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UFC Vegas 50 Predictions, Odds and Results: Santos vs Ankalaev

Pintsized Background

The quality may be spread more evenly across the entirety of the UFC Vegas 50 card, it still isn’t much to get too excited over. A lot of the match-ups make sense in regards to ranking or career progression, but they just aren’t engaging in terms of narrative. WWE this is not, but damn UFC, at least hype up one of the fights.

Where/When is UFC Vegas 50 taking place:
March 12, 2022. UFC Apex. Nevada, United States.

What time does UFC Vegas 50 start:
🇬🇧 UK: 9pm / 🇺🇸 US ET: 4pm

What channel is UFC Vegas 50 on:
🇬🇧 UK: BT Sports / 🇺🇸 US: ESPN+

Pintsized MMA content from the week before:
🚀 Preview: UFC 272 Predictions, Odds and Results: Covington vs Masvidal
🥊 PI’s Recommended Fight: Kevin Holland vs Alex Oliveira

Travel down the Pintsized rabbit hole:
📊 Statistics: MMA Predictions Results: February 2022
📺 YouTube: Pintsized Channel

Kris Moutinho returns with a more fairly matched opponent | UFC Vegas 50 Predictions
Kris Moutinho returns with a more fairly matched opponent

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UFC Vegas 50: Main Event

Thiago Santos vs Magomed Ankalaev

Light Hevayweight (205)

Thiago Santos (22-9)

Thirty-eight years old, barely spluttering past a three-fight slide and a long punishing career littered with injuries – it’s time we have a realistic discussion about Santos’ future at the top of LHW. Light Heavyweight has long been the weakest division in the organisation, made never more clear than the current champion being close to retirement home age. Aside from an awful point-fighting boxing affair with Johnny Walker, Santos was thoroughly overwhelmed by Aleksandr Rakic. Losses to Jon Jones and Glover Teixeira add further fuel to the fire that Santos’ best days are well behind him.

If we can somehow disregard age, form and miles on the clock, Ankalaev represents a very beatable opponent for Santos. The Brazilian’s chin hasn’t shown any issues at 205lbs, while his explosive striking on the feet remains a handful for anyone. The real worry is that Santos has exhibited far more passive striking performances over his past two fights, indicating the knee injuries have denied Santos the dynamism and fast-twitch bursts that found the Ws. Santos’ kicks will create troubles for Ankalaev’s heavy reliance on the jab, but liberal use opens up the avenue for the Russian to catch a kick and take this to the mat. The grappling difference is severe, and if Santos ends up on the back, he will struggle to survive Ankalaev’s demolishing ground and pound.

Magomed Ankalaev (16-1)

Every time it comes to an Ankalaev fight night, it is worth asking the question – “Is Paul Craig the greatest to have ever done it at Light Heavyweight?”. Since the mental blip that saw Ankaelaev lose via triangle choke with one second left in the fight, the Russian has amassed a freakishly dominant seven-fight streak. Most recently, Volkan Oezdemir was the victim of a clean, technical performance in which Ankalaev dictated the pace throughout.

Ankalaev isn’t the most fluid striker in terms of aesthetics, but there is a clear method behind the madness. Capable of building layers behind his jab, Ankalaev also surprisingly excels at timing counters with efficient single-shots. A younger, snappier Santos would have been more of a threat, closing the distance faster than Ankalaev could react to. Against an ageing foe, however, Ankalaev will benefit richly from the additional split-second to counter. It must be reiterated once again if Santos ends up on his back, only the bell will save the Brazilian. Without having to match a gruelling pace, Ankalaev should prove his quality against a wily yet weathered opponent.

Predicted Result: Ankalaev Submission Round 4

Thirty-eight years old, barely spluttering past a three-fight slide and a long punishing career littered with injuries – it’s time we have a realistic discussion about Santos’ future at the top of LHW. The Brazilian’s chin hasn’t shown any issues at 205lbs, while his explosive striking on the feet remains a handful for anyone. The real worry is that Santos has exhibited far more passive striking performances over his past two fights, indicating the knee injuries have denied Santos the dynamism and fast-twitch bursts that found the Ws.

Ankalaev isn’t the most fluid striker in terms of aesthetics, but there is a clear method behind the madness. Capable of building layers behind his jab, Ankalaev also surprisingly excels at timing counters with efficient single-shots. On the mat is where the fight extends beyond Santos’ reach. Unable to set a gruelling pace on the feet, Ankalaev will be able to safely time his takedowns and assume a dominant top position. Ground and pound will open up a host of submissions in Ankalaev’s arsenal.

