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UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs. Gaziev
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- Saturday 03.02.2024 at 01:30 PM ET
- U.S. Broadcast: ESPN+
- Promotion: Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Ownership: Endeavor
- Venue: UFC Apex
- Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
- Enclosure: Octagon
- TV Announcers: Jon Anik, Michael Bisping, Daniel Cormier
- Ring Announcer: Joe Martinez
- Post-Fight Interviews: Daniel Cormier
- MMA Bouts: 11
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Promotion Links:
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Event Links:
| Bout | Info | |
|---|---|---|
| Jairzinho Rozenstruik defeats Shamil Gaziev via KO/TKO, Retirement | 5:00 Round 4 of 5, 20:00 Total Bout Page | |
| Vitor Petrino defeats Tyson Pedro via Decision, Unanimous | 3 Rounds, 15:00 Total Bout Page | |
| Muhammad Mokaev defeats Alex Perez via Decision, Unanimous | 3 Rounds, 15:00 Total Bout Page | |
| Umar Nurmagomedov defeats Bekzat Almakhan via Decision, Unanimous | 3 Rounds, 15:00 Total Bout Page | |
| Steve Erceg defeats Matt Schnell via KO/TKO, Straight Right to Left Hook Combo | 0:26 Round 2 of 3, 5:26 Total Bout Page | |
| Eryk Anders defeats Jamie Pickett via Decision, Unanimous | 3 Rounds, 15:00 Total Bout Page | |
| Vinicius Oliveira defeats Benardo Sopaj via KO/TKO, Flying Knee | 4:41 Round 3 of 3, 14:41 Total Bout Page | |
| Aiemann Zahabi defeats Javid Basharat via Decision, Unanimous | 3 Rounds, 15:00 Total Bout Page | |
| Christian Leroy Duncan defeats Claudio Ribeiro via KO/TKO, Ground and Pound | 1:57 Round 2 of 3, 6:57 Total Bout Page | |
| Ľudovít Klein defeats AJ Cunningham via KO/TKO, Front Kick to Body | 4:36 Round 1 of 3 Bout Page | |
| Loik Radzhabov defeats Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady via KO/TKO, Right Hook to Ground Strikes | 0:49 Round 3 of 3, 10:49 Total Bout Page |
Responses Page 25
03.02.2024 | 8:07 AM ET
UFC Vegas 87: Rozenstruik vs Gaziev - Picks, Predictions & Betting Card
Predictions: 8 of 11 Winners, 2 Perfect, 465 Points | Tied for 2471st
What bets are everyone liking for today? I like Mokaev and Umar both to win inside the distance.
Full Picks, Predictions & Betting Card for those interested: https://oddsmokermma.com/2024/03/02/ufc-vegas-87-rozenstruik-vs-gaziev-picks-predictions-betting-card/
Hope everyone enjoys the fights!
Full Picks, Predictions & Betting Card for those interested: https://oddsmokermma.com/2024/03/02/ufc-vegas-87-rozenstruik-vs-gaziev-picks-predictions-betting-card/
Hope everyone enjoys the fights!
"Check us out for free MMA Picks, Predictions, Analysis, Bets & More"
03.02.2024 | 8:13 AM ET
Predictions: 9 of 11 Winners, 3 Perfect, 605 Points | Tied for 193rd
AyyLmaonnaise changed his avi from Usman, but I still remember the trash picks.
03.02.2024 | 8:25 AM ET
Predictions: 8 of 11 Winners, 2 Perfect, 505 Points | Tied for 1544th
Over 1.5 in Umar vs. Bekzat looks good
"Train by day, Joe Rogan podcast by night" - Nick Diaz
03.02.2024 | 8:30 AM ET
Predictions: 9 of 11 Winners, 2 Perfect, 555 Points | Tied for 605th
03.02.2024 | 8:41 AM ET
Predictions: 4 of 5 Winners, 1 Perfect, 225 Points | Tied for 4731st
"It's never too late to develop your critical thinking capacities"
03.02.2024 | 8:50 AM ET
Prediction Comments
Predictions: 8 of 11 Winners, 4 Perfect, 565 Points | Tied for 539th
Radzhabov vs. Al-Selwady
Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady, DEC
Www
Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady, DEC
Www
" Don’t ever doubt me again. Don’t you ever bully somebody. Don’t you ever talk about somebody and think you’re better than them.”"
