Preview: UFC 223 ‘Nurmagomedov vs. Iaquinta’

Featherweights

Zabit Magomedsharipov (14-1) vs. Kyle Bochniak (8-2)

THE ODDS: Magomedsharipov (-820), Bochniak (+560).

ANALYSIS: Bochniak seems to be getting punished for producing a boring fight with action-oriented Brandon Davis at UFC 220 in January. Here he draws Magomedsharipov, a highly touted blue-chip prospect with a pair of dominant UFC stoppages to his name already.

“Crash” Bochniak likes to dart around on the outside before exploding through space with power rights, leg kicks or takedown attempts. His low-output power game will be no match for Magomedsharipov, who boasts a varied, flashy and devastating kickboxing arsenal. Magomedsharipov might be known for his spinning attacks, but his more traditional boxing and round kicks are no joke, either. He is down to engage in the pocket or fire kicks from long range, but his wrestling and aggressive submission grappling are what have won him his two UFC bouts. That speaks to the breadth and depth of his skills. He has dominated everywhere so far.

Bochniak will want to stick, move and potshot while looking to stay out of danger and frustrate the Dagestani featherweight. That will be hard to accomplish with Magomedsharipov’s three-inch reach advantage and kick-heavy attack. Worse, he will not have the firepower necessary to keep his counterpart at bay when the Mark Henry protege has had enough of the long game. Magomedsharipov ties up Bochniak, drags him to the canvas and taps him out in the second round.

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