Result: Ankalaev def. Santos // Decision (UD – 48-47, 49-46, 49-46)

Winner ✔️ // Method ❌ // Round ❌

Is Paul Craig the greatest to ever do it? | UFC Vegas 50 Predictions
Is Paul Craig the greatest to ever do it?

Return to Fight Card


UFC Vegas 50: Co-Main Event

Marlon Moraes vs Yadong Song

Bantamweight (135)

Marlon Moraes (23-9-1)

Granted, Moraes is sitting on a three-fight slide, but there were big positives to be gleaned from his most recent loss to Merab Dvalishvili. Rather than the first-round dismantling at the hands of Rob Font, Moraes was seconds away from finishing Dvalishvili in the opening round. Powerful, rapid counters were on show against the aggressive Georgian, yet once again his gas tank stabbed him in the back. While the gas tank has been a career problem, most worrying is Moraes’ chin degradation and mental problems. If Moraes cannot control the pace for an extended period, Moraes ‘panics’ and visibly falls apart under pressure. Old Marlon Moraes beats Yadong black and blue, current Moraes can still punish Yadong but without the bottle to dig deep as Yadong comes on strong later down the line.

Yadong Song (18-6-1)

Song Yadong is only twenty-four, I have to keep reminding myself, especially as I am yet to buy into the hype train. Nine fights into his UFC career, Yadong’s greatest scalp remains Casey Kenney – a wonderful striker but a fighter who has always struggled against the pressure of the likes that Yadong brings. (No, the W over Marlon Vera doesn’t count – I remain adamant Vera was robbed). Yadong has taken great strides in developing his boxing, and whilst nowhere near the level required to jab Moraes’ face-off ala Rob Font, there is a defensive layer that should prevent the prospect from hitting the haystack early. Moraes is a strong scrambler, but as his gas tank falters, Yadong’s conditioning will see a route for potential grinding and dominating 10-8 rounds.

Predicted Result: Yadong Decision

I really love Marlon Moraes, but even with his first-round potency reappearing against Merab Dvalishvili, it is too difficult to see the Brazilian breaking Yadong’s granite chin. Yadong has taken great strides in developing his boxing, and whilst nowhere near the level required to jab Moraes’ face-off ala Rob Font, there is a defensive layer that should prevent the prospect from hitting the haystack early. Moraes’ gas tank has long been awful, but his recently worrying mental collapses indicate irreparable damage. If Yadong survives a punishing first-round, a tiring Moraes will struggle to handle a hard-paced wrestling threat.

Result: Yadong def. Moraes // KO (punches) Round 1 2:06

Winner ✔️ // Method ❌ // Round ❌

A cracker of a fight but Marlon Vera won | UFC Vegas 50 Predictions
A cracker of a fight but Marlon Vera won

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UFC Vegas 50: Main Card

Alex Caceres vs Sodqif Yusuff

Featherweight (145)

Alex Caceres (19-12)

Banger of a fight. Caceres deserves a step-up in the competition after several years of service in the UFC. In all fairness to the organisation, Caceres has blown hot and cold throughout his twenty-five fight stint. Finally, the exciting, unorthodox striker appears to be putting the pieces together. A crafty striker, Caceres times based on natural reads rather than setting up traps or logically breaking down a gameplan. That sort of skill only emerges in fighters like Caceres who spends large amounts of time in the octagon. Yusuff will struggle with Caceres’ range and footwork, but Caceres often has a knack for walking onto heavy artillery. In the case of Yusuff’s explosive power, it could prove a game-changer.

Sodiq Yusuff (11-2)

In a wonderfully matched and equal affair with fellow prospect, Arnold Allen, Yusuff’s stock should have sky-rocketed. The heavy-handed slugger was controlled on the mat at times but never at risk of being overwhelmed. Hopefully, the fight was a wake-up call in certain areas, however. Yusuff needs to have sharpened his footwork and cage-cutting, walking down opponents is a strength of Yusuff but it cannot be his sole, static gameplan. Caceres has a few submission threats off his back, but it is difficult to see him handle Yusuff’s freak power on the ground.

