in unnecessary exchanges, which could open a window for Ribeiro to land a KO. Both expect a decision win for Godzilla.
Paul picks Gadzhiyasulov, citing his wrestling and control. He notes Ribeiro's only path is a first-round knockout, but Gadzhiyasulov's style should neutralize that. He acknowledges the danger early but expects a win.
The MMA Guru picks Magomed Gadzhiyasulov over Brendson Ribeiro, calling it straightforward. He notes that Ribeiro relies on KO power and reach but was recently knocked out by Mingyang Zhang. He believes Gadzhiyasulov is more technical on the feet and has a ground game, while Ribeiro has been KO'd in his last three losses. He expects a first-round finish, likely by TKO.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zhang Mingyang | 1 | 17 of 28 | 60% | 17 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 0 | 14 of 31 | 45% | 14 of 31 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zhang Mingyang | 1 | 17 of 28 | 60% | 17 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 0 | 14 of 31 | 45% | 14 of 31 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zhang Mingyang | 17 of 28 | 60% | 13 of 19 | 2 of 5 | 2 of 4 | 14 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 14 of 31 | 45% | 14 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zhang Mingyang | 17 of 28 | 60% | 13 of 19 | 2 of 5 | 2 of 4 | 14 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 14 of 31 | 45% | 14 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Zhang (-142), Ribeiro (+120)
Round 1
Opening up the ESPN prelims is likely to be an explosive one, as these two fighters come in with 31 finishes across their 31 pro wins. Zhang (16-6, 1-0 UFC) worked his way to the UFC courtesy of a spot on the Road to UFC qualifier, and Ribeiro (15-5, 1 NC; 0-0 UFC) is yet another DWCS pickup. With the majority of their combined victories via first-round stoppage, referee Mike Beltran cannot take his eyes off the prize for even a second. The light heavyweights hesitantly touch ‘em up, and Zhang moves forward to kick low to start off. Ribeiro swings for the bleachers, and when he comes up short, Zhang boots him in the ribs. Ribeiro flicks out a jab that stings Zhang, and Ribeiro is quick to follow with a one-two that stuns him and draws a smile from the Chinese contender. Ribeiro unloads a pair of punches, and Zhang stands right in front of him and is ready to hurl back with bad intentions. Ribeiro bloodies up Zhang’s mouth, and they both hurl huge shots at one another. Zhang takes a right hand on the eye socket, and he raises his arm to call time. Beltran tells him to keep fighting, and fight he does.
Zhang sticks out a jab, wings a right hook and chains it into a ferocious left hook that all land cleanly, and Ribeiro might be out before the back of his head bounces of the canvas. Just to seal the deal, Zhang drives down three jackhammering hammerfists, and Beltran recognizes that Ribeiro’s goose is cooked and waves the fight off.
In the hierarchy of the jungle, “Mountain Tiger” destroyed “Gorilla” tonight.
The Official Result
Mingyang Zhang def. Brendson Ribeiro R1 1:41 via KO (Punches)
Angelo picks Brendson Ribeiro as the underdog, citing his more dangerous offense and Zhang's hollow record. He notes Ribeiro is hittable and can be finished, so he won't bet on him unless the line moves further. He thinks Ribeiro's aggression and power can get the job done.
Big Brady picks Brendson Ribeiro as a dog, citing his significant reach advantage (6 inches) and power. He notes that Zhang Mingyang is hitable and has been knocked out three times. He acknowledges both fighters have red flags but believes Ribeiro's offense and length will be too much. He says nobody should be favored here and has low confidence.
Cody picks Ribeiro, recalling his terrifying appearance on Contender Series. He notes Zhang's loss to a fraudulent fighter (Oscar Mova) as a red flag. He believes Ribeiro's ground game gives him an edge if he can land first. He sees this as a dog-or-pass fight and takes the plus money.
Daniel Vreeland picks Brendson Ribeiro, favoring the Brazilian over the Chinese fighter. He notes Ribeiro's better level of competition, training at a good camp, and six-inch reach advantage. He believes both are hittable but expects Ribeiro to knock out Zhang. He does not recommend a big wager.
Daniel picks Brendson Ribeiro as a dog. He dislikes Zhang's competition level, noting he has fought short heavy Chinese men he's never heard of. He also cites Zhang's inactivity (1.5 years). He likes Ribeiro's length, well-roundedness, and finishing ability. He acknowledges that Ribeiro's regional Brazilian competition isn't great either, but prefers his Contender Series performance over Zhang's Road to UFC wins.
Jeff picks Zhang Mingyang, disagreeing with Daniel. He was impressed by Zhang's performance on Road to UFC, where he beat George Tokos with sharp boxing and composure. He notes that Zhang's punches come in straight and he doesn't overextend, even when hurting opponents. In contrast, he criticizes Ribeiro for overextending on the Contender Series despite a reach advantage. He believes Zhang will pick Ribeiro apart and find a knockout.
Ribeiro is calm under pressure and can throw power from his back foot. His key is taking Mingyang to the mat, where he can find dominant positions and land big shots for a TKO. Expects a finish in the first or second round.
Paul picks Ribeiro as a dog, noting both fighters are glass cannons with first-round finishes. He mentions Ribeiro's ground game and ability to swarm with ground and pound. He sees this as a classic dog-or-pass fight and takes the plus money on Ribeiro.
The MMA Guru picks Brendson Ribeiro, trusting his wins over better competition and his reach advantage (81 vs 75.5 inches). He notes Ribeiro's straight punches could counter Zhang's hooks. He worries about Zhang's ground game but trusts Ribeiro to get a KO. He also mentions Zhang's frustrating path to the UFC and Ribeiro's natural momentum.
Expert Picks (6)
Angelo picks Azamat Murzakanov confidently, noting his power, wrestling, and durability. He highlights that Azamat has a knockdown in all five UFC fights and showed a second gear when rocked by Alonzo Menifield. He thinks Brendson Ribeiro is hittable and has a quit button. He includes Azamat in a parlay as one of his most confident picks.
Big Brady is confident in Murzakanov despite his age (jokes he is in his 70s). He praises Murzakanov's striking and well-rounded game, and thinks Ribeiro is hittable and doesn't like getting hit. He expects Murzakanov to find a knockout early, possibly in the first round, noting his history of second- and third-round KOs but thinking this one comes sooner.
Connor agrees, noting Murzakanov is a bruiser who will punish Ribeiro's defensive lapses. He highlights Ribeiro's vulnerability to being backed up and his lack of durability, while Murzakanov keeps power late. Connor sees it as a similar fight to Ribeiro's last win but with a more dangerous opponent.
The fight might be closer than the odds indicate, especially if Murzakanov leans on his striking. Ribeiro has a huge height and reach advantage that could cause trouble, but Murzakanov is expected to eventually get to his grappling and find a ground-and-pound finish.
The MMA Guru picks Azamat Murzakanov, praising his deceptive speed, composure, and power. He compares his striking to Fedor and notes he beat Dustin Jacoby and destroyed Yorgan De Castro. He believes Murzakanov sets traps and will finish Ribeiro by TKO in round one or two. He calls the matchmaking dumb as Murzakanov is a level above.
Zane picks Murzakanov because he is more aggressive and willing to punish openings than Nergosje, who Ribeiro beat. He notes Murzakanov's power delivery and durability, and expects him to pressure Ribeiro early, exploiting Ribeiro's tendency to back up to the fence and his chinny defense. Zane acknowledges Ribeiro's danger but thinks Murzakanov's style is a bad matchup.
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