Lightweights
Loik Radzhabov (16-4-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Esteban Ribovics (11-0, 0-0 UFC)It has been a breakthrough few weeks for Tajikistan in the UFC. Nurullo Aliev became the promotion’s first fighter from the country with his win on Feb. 25, and Radzhabov steps in on about a week’s notice to follow in his countryman’s footsteps. While Aliev is a raw prospect, Radzhabov is a seasoned veteran. A two-time runner-up in the Professional Fighters League lightweight brackets, Radzhabov was apparently pulled from the upcoming season of “The Ultimate Fighter”—where he was a favorite to win—before landing this opportunity. “Jaguar Paw” should settle in nicely, as he is a powerful athlete with a blitzing striking game, which in turn leads into a grinding wrestling attack. It is not the prettiest approach if he fails to simply run over an opponent, but it has been successful more times than not. He takes on a recent Dana White’s Contender Series alum and fellow newcomer in Ribovics, the latest Argentinian product to enter the Octagon. “Gringo” is interesting but relatively untested, building his game around aggression in all phases. He has some physical tools and has shown an ability to carry his power into later rounds, but he also leaves himself wide open while hunting for a finish. There is certainly a chance he catches Radzhabov early. However, even past the possibility that Radzhabov simply knocks him out in a wild exchange, the Tajik fighter should be able to dominate this on the mat in short order. The pick is Radzhabov via second-round stoppage.
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Radzhabov vs. Ribovics