Predicted Result: Yusuff Decision

A crafty striker, Caceres times based on natural reads rather than setting up traps or logically breaking down a gameplan. That sort of skill only emerges in fighters like Caceres who spends large amounts of time in the octagon. Unfortunately, despite twenty-five fights with the UFC, Caceres has regularly shown a knack for walking onto heavy artillery. In the case of Yusuff’s explosive power, it could prove a game-changer. While Yusuff’s lack of cage-cutting was exposed by Allen’s fluid footwork, Caceres has too regularly shown mental flaws to back the veteran to consistently work off the back-foot.

Result: Yusuff def. Caceres // Decision (UD – 29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Winner ✔️ // Method ✔️ // Round ✔️

Return to Fight Card


Khalil Rountree vs Karl Roberson

Light Heavyweight (205)

Khalil Rountree (9-5)

What an incredibly uninteresting fight. There was a brief moment in time when the mystic ‘Khalil Muay Thai Rountree’ was the hottest prospect on everyone’s lips (aside from a brutalised Eryk Anders). Losing early to Ion Cutelaba and Johnny Walker is understandable, but losing to Marcin Prachnio is damn near unforgivable. The Pole was all but done after a three-fight first-round KO slide. Rountree remains a powerful kickboxer despite all his mental flaws, with his leg kicks (oblique kicks in particular) likely to cause real issues for Roberson.

Karl Roberson (9-4)

A bit of a kickboxer, a bit of a control wrestler, I guess you’d have to say that Roberson is ‘well-rounded’. There never seems to be an educated gameplan behind Roberson’s entry to the octagon, often just throwing his skillset at an opponent until he finds something that sticks. There is always the potential that Rountree will self-destruct after the first round, but a more likely route is Roberson out-wrestling Rountree. Roberson could get slept chasing the takedown, but ideally, questions need to be asked of Rountree early to ensure he mentally unravels.

Predicted Result: Roberson Submission Round 2

Rountree remains a powerful kickboxer despite all his mental flaws, with his leg kicks (oblique kicks in particular) likely to cause real issues for Roberson. Not that Roberson should spend much time on the feet. The former kickboxer can handle himself, but the wrestling differential is stark. Either man could starch the other early, especially as both individuals often bring the very worst gameplans to the octagon, but Rountree’s mental booms are too explosive to overlook.

Result: Rountree def. Roberson // TKO (body kick and punches) Round 2 0:25

Winner ❌ // Method ❌ // Round ✔️

Return to Fight Card


Drew Dober vs Terrance McKinney

Lightweight (155)

Drew Dober (23-11)

Hm. Drew Dober seems to have been heavily overlooked by fans and bookies alike. Losing to Islam Makhachev and Brad Riddell should never sully your reputation to the point where you are expected to fall on your sword to a rising prospect. Even without the name-value brand, Dober is just as dangerous on the feet as McKinney. Dober’s iron chin has held up to Riddell/Haqparast/Dariush, the evidence suggests it should at least survive the opening exchanges with McKinney. Dober could find himself worryingly on his back early, an area where Dober regularly loses and McKinney looked close to elite against Fares Ziam. Quality of competition has to be kept in mind, however.

Terrance McKinney (12-3)

Doing everything correct on social media to create a buzz behind his name, Terrance McKinney soars up in opposition quality against a proven presence at Lightweight. There is a very real possibility that McKinney blasts Dober out of the water early. Freakish speed in regards to striking and wrestling could catch Dober unaware, especially with the tidal wave of confidence that the prospect is surfing. It all feels a little too much, too soon, for a fighter who suffered back-to-back losses to Sean Woodson and Darrick Minner at the close of 2019.

Predicted Result: Dober Decision

There is a very real possibility that McKinney blasts Dober out of the water early. Freakish speed in regards to striking and wrestling could catch Dober unaware, especially with the tidal wave of confidence that the prospect is surfing. Experience has to count for something, however. Dober’s iron chin has held up to Riddell/Haqparast/Dariush, while his offensive wrestling can raise several questions of McKinney deeper into the fight. It all feels a little too much, too soon, for a fighter who suffered back-to-back losses to Sean Woodson and Darrick Minner at the close of 2019.

Result: Dober def. McKinney // TKO (knee and punches) Round 1 3:17

Winner ✔️ // Method ❌ // Round ❌

Return to Fight Card


Bruno Silva vs Alex Pereira

Middleweight (185)

Bruno Silva (22-6)

B B B Banger. UFC matchmakers haven’t even tried to mask their intent with Alex Pereira. Keep Pereira against one-trick ponies without any intent to take the mat to the ground. Silva hits extremely hard and has a strange durability that keeps him lucid enough to throw a nuclear, reactive counter. Against a striker as consistent as Pereira in regards to pace and volume, Silva lacks the defensive wherewithal to weather the storm. On the mat, Silva can punish with brutal ground and pound, but the Brazilian may lack the tools to take the fight there.

