Preview: UFC on ESPN 28 ‘Hall vs. Strickland’

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Flyweights

NR | Ryan Benoit (10-7, 3-5 UFC) vs. NR | Zarrukh Adashev (3-3, 0-2 UFC)

ODDS: Benoit (-130), Adashev (+110)

Adashev has not gotten the chance to show much inside the UFC, which is understandable. While he had a solid kickboxing record prior to his time in MMA, Adashev was about as raw as anyone on the roster when the UFC decided to sign him on late notice in June 2020, with only four fights against a low level of opposition to his credit. Adashev has been forced to learn on the job and suffered as a result. Tyson Nam blasted him in just 31 seconds, and Adashev could not get much done against the much more physically talented Su Mudaerji. He will get another shot for a UFC win against perennial tough out.

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Benoit is not the most inspiring talent, particularly in the all-action flyweight division, as he is generally a slow-paced kickboxer with some power behind his strikes. However, he has been able to hang tough against nearly all of his opponents and even holds a signature 2015 knockout win over Sergio Pettis. Benoit rarely separates himself from his opponents if he does not score a knockout, so Adashev certainly has a chance. With that said, there is no reason not to favor Benoit, who simply has much more depth to his game thanks to his experience. The pick is Benoit via decision.

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