THIS GUY!!@Zabit_MMA puts on another spectacular performance and finishes Moraes in round 3! Unreal! #UFCShanghai pic.twitter.com/3gsxmPlmbo
— UFC (@ufc) November 25, 2017
Featherweights:
Zabit Magomedsharipov (15-1) vs. Brandon Davis (9-4)Advertisement
Magomedsharipov was regarded as a blue-chip prospect when he made his UFC debut about a year ago, but the Russian has lived up to expectations and then some, proving himself to be one of the brightest young stars in the entire sport, as well as a must-watch action fighter. Magomedsharipov’s pipe-cleaner frame is what immediately stands out, and he uses his lankiness to great effect, throwing out a high volume of strikes that are both flashy and dictate the distance of his opponent. On top of that, Magomedsharipov adds in a surprisingly strong grappling game, combining big slams with a sturdy arsenal of chokes that allowed him to submit his first two UFC opponents. Really, all that is left is for the UFC to start giving Magomedsharipov top-flight competition, which almost happened here; a long-teased bout between Magomedsharipov and Yair Rodriguez was set for this card, until the latter was forced out of the fight due to injury. Into the void steps Mississippi’s Davis, who, if nothing else, should make things fun.
Davis, who initially put himself on the UFC radar through Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series, takes an approach that is based around one word: activity. With this fight, he will become the first man with four UFC appearances in 2018. Inside the cage, Davis mostly looks to hunt down his opponent and throw volume. That approach has its faults -- Kyle Bochniak managed to adapt to Davis’ style and mostly force him to chase and get frustrated -- but Davis’ penchant to seek out violence has made him a reliable bet for a fun fight every time out.
God bless Davis for stepping up and taking on one of the toughest matchups in the UFC’s featherweight division, but this fight will likely be more enjoyable than it is competitive. Davis’ pressure game keeps things moving, but if opponents are willing to stick and move, he is more likely to chase them down rather than adjust. Magomedsharipov’s more than capable of picking off Davis, and once you add in the fact that the Alan Belcher protégé’s grappling defense is a bit iffy, this is the Russian’s fight to lose. Again, this should be fun while it lasts, but Magomedsharipov by second-round submission in a one-sided performance is the pick.
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