Alex Pereira (4-1)

Despite losing every second bar one of his UFC debut against Andreas Michailidis, most will only remember the bout for its brutal flying knee finish. On a warpath to former kickboxing foe, Israel Adesanya, Pereira is a very overhyped, utterly flawed prospect that will at least bring an entertaining circus show. Even if Pereira devotes the entirety of his remaining career to TDD, he will still struggle without extremely favourable match-making. Brutal, bloody violent affairs are always welcome though.

Predicted Result: Pereira TKO Round 2

A brutal, bloody affair awaits. For all the hype that follows Alex Pereira, his striking defence is flawed enough that Bruno Silva’s nuclear power could shock the odds. Likewise, Silva isn’t the strongest wrestler, yet even Andreas Michailidis was able to dominate a full round on the mat against Pereira. Against a striker as consistent as Pereira in regards to pace and volume, Silva lacks the defensive wherewithal to weather the storm.

Result: Pereira def. Silva // Decision (UD – 30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Winner ✔️ // Method ❌ // Round ❌

Return to Fight Card


UFC Vegas 50: Preliminary Card

Matt Semelsberger vs AJ Fletcher

Welterweight (170)

Matt Semelsberger (9-3)

Maybe there are fans of this match-up out there somewhere, but this screams stinker to Pintsized. Semelsberger has cleaned up the bottom of the barrel at Welterweight, so the UFC has decided to throw him in with one of their hottest prospects? Why bother building Semelsberger over four-fight nights then, lol. The Maryland fighter has an awkward lanky frame that often masks the power that Semelsberger delivers, more so against Fletcher as he can boast an 8″ reach advantage.

AJ Fletcher (9-0)

A dinosaur of a build, Fletcher makes up for his short reach with freakish explosivity. There is no nuance to the striking, perhaps because Fletcher lacks any form of jab, but he makes up for it with grappling expertise. Semelsberger is yet to face a powerful, gruelling grappler/wrestler and there is reason to believe that Fletcher can ride out entire rounds. The uninspired manner of Semelsberger’s loss to Khaos Williams leaves me favouring Fletcher’s wrestling advantage to edge this late.

Predicted Result: Fletcher Decision

A dinosaur of a build, Fletcher makes up for his short reach with freakish explosivity. There is no nuance to the striking, perhaps because Fletcher lacks any form of jab, but he makes up for it with grappling expertise. Semelsberger carries the power to make his 8″ reach advantage count, but the Maryland fighter has also been knocking out random cans littering the Welterweight roster. The uninspired manner of Semelsberger’s loss to Khaos Williams leaves me favouring Fletcher’s wrestling advantage to edge this late.

Result: Semelsberger def. Fletcher // Decision (UD – 29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Winner ❌ // Method ✔️ // Round ✔️

Return to Fight Card


JJ Aldrich vs Gillian Robertson

Women’s Flyweight (125)

JJ Aldrich (10-4)

Athletically capped, JJ Aldrich is a testament to how far a fighter can make it in WMMA based on hard work and relentless grit. Aldrich refuses to bow down in fights, continuing to force a hard pace in losing affairs. Aldrich has the TDD to keep this standing, from which Aldrich has the variety and combinations on the feet to punish Robertson. If Robertson opts to pull guard, however, Aldrich often lacks the mental awareness to force an advantage and would likely choose to enter Robertson’s preferred game on the ground.

Gillian Robertson (10-6)

My favourite non-elite fighter across WMMA, Robertson is the definition of ‘anytime, anywhere’. Even with the steps made in the striking department, Robertson cannot survive on the feet for a full fifteen minutes. Static boxing aside, Robertson tends to find her way to the mat from where she can out-grapple most opponents – even off her back. Robertson’s chin and Aldrich’s lack of pop suggests that Robertson lasts long enough to find the opportunity to grapple.

Predicted Result: Robertson Decision

JJ Aldrich is a testament to how far a fighter can make it in WMMA based on hard work and relentless grit. Against Robertson, Aldrich owns the TDD and vastly superior striking to punish the Canadian. An inability to press an advantage, however, will see Robertson’s chin allowing her to eventually find the opportunity to grapple. A very close affair.

