Preview: UFC Fight Night ‘Machida vs. Dollaway’

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LIGHTWEIGHTS

Elias Silverio (11-0, 3-0 UFC) vs. Rashid Magomedov (17-1, 2-0 UFC)

THE MATCHUP: This is an outstanding matchup of lightweight strikers. Magomedov, a former M-1 Global champion, took decisions from Rodrigo Damm and Tony Martin earlier this year, while Silverio most recently defeated Ernest Chavez in May. Both fighters are experienced, skilled and on their way up.

Magomedov is a next-generation sprawl-and-brawler. He throws hard kicks with no setup or telegraphing, crisp punching combinations with near-perfect mechanics and has outstanding timing and great command of the distance. He is almost impossible to hit cleanly, and he weaves together his offense and defense seamlessly, using his slips to load his hips for powerful counters. Magomedov also excels at throwing sneaky shots on clinch breaks and standups, a common skill in sambo but one that is underutilized in MMA. An accomplished wrestler, nobody -- not even big Russian welterweights -- has been able to take down Magomedov and hold him on the canvas for long, and he shoots the occasional takedown to keep things interesting. He is solid on the mat, as well, though he is more of a counter-wrestler and grappler than someone who actively looks to initiate exchanges.

Silverio is a rangy and talented kickboxer who strings together solid punch-kick combinations and works behind a long, crisp jab. He has poor punching mechanics, however, which often leads to his stepping with the wrong foot as he throws or reaching over his lead leg without moving his feet, all of which has the effect of robbing his punches of power. His kicks are powerful, and once he gets into the clinch, he is an absolute monster with vicious knees and strong control. Silverio is a solid offensive wrestler but really excels defensively and is almost impossible to drag to the mat. He is mostly a control grappler with a solid base and decent ground striking.

THE PICK: This is an interesting scrap between two fighters with similar skill sets. Magomedov, however, is cleaner and more technical just about everywhere. His striking defense is far superior; Silverio gets touched consistently in every fight and the Brazilian relies too much on his lanky frame for leverage in the clinch and wrestling exchanges rather than solid mechanics. The pick is Magomedov by close decision in a fight consisting mostly of striking and clinch work.

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