MMA Event Breakdown - UFC 294: Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski
UFC 294: Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski
The UFC returns to the United Arab Emirates premiere destination, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi (formerly known as Fight Island to the MMA community) with a pay-per-view extravaganza headlined by a rematch of pound-for-pound titans. UFC announced yesterday that we can expect more shows emanating from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA Region), as they have not only re-signed with the UAE for an additional five-year deal, but they have expanded the deal to include more fight-night events as well as high quality pay-per-view events. We have plenty of talented fighters to discuss from all over the world, so without further ado, let’s begin with a striker’s delight in the middleweight division.
Bruno Silva vs. Shara Magomedov
Fight Odds: +245 Silva vs. -285 Magomedov
Weight Class: 185lb. (Middleweight)
Bruno Silva is a fun fighter with a brawling style, heavy ground and pound, and an incredible 20-0 record to the knockout in a lengthy MMA career. Silva has gone 15 hard minutes with Alex Pereira on the feet, he has secured three knockout wins in the UFC (Tavares, Turman, Sanchez), and he has only been finished via submission by two high-level black belts in Gerald Meerschaert and Brendan Allen. Silva has been plagued by submission losses throughout his career, with 7 on his record despite his status as a BJJ black belt.
Shara Magomedov is a local attraction with a dynamic kickboxing style, a healthy repertoire of KOs, and an ability to mix in takedowns and top control if necessary. Magomdeov has never been tested on this level, so it would take a leap of faith to back him at these substantial chalk prices, but he is likely the fresher fighter who has absorbed less damage and is more capable of recovering if clipped in this fight. Silva says he changed his entire approach to camp and will be looking to win by any means necessary, so don’t be surprised if we see Silva try to clinch or wrestle proactively to put Magomedov on the back foot in this fight.
Prediction: Shara Magomedov defeats Bruno Silva via TKO3/UDEC