Result: Aldrich def. Robertson // Decision (UD – 30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Winner ❌ // Method ✔️ // Round ✔️

Return to Fight Card


Trevin Jones vs Javid Basharat

Bantamweight (135)

Trevin Jones (13-7)

Low hands, lots of hip feints, there is a decent amount of support behind the belief that Basharat is a McGregor imitator on the feet. To say the least, Basharat lacks the timing or athleticism to match such a unique style. There is a similar level of confidence, however, and uses his aggression to set up counter strikes. Even the step-in straight are frequently used in the same manner. We are yet to see how Basharat reacts to a powerful striker willing to engage on the counter beyond the first layer. Based on experience and quality of opposition, even with Jones’ limited output, the veteran has to be favoured.

Javid Basharat (11-0)

Low hands, lots of hip feints, there is a decent amount of support behind the belief that Basharat is a McGregor imitator on the feet. To say the least, Basharat lacks the timing or athleticism to match such a unique style. There is a similar level of confidence, however, and uses his aggression to set up counter strikes. Even the step-in straight are frequently used in the same manner. We are yet to see how Basharat reacts to a powerful striker willing to engage on the counter beyond the first layer. Based on experience and quality of opposition, even with Jones’ limited output, the veteran has to be favoured.

Predicted Result: Jones TKO Round 3

With a similar approach on the feet as McGregor, minus the athleticism, Basharat appears to be a bad imitator at times. Albeit, racking up eleven wins, the confidence in Basharat’s striking is visible. We are yet to see how Basharat reacts to a powerful striker willing to engage on the counter beyond the first layer. Based on experience and quality of opposition, even with Jones’ limited output, the veteran has to be favoured.

Result: Basharat def. Jones // Decision (UD – 29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Winner ❌ // Method ❌ // Round ❌

Return to Fight Card


Damon Jackson vs Kamuela Kirk

Featherweight (145)

Damon Jackson (19-4-1)

The balding ball of aggression received his comeuppance at the hands of an Ilia Topuria arse-whooping, following his petulant outburst in victory against Mirsad Bektic. Dismantling Charles Rosa was expected, and while it was a thoroughly dominant performance, Jackson’s limited athleticism was once again on show. With a plethora of submissions in the bag, Jackson is a strong enough wrestler to always have a path to victory available to himself.

Kamuela Kirk (11-4)

Wiping the floor with Amirkhani on his UFC debut, Kamuela Kirk is a strong enough wrestler to create an interesting dynamic with Jackson on the ground. Kirk will be able to scramble with Jackson, especially considering his plus physicality, and may be able to crack Jackson into passivity on the feet. Often opting to sit in the pocket and in-fight, however, will reduce the distance that Jackson needs to close for takedowns.

Predicted Result: Jackson Decision

Dismantling Charles Rosa was expected, and while it was a thoroughly dominant performance, Jackson’s limited athleticism was once again on show. Kirk will be able to scramble with Jackson, especially considering his plus physicality, and may be able to crack Jackson into passivity on the feet. Kirk’s preference for fighting in the pocket will enable Jackson to pursue wrestling with greater ease and will prove the difference in the affair.

Result: Jackson def. Kirk // Submission (arm-triangle choke) Round 2 4:42

Winner ✔️ // Method ❌ // Round ❌

Return to Fight Card


Sabina Mazo vs Miranda Maverick

Women’s Flyweigth (125)

Miranda Maverick

Initially, I thought this fight could have the potential to be a banger. Digging a little deeper, however, there isn’t much reason to believe that Mazo will be able to handle Maverick’s relentless chain-wrestling. A wonderful grappler, Maverick has fallen well out of favour since her L to Maycee Barber – even though she was robbed! With a chin strong enough to wade through Mazo’s high volume, it would take only a dreadful Maverick game plan for this to go wrong.

Sabina Mazo

Granted, I wrote off the fight just one earlier, but Mazo is another exciting fighter to watch in a dire division. High volume striking on the outside which will only age like a fine wine as the prospect grows inside the octagon, the intense pace the Colombian sets will support her throughout her career. Even with her awkward frame, Mazo will struggle to stay standing in this match-up.

Predicted Result: Maverick Decision

If it weren’t for some awkward decision-making by Maverick in her past two fights, this wouldn’t appear as close a match-up. To be quite honest, this really should be a thoroughly dominant performance on the mat from the more physical, technical grappler in Maverick. Mazo is a fun fighter to watch with her insane pace and extended combinations on the outside, but she will struggle to stay standing in this match-up.