-
- Mr_Moon
03.02.2024 | 9:23 AM ET
Predictions: 9 of 11 Winners, 5 Perfect, 605 Points | Tied for 193rd
This card has no hype going into it but I would argue that a few of the actual fights have a chance of being really good.
For example Loik versus Al-Selwady is a smart fight to kick off the event. Loik might be the biggest test of Al-Selqady’s career. In my opinion fighters like Erceg and Mokaev are also taking a step up in level of competition, which is always intriguing.
Ribeiro has yet to be in a boring fight in his 4 for the UFC and CLD is a perfect partner for that.
Anders and Pickett could be a dog fight if both realize what that this may be their last UFC fight.
Finally Usman Nurmagomedov has put all the pressure on himself and pressure supposedly makes diamonds.
Overall a solid card for a Saturday afternoon in my time zone.
For example Loik versus Al-Selwady is a smart fight to kick off the event. Loik might be the biggest test of Al-Selqady’s career. In my opinion fighters like Erceg and Mokaev are also taking a step up in level of competition, which is always intriguing.
Ribeiro has yet to be in a boring fight in his 4 for the UFC and CLD is a perfect partner for that.
Anders and Pickett could be a dog fight if both realize what that this may be their last UFC fight.
Finally Usman Nurmagomedov has put all the pressure on himself and pressure supposedly makes diamonds.
Overall a solid card for a Saturday afternoon in my time zone.
03.02.2024 | 9:28 AM ET
Predictions: 7 of 11 Winners, 1 Perfect, 420 Points | Tied for 3425th
Only really stuck on the Loik fight
03.02.2024 | 9:35 AM ET
Prediction Comments
Predictions: 8 of 11 Winners, 2 Perfect, 515 Points | Tied for 1318th
Rozenstruik vs. Gaziev
Shamil Gaziev, TKO, R1
34-9, 1-2
Petrino vs. Pedro
Vitor Petrino, TKO, R2
42-2
Perez vs. Mokaev
Muhammad Mokaev, SUB, R3
44-0
Nurmagomedov vs. Almakhan
Umar Nurmagomedov, SUB, R2
44-0,1-2 18-17
Schnell vs. Erceg
Steve Erceg, DEC
40-2,25
Anders vs. Pickett
Eryk Anders, TKO, R2
41-1,21
Oliveira vs. Sopaj
Vinicius Oliveira, TKO, R1
28-9
Basharat vs. Zahabi
Javid Basharat, DEC
44-0
Duncan vs. Ribeiro
Christian Leroy Duncan, TKO, R2
43-1
Klein vs. Cunningham
Ľudovít Klein, TKO, R1
40-0,26
Radzhabov vs. Al-Selwady
Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady, DEC
34-7
Shamil Gaziev, TKO, R1
34-9, 1-2
Petrino vs. Pedro
Vitor Petrino, TKO, R2
42-2
Perez vs. Mokaev
Muhammad Mokaev, SUB, R3
44-0
Nurmagomedov vs. Almakhan
Umar Nurmagomedov, SUB, R2
44-0,1-2 18-17
Schnell vs. Erceg
Steve Erceg, DEC
40-2,25
Anders vs. Pickett
Eryk Anders, TKO, R2
41-1,21
Oliveira vs. Sopaj
Vinicius Oliveira, TKO, R1
28-9
Basharat vs. Zahabi
Javid Basharat, DEC
44-0
Duncan vs. Ribeiro
Christian Leroy Duncan, TKO, R2
43-1
Klein vs. Cunningham
Ľudovít Klein, TKO, R1
40-0,26
Radzhabov vs. Al-Selwady
Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady, DEC
34-7
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- GreenTeaEnthusiast
03.02.2024 | 9:36 AM ET
Prediction Comments
Predictions: 8 of 11 Winners, 2 Perfect, 505 Points | Tied for 1544th
Rozenstruik vs. Gaziev
Jairzinho Rozenstruik, TKO, R1
Gaziev is defensively lacking, and his style of coming forward with an offense-first approach will not work to his favor here. Every guy who's ever beat Bigi, barring Ngannou, has been stayed composed on the front foot, despite having fight-ending power. This includes Reem. I don't wanna read too much into it and wind up looking like a dumbass if Gaziev sleeps him in the first; it is heavyweight, and anything goes. This could end in any round, or go the distance in a lackluster clinchfest. With that said, this is probably too much too soon for Gaziev. Gimme Bigi Boy via check left hook in the opening 90 seconds.
