THE LEFT HAND OF @Nasrat_mma #UFCNewark pic.twitter.com/SuyD3mJVkq
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) August 3, 2019
Lightweights
Nasrat Haqparast (11-3) vs. Alex Munoz (6-0)ODDS: Haqparast (-240), Munoz (+200)
Haqparast’s ascent through the lightweight ranks hit a bit of a speed bump, but the German is still a blue-chip prospect. Haqparast stood out in his pre-UFC film, particularly for how much he improved from fight to fight, and he impressed in his late-notice debut by lasting 15 minutes with Marcin Held. From there, Haqparast started developing a layered striking game that earned him impressive win after impressive win. However, what should have been a breakout opportunity against Drew Dober in January instead saw the American score a quick knockout. Haqparast is a few weeks shy of his 25th birthday, so the future is still bright, and he should be able to rebound here against a promotional newcomer. Munoz, a Team Alpha Male product, is probably best known for turning back Nick Newell on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2018; he earned a contract following one more win on the regional scene. Munoz is a solid wrestler, which is a different look from Haqparast’s last few opponents, so that should provide some interest here. Even so, Haqparast figures to overwhelm the newcomer on the feet for as long as this fight lasts. The pick is Haqparast via second-round stoppage.
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