Result: Maverick def. Mazo // Submission (rear-naked choke) Round 2 2:15

Winner ✔️ // Method ❌ // Round ❌

Return to Fight Card


Cody Brundage vs Dalcha Lungiambula

Middleweight (185)

Cody Brundage (6-2)

Rushed too early into the UFC, Brundage and his powerful wrestling has sorely been lacking so far in the bigger leagues. A crushing loss to William Knight remains the biggest red flag, walking straight into punches from one of the most telegraphed strikers in the division.

Dalcha Lungiambula (11-3)

Lungiambula hasn’t sparkled with a measly 2-2 record in the UFC so far, but 2020 was entirely written off following his crushing KO loss to Ankalaev and various opposition pullouts. At times, Lungiambula has burnt his gas tank by dropping his impressive power behind every strike, but he looked far more composed against Barriault.

Predicted Result: Lungiambula Decision

A potential ‘loser leaves’ fight, Brundage should be favoured as the more consistent striker and wrestler. Lungiambula, despite failing to piece together his game, has significant advantages on the feet and in the clinch. His power is likely to land on Brundage early, while Lungiambula’s freakish size has seen him hold his own against the cage.

Result: Brundage def. Lungiambula // Submission (guillotine choke) Round 1 3:41

Winner ❌ // Method ❌ // Round ❌

Return to Fight Card


Guido Cannetti vs Kris Moutinho

Bantamweight (135)

Guido Cannetti (8-6)

Hahaha. This is a great fight for quick, stupid fun. Cannetti has fought just seven times in the UFC since 2014, in large part due to his forty-two years of age. The Argentinian is a powerful striker who sets up some of the nicest traps and entries you will find for a fighter with an 8-6 record. Despite digging deep across his career, Cannetti is often failed by his gas tank – made more visible every fight as he continues to age in a young man’s sport.

Kris Moutinho (9-5)

Everyone knows what Moutinho will bring when he enters the octagon. A limited fighter in all aspects of the fight game, it was only the heart and durability that Moutinho showed against Sean O’Malley that has seen him offered a generous fight. Moutinho can be finished and will walk onto heavy shots from Cannetti early, but the safest back is that Moutinho’s pressure and pace rapidly breaks Cannetti.

Predicted Result: Moutinho TKO Round 3

Moutinho can be finished and will walk onto heavy shots from Cannetti early, but the safest back is that Moutinho’s pressure and pace rapidly breaks Cannetti. The Argentinian isn’t in a division where being forty-two years old is acceptable, despite all of Moutinho’s limitations.

Result: Cannetti def. Moutinho // TKO (punches) Round 1 2:07

Winner ❌ // Method ✔️ // Round ❌

Return to Fight Card


Tafon Nchukwi vs Azamat Murzakanov

Light Heavyweight (205)

Tafon Nchukwi

A fine pressure fighter to watch, Nchukwi relies on his chin to wade forward and keep opponents passive under volume. The striking arsenal is deeper than flurries of hooks, Nchukwi heavily targets the body knees and digging uppercuts. Additionally, Nchukwi loves to throw the head kick to meet opponents exiting the clinch.

Azamat Murzakanov

Undefeated Russian, Azamat Murzakanov, enters his UFC debut at the ripe old age of thirty-two. After a series of fight cancellations across 2021, Murzakanov finally earns his hardest match-up against Nchukwi. Murzakanov’s passivity waiting for the counter may allow Nchukwi to deny him the space and time to find the power counter. More feints alongside his rhythmic bouncing footwork may lull Nchukwi into a mid-range battle, however.

Predicted Result: Murzakanov TKO Round 1

A fine pressure fighter to watch, Nchukwi relies on his chin to wade forward and keep opponents passive under volume. Against Murzakanov, a fighter who carries one-shot lights out power, it sounds like a recipe for disaster. The Russian is very light on volume, however, and there is always the potential that Nchukwi grinds out a win if his pressure denies Murzakanov the time or space to time his powerful counters.

Result: Murzakanov def. Nchukwi // KO (flying knee) Round 3 0:44

Winner ✔️ // Method ✔️ // Round ❌

Return to Fight Card


Prediction Accuracy

UFC Vegas 50

Winner: 8/14

Method: 5/14

Round: 4/14

2022 MMA Season

Winner: 69/96

Method: 47/96

Round: 44/96

MMA Overall

Winner: 565/888

Method: 410/888

Round: 369/888

Takeaway comments: Cracker of a prelims if you haven’t rewatched yet!


TIPPING JAR

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