Petrino vs. Pedro
Vitor Petrino, TKO, R2
I don't know if it's just me but Petrino does not look 26. Always thought he was 32/33. Wonder if he's getting away with blasting testosterone or something else. Either way, he's a physical specimen with explosiveness for days, and he's looking progressively more polished each fight. I started watching out for him when he beat Bellato, and that win is going to age very well. Pedro, who once appeared to be a legit prospect, now doesn't look to be a top 15 fighter. I may be speaking too soon; it's still early in his career and 205 isn't the deepest of divisions, but he just struggles with that step up against guys who bring a pace to him. Petrino will do just that, and I think we'll see him melt and eventually finish off Pedro.
Perez vs. Mokaev
Muhammad Mokaev, DEC
Beautiful fight with title shot scribbled all over this. I really, really hope Mokaev wins this, and I don't doubt that he will. Perez in his prime was a genuine force, but he's fallen off pretty rough since he lost to Figueiredo, with a tough pullout game and 91 seconds in the Octagon over the last 3 years... 91 seconds in which he got *****ed by the champ. With that in mind - Mokaev is a phenom fighting up to this level at 23. He manages to needlessly put himself in bad positions in every fight, but I largely attribute that to ego rather than a fundamental cap on his skills. If he gets his head right - which likely won't happen until he has a scare of a decision against a top-tier competitor, or gets whooped up by Pantoja - then I believe he could sweep out most of the division. Perez won't be the man to stop him, but he will be the stone Mokaev needs to step before he suffers that first L. Pantoja vs Mokaev inbound.
Nurmagomedov vs. Almakhan
Umar Nurmagomedov, TKO, R1
Hell of a welcome to the UFC. Already puts Bekzat well ahead of his peers by having shared a cage with Umar. The thing about the whole Nurmagomedov clan is that, although they boast tactical mastery, their gameplans tend to be very simple owing to their skillsets being lightyears ahead of that of their competition. This allows them to formulate simple plans of attack and falling back on their skillsets when needed; meaning, you can expect the gameplan here to be something rudimentary that exploits a gap in Bekzat's style. In this case, this will likely be Umar making the most of Bekzat blitzing plenty with his chin not nearly as protected as it should be. Umar is an S-tier striker and he could really just rely on fundamental intuition rather than advanced gameplanning here. Early KO.
Schnell vs. Erceg
Steve Erceg, DEC
I love this fight, and I love that AstroBoy is climbing up the ladder. He's looking better each time he goes out there, and I just have this feeling he'll break through what his fights would suggest his ceiling is.
Jairzinho Rozenstruik, TKO, R1
Gaziev is defensively lacking, and his style of coming forward with an offense-first approach will not work to his favor here. Every guy who's ever beat Bigi, barring Ngannou, has been stayed composed on the front foot, despite having fight-ending power. This includes Reem. I don't wanna read too much into it and wind up looking like a dumbass if Gaziev sleeps him in the first; it is heavyweight, and anything goes. This could end in any round, or go the distance in a lackluster clinchfest. With that said, this is probably too much too soon for Gaziev. Gimme Bigi Boy via check left hook in the opening 90 seconds.
Petrino vs. Pedro
Vitor Petrino, TKO, R2
I don't know if it's just me but Petrino does not look 26. Always thought he was 32/33. Wonder if he's getting away with blasting testosterone or something else. Either way, he's a physical specimen with explosiveness for days, and he's looking progressively more polished each fight. I started watching out for him when he beat Bellato, and that win is going to age very well. Pedro, who once appeared to be a legit prospect, now doesn't look to be a top 15 fighter. I may be speaking too soon; it's still early in his career and 205 isn't the deepest of divisions, but he just struggles with that step up against guys who bring a pace to him. Petrino will do just that, and I think we'll see him melt and eventually finish off Pedro.
