UFC Baku might be Rafael Fiziev’s final probability to get again on monitor.
The proud Azerbaijani fighter is scheduled to face Mexico’s Manuel Torres at house on Saturday, who has gained two straight and 5 of six fights since being launched from his contract. Dana White’s Contender Sequence In 2021.
Fiziev, who was as soon as touted as a high contender within the light-weight division himself, has bounced again since shedding by knockout to Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 325, however has gained simply as soon as in his previous 5 fights. Fiziev all the time places on a present and is a fan favourite, but when he would not get a win tonight in a positive scenario, this might be the final time he headlines a UFC occasion.
Additionally on the principle card, Shara Barrett and Michelle Pereira will face off in a tense middleweight bout, whereas top-15 flyweights Am Almabaev and Charles Johnson will battle for place within the weight class. Ikram Ariskerov will look to show he is a reputable contender when he takes on hard-hitting Bruno Ferreira at 185 kilos.
the place: Nationwide Gymnastics Stadium in Baku, Azerbaijan
when: Saturday June twenty seventh. The seven-match preliminary card begins at 9 a.m. ET, adopted by the six-fight principal card at 12 p.m. ET. The complete occasion will probably be streamed stay on Paramount+.
(The numbers in parentheses point out the rating within the MMA preventing world rankings)
Rafael Fiziev (14) vs. Manuel Torres
The stage is ready for Rafael Fiziev to placed on a present, even towards a tricky opponent like Manuel Torres.
As with most of the striker’s thrilling encounters, his success hinges on his management of vary, on this occasion using sensible footwork and difficult side-to-side actions to thwart Torres’ assaults. Torres is an absolute sniper as soon as he connects, and having traded photographs with the most effective within the light-weight division through the years, he will not must land as many photographs to take down Fiziev, whose chin is understandably bruised.
However the previous man can nonetheless carry out, and although it is truthful to say that Fiziev is shedding a step or two to Father Time, he would not have that many losses towards him towards Mauricio Ruffy, Justin Gaethje, and Mateusz Gamlot (the latter attributable to harm). I nonetheless take into account him probably the greatest technical strikers within the UFC, somebody who has a strong grasp of the basics and may pull off extra flashy strategies as soon as he will get into the swing of issues.
Torres has solely gotten previous the primary spherical as soon as in his profession, however I do not assume that is factor towards Fiziev. Because the struggle progresses, Fiziev’s expertise will repay and start to distinguish Torres. All that is left is to get by way of spherical 1.
Shara Magomedov vs. Michelle Pereira
guess what? I will not promote Michelle Pereira’s inventory both!
Name me delusional, however I consider that “Demolidor” nonetheless has sufficient energy left within the tank to win huge battles, regardless of all of the proof on the contrary. It is clear he is being styled by Shara Barrett. I do not know if it is that straightforward.
Stylistically, Pereira could not have a lot in frequent with Michael Web page, however he might imitate a few of the veteran’s information if he needed to. It is painfully boring to look at the extra clever Pereira, however his greatest wager is to frustrate Barrett as a substitute of attempting to match the strikes. Barrett is harmful as soon as he finds his rhythm, and this might go downhill shortly for Pereira.
I will go for Pereira with some ambiance right here, utilizing his velocity and agility to squarely embarrass Barrett and pressure the Russian Muay Thai specialist into errors. Pereira will reap the benefits of the upset and placed on a classic spotlight reel end.
Nazim Sadikhov vs. Mateusz Camilo
One of many 4 Azerbaijani fighters to compete on Saturday (kudos to first-timers Farman Hasanov and Tahir Abdullaev), Nazim Sadikhov takes on Brazil’s Mateus Camilo in an advantageous however nonetheless troublesome bout.
After being bullied by Fares Giam in his final struggle, Sadikhov ought to work extra on his takedown protection and dealing with strain as Camilo intends to provide him a struggle. Sadikhov’s benefit is that he’s striker, so it is going to be troublesome for Camilo to shut the gap with out taking a shot. On the flip facet, Sadikhov tends to land one shot at a time, so if Camilo needs a brawl, this match might go down that path as effectively.
Sadikhov must maintain off Camilo for 3 rounds, however so long as this struggle holds up, the house nation favourite ought to hit Camilo within the center and decide up a call victory.
As Almabaev (11) vs. Charles Johnson (15)
This must be a wrestling-focused win for Asu Almabaev, however I’ve considerations.
- Almabaev is a smaller fighter and Charles Johnson is a bigger fighter, however there will probably be an apparent dimension distinction once they step into the cage.
- Almabaev is an aggressive striker, however his protection is restricted as he tends to make use of his athleticism to get out of the best way reasonably than counter correctly. It is a great way to chin.
- Johnson has a status for defying expectations. Relying on which e book you take a look at, Johnson has gained his final 4 video games as an underdog.
It is no unusual coincidence that Johnson KO’d each Joshua Bunn and Roaner Kavanagh. The person has large confidence in his skills and, at 125 kilos, packs an enormous quantity of punching energy. I assure you he thinks Almabaev is a simple alternative.
However Almabaev is disciplined and his camp is certainly targeted on takedowns, takedowns, and extra takedowns. So long as he focuses on holding his place reasonably than pulling his chin and attempting to get a end, he’ll be capable to win this struggle.
Ikram Ariskerov vs. Bruno Ferreira
This isn’t a sophisticated matchup.
Ikram Ariskerov is concentrated on clipping the cage and flying proper arms, whereas Bruno Ferreira appears to swing large from the opening bell. Each fighters are anticipated to respect the power of their opponent, so we might see a sluggish begin as they attempt to keep away from getting caught within the opening minutes.
When push involves shove, Ariskerov has proven he is keen to wrestle, and Ferreira could find yourself on his again or pinned to the fence for an prolonged time period. If he can create separation, he can have success on his toes, however he must be careful for Ariskerov’s sneaky bombs. Along with his piston-like proper hook, Ariskerov additionally has a brief left hook that he likes to throw.
Ariskerov’s solely losses got here towards two UFC middleweight champions, Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev. He nonetheless has rather a lot to show that he is near that degree, however I feel he is a notch above Ferreira.
As soon as once more, the straight proper proved to be Ferreira’s kryptonite. Ariskerov is knocked out.
Abs Magomedov vs. Michal Olekshechuk
Michal Oleksejuk is an fascinating middleweight. Kudos to him for dropping down correctly and believing his all-offense type would work effectively within the light-weight division. Ought to we take him significantly as a candidate?
His opponent, Abs Magomedov, faces the identical query after faltering towards a few of the greatest fighters within the division. There are critical questions on Magomedov’s skill to tug off a three-round struggle, however fortuitously for him that most likely will not be a problem on Saturday. Like-minded Olekseychuk will get in there aiming for the end and can end quick.
Magomedov could have a slight energy benefit, however Olekseychuk is a really succesful boxer, so I count on him to make use of his quantity to defeat Magomedov and sluggish him down in a sport of hen within the first spherical. Grappling might be a giant issue, because the taller Magomedov might doubtlessly tie up Olekshechuk and ship him to the mat, and we’ll see if Olekshechuk’s takedown protection holds up.
This might go both approach. The one factor I am assured about is that it will not present up on the scorecard.
Farman Hasanov def.Eric Nolan
Abdul Rachman Yakyaev def. Julius Walker
Nursultan Luzhboev def. Andrei Pryaev
Javier Reyes did. little offley
Daniil Donchenko def. Theodor Berggren
Bekzat Almaqan def. Gene Matsumoto
Tahir Abdullaev def.Jefferson Nascimento
