UFC Saudi Arabia

UFC Saudi Arabia: Main Card Preview & Predictions

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The UFC returns to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 1st with a stacked lineup. Middleweight superstar, Israel Adesanya, headlines the event. He will take on the rising young French contender, Nassourdine Imavov. The co-main event features undefeated Russian middleweight striker Sharaputdin Magomedov clashing with the talented Michael ‘Venom’ Page.

UFC Saudi Arabia

Middleweight Bout

Israel Adesanya (2) vs. Nassourdine Imavov (5)

The main event features Israel Adesanya (24-4-0) vs. Nassourdine Imavov (15-4-0, 1NC). Now on a two-fight losing streak, Adesanya looks to return to his winning ways. Imavov hopes to extend his three-fight win streak and earn a title shot with a victory over the former champion.

Adesanya, 35, faces a tough challenge in the 28-year-old rising French contender. That said, both fighters will open the bout by battling for the center of the octagon. They will use exchange feints, jabs, and low kicks early on. Adesanya will attempt to circle Imavov as he sticks the younger fighter with jabs and low kicks. He will adjust his attacks as the former champion gets more comfortable with the striking range and rhythm. Expect Imavov to try and mix up the clinching game with his striking, especially if Adesanya’s offense gives him issues. He will resort to labored takedowns against the cage if he feels outmatched in the kickboxing. The experienced fighter in Adesanya will try to keep this fight going, given his clear advantage there. The feints of Adesanya will puzzle Imavov and he’ll contribute to out-strike his frustrated opponent over five rounds.

Prediction: Israel Adesanya via Unanimous Decision

Middleweight Bout

Sharaputdin Magomedov (14) vs. Michael Page (15-WW)

The co-main event of UFC Saudi Arabia will be a striker’s delight at middleweight. Undefeated Sharaputdin Magomedov (15-0-0) crosses paths with Michael ‘Venom’ Page (22-3-0) for a scheduled three rounds.

A battle of flashy styles will be put on full display. Both 30-year-old Magomedov and 37-year-old Page are known to produce highlight-reel clips with their striking inside the octagon. Fans can expect little to no grappling in this fight as both strikers prefer exchanging on the feet. This matchup has the potential to produce a lackluster viewing for fans, given both fighters counter-striking tendencies. That said, Magomedov will utilize his low kicks against Page as the older fighter’s lead leg will be vulnerable. Both fighters will implement feints to set up kicks to the body and head. Magomedov’s composure on the feet will prevent him from being chased after Page and playing into his hands. He will land the cleaner, more effective strikes and earn a hard-fought close decision over three rounds.

Prediction: Sharaputdin Magomedov via Split Decision

UFC Saudi Arabia

Heavyweight Bout

Sergei Pavlovich (4) vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik (9)

Fight fans can expect a devastating finish here. Heavyweight knockout artists are scheduled for three rounds of action. Sergei Pavlovich (18-3-0) is eager to end a two-fight losing streak. He fell short against Alexander Volkov and Tom Aspinall in his last two. Jairzinho Rozenstruik (15-5-0) comes into this fight riding a two-fight win streak with wins over Tai Tuivasa and Shamil Gaziev.

Both men are sluggers and possess incredible punching power. It would be shocking to see it go past the first round. Pavlovich, 32, will approach this dangerous fight with a heavy boxing-oriented style. Rozenstruik, 36, will rely on his kickboxing pedigree. The Russian juggernaut will take risks and abandon caution. He will do what earned him an interim title shot, pressuring and threatening heavy punches. Rozenstruik will utilize his superior footwork and circle the cage while peppering Pavlovich’s lead leg. Look for Pavlovich to time a counterpunch in response to the low kicks from Rozenstruik. Once Pavlovich finds the opening for a big right hand, he will swarm Rozenstruik with winging hooks. The kickboxer will be dazed and sent down to the canvas.

Prediction: Sergei Pavlovich via 1st-Round KO/TKO

The Remaining Main Card Fights:

  • Vinicius Oliveira (21-3-0) def. Said Nurmagomedov (18-3-0) via Split Decision
  • Fares Ziam (16-4-0) def. Mike Davis (11-2-0) via Unanimous Decision
  • Muhammad Naimov (11-3-0) def. Kaan Ofli (12-3-1) via 2nd-Round KO/TKO
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