Perez vs. Mokaev
Muhammad Mokaev, DEC
Beautiful fight with title shot scribbled all over this. I really, really hope Mokaev wins this, and I don't doubt that he will. Perez in his prime was a genuine force, but he's fallen off pretty rough since he lost to Figueiredo, with a tough pullout game and 91 seconds in the Octagon over the last 3 years... 91 seconds in which he got *****ed by the champ. With that in mind - Mokaev is a phenom fighting up to this level at 23. He manages to needlessly put himself in bad positions in every fight, but I largely attribute that to ego rather than a fundamental cap on his skills. If he gets his head right - which likely won't happen until he has a scare of a decision against a top-tier competitor, or gets whooped up by Pantoja - then I believe he could sweep out most of the division. Perez won't be the man to stop him, but he will be the stone Mokaev needs to step before he suffers that first L. Pantoja vs Mokaev inbound.
Nurmagomedov vs. Almakhan
Umar Nurmagomedov, TKO, R1
Hell of a welcome to the UFC. Already puts Bekzat well ahead of his peers by having shared a cage with Umar. The thing about the whole Nurmagomedov clan is that, although they boast tactical mastery, their gameplans tend to be very simple owing to their skillsets being lightyears ahead of that of their competition. This allows them to formulate simple plans of attack and falling back on their skillsets when needed; meaning, you can expect the gameplan here to be something rudimentary that exploits a gap in Bekzat's style. In this case, this will likely be Umar making the most of Bekzat blitzing plenty with his chin not nearly as protected as it should be. Umar is an S-tier striker and he could really just rely on fundamental intuition rather than advanced gameplanning here. Early KO.
Schnell vs. Erceg
Steve Erceg, DEC
I love this fight, and I love that AstroBoy is climbing up the ladder. He's looking better each time he goes out there, and I just have this feeling he'll break through what his fights would suggest his ceiling is.
03.02.2024 | 9:57 AM ET
Predictions: 10 of 11 Winners, 3 Perfect, 620 Points | Tied for 111th
Radzhabov/Al-Selwady is definitely a hard matchup to predict, other than it may be a competitive decision fight
"It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog. - Alexander Volkanovski"
03.02.2024 | 10:14 AM ET
Prediction Comments
Predictions: 8 of 11 Winners, 1 Perfect, 425 Points | Tied for 3362nd
Nurmagomedov vs. Almakhan
Umar Nurmagomedov, SUB, R1
umar lock!!!
Schnell vs. Erceg
Steve Erceg, DEC
sch better stk erceg bettr ovrall
Oliveira vs. Sopaj
Vinicius Oliveira, DEC
strk sopaj 4 day notice
Basharat vs. Zahabi
Javid Basharat, DEC
bas grap zah str chance
Duncan vs. Ribeiro
Christian Leroy Duncan, DEC
duncan clean ribeiro wilder
Klein vs. Cunningham
Ľudovít Klein, DEC
no points klein good strk and grap aj short not grap
Radzhabov vs. Al-Selwady
Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady, DEC
50/50 wres
Umar Nurmagomedov, SUB, R1
umar lock!!!
Schnell vs. Erceg
Steve Erceg, DEC
sch better stk erceg bettr ovrall
Oliveira vs. Sopaj
Vinicius Oliveira, DEC
strk sopaj 4 day notice
Basharat vs. Zahabi
Javid Basharat, DEC
bas grap zah str chance
Duncan vs. Ribeiro
Christian Leroy Duncan, DEC
duncan clean ribeiro wilder
Klein vs. Cunningham
Ľudovít Klein, DEC
no points klein good strk and grap aj short not grap
Radzhabov vs. Al-Selwady
Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady, DEC
50/50 wres
03.02.2024 | 10:15 AM ET
Predictions: 7 of 11 Winners, 3 Perfect, 475 Points | Tied for 2353rd
did you have a stroke while typing your picks?
