Bantamweights
#13 BW | Umar Nurmagomedov (16-0, 4-0 UFC) vs. Bekzat Almakhan (14-1, 0-0 UFC)The circumstances are not ideal, but it is at least nice to see Nurmagomedov back in action. Nurmagomedov was yet another strong addition to the UFC’s bantamweight ranks when he made his promotional debut in 2021, and he has lived up to the hype in each of his four trips to the Octagon. Beyond the typically strong wrestling and grappling expected of the Nurmagomedov brood and their associates, he has shown off a bouncy striking game that looked particularly effective against Raoni Barcelos in 2023. After quickly knocking Barcelos out, Nurmagomedov seemed ready for his next test to move up the ladder, and the UFC apparently agreed, booking him in a main event slot against contender Cory Sandhagen in August. However, an injury knocked Nurmagomedov out of that position, and he has apparently had a great deal of difficulty finding an opponent upon his return. Rather than a ranked opponent, Nurmagomedov now faces a UFC newcomer Almakhan.
The latest UFC signee out of Kazakhstan, Almakhan is a scrappy and well-rounded fighter who should be able to scrape out some wins in the UFC. However, given the depth of the bantamweight division, it will be interesting to see what he can hang his hat on against a better level of competition. Despite some gutsy efforts, he appears to be out of his depth here no matter where the fight goes. The pick is Nurmagomedov via first-round submission.
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Rozenstruik vs. Gaziev
Petrino vs. Pedro
Mokaev vs. Perez
Nurmagomedov vs. Almakhan
Erceg vs. Schnell
The Prelims