03.02.2024 | 10:16 AM ET
Prediction Comments
Predictions: 7 of 11 Winners, 1 Perfect, 405 Points | Tied for 3601st
Rozenstruik vs. Gaziev
Shamil Gaziev, TKO, R2
I.....
Shamil Gaziev, TKO, R2
I.....
03.02.2024 | 10:44 AM ET
Predictions: 8 of 11 Winners, 1 Perfect, 480 Points | Tied for 2073rd
Idk if it's this stomach bug that I've been dealing with for the past couple days but I think this card is a banger & I'm hype that I don't have to wait all day for it.
03.02.2024 | 11:00 AM ET
/
Predictions: 10 of 11 Winners, 4 Perfect, 680 Points | Tied for 14th with 4 others
* Edited at 03.02.2024, 11:01 AM ET *
"I kind of try to focus on the moment, in the present. That’s humility. That’s being humble. That’s not setting no expectation. That’s going out there, enjoying the game, competing at a high level.” - Giannis Antetokounmpo"
03.02.2024 | 11:02 AM ET
Predictions: 7 of 11 Winners, 0 Perfect, 380 Points | Tied for 3921st
still can't get over that Brook lost, so ***ing choke.
03.02.2024 | 11:02 AM ET
Prediction Comments
Predictions: 3 of 11 Winners, 1 Perfect, 200 Points | Tied for 4794th
Nurmagomedov vs. Almakhan
Bekzat Almakhan, DEC
Too many big favorites, idc if i'm wrong.
Schnell vs. Erceg
Matt Schnell, SUB, R3
SCHNELL MAFIA
Bekzat Almakhan, DEC
Too many big favorites, idc if i'm wrong.
Schnell vs. Erceg
Matt Schnell, SUB, R3
SCHNELL MAFIA
"Why they allow makeup in beauty contest but not steroids in contest of strength?"
03.02.2024 | 11:26 AM ET
Prediction Comments
Predictions: 9 of 11 Winners, 2 Perfect, 570 Points | Tied for 435th
Rozenstruik vs. Gaziev
Shamil Gaziev, SUB, R1
Submil Waziev
Petrino vs. Pedro
Vitor Petrino, TKO, R2
Violence
Perez vs. Mokaev
Muhammad Mokaev, SUB, R3
Pull out king gonna be a tap out king
Nurmagomedov vs. Almakhan
Umar Nurmagomedov, SUB, R1
Wmar
Schnell vs. Erceg
Steve Erceg, TKO, R3
Astroboy
Anders vs. Pickett
Eryk Anders, DEC
Ya Boi gonna get the W
Oliveira vs. Sopaj
Vinicius Oliveira, TKO, R2
Basically a “Lok”
Basharat vs. Zahabi
Javid Basharat, DEC
Another Basharat Decision
Duncan vs. Ribeiro
Christian Leroy Duncan, TKO, R1
CLD FTW
Klein vs. Cunningham
Ľudovít Klein, TKO, R1
Another highlight for Klein
Radzhabov vs. Al-Selwady
Loik Radzhabov, SUB, R1
The Dog is barking
Shamil Gaziev, SUB, R1
Submil Waziev
Petrino vs. Pedro
Vitor Petrino, TKO, R2
Violence
Perez vs. Mokaev
Muhammad Mokaev, SUB, R3
Pull out king gonna be a tap out king
Nurmagomedov vs. Almakhan
Umar Nurmagomedov, SUB, R1
Wmar
Schnell vs. Erceg
Steve Erceg, TKO, R3
Astroboy
Anders vs. Pickett
Eryk Anders, DEC
Ya Boi gonna get the W
Oliveira vs. Sopaj
Vinicius Oliveira, TKO, R2
Basically a “Lok”
Basharat vs. Zahabi
Javid Basharat, DEC
Another Basharat Decision
Duncan vs. Ribeiro
Christian Leroy Duncan, TKO, R1
CLD FTW
Klein vs. Cunningham
Ľudovít Klein, TKO, R1
Another highlight for Klein
Radzhabov vs. Al-Selwady
Loik Radzhabov, SUB, R1
The Dog is barking
03.02.2024 | 11:27 AM ET
Prediction Comments
Predictions: 8 of 11 Winners, 1 Perfect, 455 Points | Tied for 2680th
Rozenstruik vs. Gaziev
Shamil Gaziev, TKO, R1
Not saying it's the smartest strategy but I don't think Gaziev is going to be threatened by Bigi Boys power whatsoever. He's going to walk forward and try to out-volume Rozenstruik and it's probably going to work. Rozenstruik does too much waiting around to try and land the perfect shot and is a fish out of water on the ground. The only win he has over a fighter currently in the promotion is Arlovski. Gaziev has absolute nukes in his hands. I think the UFC is trying to prop Gaziev up before the card in Saudi Arabia this summer and figures this fight will go very similar to Rozenstruik vs. Volkov. You might not think Martin Buday is a great figher but the reality is he's decent and has a phenomenal chin. It's been well established that Rozenstruik can't take anywhere near the same amount of damage Buday did. I'll always be a Bigi Boy fan but it's been apparent to me for awhile now he's likely PFL bound. He's been in the promotion 5 years and hasn't evolved whatsoever.
Petrino vs. Pedro
Vitor Petrino, DEC
Close fight but I can't back Pedro with how bad his tank his. Petrino has a crazy chin so I think he can weather whatever Pedro has for him early and then just take over from there. I think Petrino is arguably the best LHW prospect in the promotion and seems to get better and better every fight. Could be a close fight because both guys aren't easy to finish and Pedro can definitely dominate the first round, but he's so hard to rely on after that.
Perez vs. Mokaev
Muhammad Mokaev, SUB, R2
Perez is not a serious MMA fighter anymore. Don't see Mokaev struggling anywhere.
Nurmagomedov vs. Almakhan
Umar Nurmagomedov, SUB, R3
Only seen one full fight from Bekzat but I really liked what I saw. Very good signing for the UFC but the right of passage here is rough. There's simply levels to MMA and for all the **** Umar gets about pulling out of fights and getting fast tracked, he's as legit a prospect as it gets. I have a feeling Bekzat will make the odds on this fight look silly but still don't see a path to victory.
Schnell vs. Erceg
Steve Erceg, DEC
I think Erceg is ahead everywhere. If Schnell was a little more active recently I could see him getting a win here but I just don't see where he's going to really threaten Erceg outside of blitzing him early and turning this fight into a brawl. Even if that happens I think Erceg can weather the storm. He's displayed a good chin so far and is a good grappler who can more than hold his own in a scramble.
Anders vs. Pickett
Eryk Anders, TKO, R2
If Anders can't get a finish here he should get cut with Pickett Monday morning. I have a feeling he's just going to dominate this fight physically and will find a finish on the ground. Pickett just isn't a threat from anywhere and Anders has been in there with way, way better competition.
Oliveira vs. Sopaj
Vinicius Oliveira, DEC
I think Sopaj is really good but I have to give Lok Dog some respect here. He has the edge in experience, quality of competition, and isn't coming in on short notice. I absolutely get why many are on Sopaj but Lok Dog was, at least for me, the best fighter signed from DWCS this past season besides Jean Matsumoto. Far how dangerous both these guys are I oddly feel like this ones going the distance for some reason.
Basharat vs. Zahabi
Javid Basharat, DEC
Basharat probably wins this on volume but this isn't exactly an easy matchup. Zahabi is a very good striker and not a bad grappler himself but I don't think this is where Basharat gets fraud checked to put it bluntly. Unless he really struggles to mix in takedowns like he normally does, I don't see where he'll struggle in this fight. If he can't get the takedowns, I could see how low he typically carries his hands being a potentially very serious problem. I just think Zahabi will be a step behind Basharat throughout this fight in all phases unless he can land a big shot early.
Duncan vs. Ribeiro
Christian Leroy Duncan, TKO, R1
Murder: the sequel
Klein vs. Cunningham
Ľudovít Klein, TKO, R2
Murder.
Radzhabov vs. Al-Selwady
Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady, DEC
Al-Selwady has a clear speed advantage here. Loik is a well rounded fighter but his tank isn't great. He's not really a great striker but does have good power. I think this will be very similar to the Ribovics fight and see Loik shooting close to 10 takedowns just to try and stay alive.
Shamil Gaziev, TKO, R1
Not saying it's the smartest strategy but I don't think Gaziev is going to be threatened by Bigi Boys power whatsoever. He's going to walk forward and try to out-volume Rozenstruik and it's probably going to work. Rozenstruik does too much waiting around to try and land the perfect shot and is a fish out of water on the ground. The only win he has over a fighter currently in the promotion is Arlovski. Gaziev has absolute nukes in his hands. I think the UFC is trying to prop Gaziev up before the card in Saudi Arabia this summer and figures this fight will go very similar to Rozenstruik vs. Volkov. You might not think Martin Buday is a great figher but the reality is he's decent and has a phenomenal chin. It's been well established that Rozenstruik can't take anywhere near the same amount of damage Buday did. I'll always be a Bigi Boy fan but it's been apparent to me for awhile now he's likely PFL bound. He's been in the promotion 5 years and hasn't evolved whatsoever.
Petrino vs. Pedro
Vitor Petrino, DEC
Close fight but I can't back Pedro with how bad his tank his. Petrino has a crazy chin so I think he can weather whatever Pedro has for him early and then just take over from there. I think Petrino is arguably the best LHW prospect in the promotion and seems to get better and better every fight. Could be a close fight because both guys aren't easy to finish and Pedro can definitely dominate the first round, but he's so hard to rely on after that.
Perez vs. Mokaev
Muhammad Mokaev, SUB, R2
Perez is not a serious MMA fighter anymore. Don't see Mokaev struggling anywhere.
Nurmagomedov vs. Almakhan
Umar Nurmagomedov, SUB, R3
Only seen one full fight from Bekzat but I really liked what I saw. Very good signing for the UFC but the right of passage here is rough. There's simply levels to MMA and for all the **** Umar gets about pulling out of fights and getting fast tracked, he's as legit a prospect as it gets. I have a feeling Bekzat will make the odds on this fight look silly but still don't see a path to victory.
Schnell vs. Erceg
Steve Erceg, DEC
I think Erceg is ahead everywhere. If Schnell was a little more active recently I could see him getting a win here but I just don't see where he's going to really threaten Erceg outside of blitzing him early and turning this fight into a brawl. Even if that happens I think Erceg can weather the storm. He's displayed a good chin so far and is a good grappler who can more than hold his own in a scramble.
Anders vs. Pickett
Eryk Anders, TKO, R2
If Anders can't get a finish here he should get cut with Pickett Monday morning. I have a feeling he's just going to dominate this fight physically and will find a finish on the ground. Pickett just isn't a threat from anywhere and Anders has been in there with way, way better competition.
Oliveira vs. Sopaj
Vinicius Oliveira, DEC
I think Sopaj is really good but I have to give Lok Dog some respect here. He has the edge in experience, quality of competition, and isn't coming in on short notice. I absolutely get why many are on Sopaj but Lok Dog was, at least for me, the best fighter signed from DWCS this past season besides Jean Matsumoto. Far how dangerous both these guys are I oddly feel like this ones going the distance for some reason.
Basharat vs. Zahabi
Javid Basharat, DEC
Basharat probably wins this on volume but this isn't exactly an easy matchup. Zahabi is a very good striker and not a bad grappler himself but I don't think this is where Basharat gets fraud checked to put it bluntly. Unless he really struggles to mix in takedowns like he normally does, I don't see where he'll struggle in this fight. If he can't get the takedowns, I could see how low he typically carries his hands being a potentially very serious problem. I just think Zahabi will be a step behind Basharat throughout this fight in all phases unless he can land a big shot early.
Duncan vs. Ribeiro
Christian Leroy Duncan, TKO, R1
Murder: the sequel
Klein vs. Cunningham
Ľudovít Klein, TKO, R2
Murder.
Radzhabov vs. Al-Selwady
Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady, DEC
Al-Selwady has a clear speed advantage here. Loik is a well rounded fighter but his tank isn't great. He's not really a great striker but does have good power. I think this will be very similar to the Ribovics fight and see Loik shooting close to 10 takedowns just to try and stay alive.