
Impact labor: what to expect from the UFC tournament in Saudi Arabia

On the evening of February 1 in Riyadh will be held UFC Fight Night tournament, in the main event of which Israel Adesanya will meet with Nassurdin Imavov, and in the second most important fight Sharabutdin Magomedov will fight with Michael Page. In total, the card will feature five natives of Russia, more details about the upcoming fights - in the material of "Izvestia".
Sharabutdin Magomedov vs. Michael Page
This fight will be the first for Shara Bullet in the status of a rated fighter. Sharabutdin will come out against an equally top opponent. Michael "Venom" Page is an experienced puncher with an unorthodox technique that can cause problems for any fighter. The Englishman is known for his effective style, as well as his extensive experience in Bellator.
Shara, on the other hand, is known for his power, aggression and spectacle. However, now he will face a serious test in the face of a fighter with a unique technique and not the worst grappling. This fight could be a real highlight of the evening and provide a spectacular stand-up confrontation.
- This is an interesting fight in terms of the fact that both fighters are unconventional, make unusual punches, constantly invent something, - said in conversation with "Izvestia" ACA welterweight champion Albert Tumenov. - I tend to believe that Sharabutdin is more motivated, his arsenal is richer. I don't know if the fight will end early or not, but I think he has more striking skills than Paige, although the opponents are similar, they fight unconventionally. Sharabutdin will be faster and more creative in this fight and will win.
- It will be an interesting fight," MMA legend Sergey Kharitonov told Izvestia. - Both are such actors, the guys are unconventional fighters, doing all sorts of interesting things. In my opinion, Shara is the favorite, but Page is still dangerous. Especially in the standup, but Michael's wrestling is lacking. Shara Bullet does. He's a puncher, but like any Dagestani he can fight. So 70-30 in Magomedov's favor.
Sergey Pavlovich - Jairzinho Rosenstrike
Russian heavyweight Sergey Pavlovic steps back into the octagon to confirm his status as one of the division's top knockouts. After losses to Tom Aspinall and Alexander Volkov, it's important for him to regain his confidence and show that he remains a threat to any opponent.
Rosenstrike is a fighter with powerful striking but erratic results. Despite his formidable reputation, he often finds himself at a disadvantage against elite heavyweights - just remember his fight with Francis Ngannou, which ended in 20 seconds. Pavlovic will be the clear favorite in this fight, but don't relax, as the Surinamese is capable of knocking out anyone if he gets the chance. Alistair Overeem, who missed Rosenstrike at the last second before the siren, is not going to lie.
- Very interesting fight," continued Albert Tumenov. - I know Sergey personally, he's a good friend of mine, we trained together. He is a very dangerous fighter, if he delivers his punches, I think his opponent will be in trouble. Pavlovich is higher level, if he is well prepared, he is superior in terms of striking technique. He was doing well until his last loss, I think Rosenstrike is a great opponent to get back on the winning streak and keep moving towards the title. I hope the Russian can deliver some punch of his own and win early.
Sergey Kharitonov has no doubts about his compatriot's victory.
- Pavlovic won't have any problems," Kharitonov emphasized. - Rosenstrike is a poor man, a downed pilot. He is being finished, the last contract with the UFC, probably. This is not an opponent for Pavlovic. Pavlovic has opponents, Volkov, Jones, Aspinall, and the rest of the guys out there are all too old to compete with him.
Said Nurmagomedov - Vinicius Oliveira
Said Nurmagomedov continues his difficult journey in the lightweight division and gets a tough puncher in Vinicius Oliveira. Nurmagomedov combines excellent grappling with solid striking technique, making him a very dangerous fighter. Said has won three times in the first rounds, both through sub-missions and as a result of successful stand-up action.
Oliveira is an aggressive puncher who has a knack for finishing fights early. Last fight against Bernardo Sopay, the Brazilian won with a spectacular flying knee strike, a finish that earned him all the nominations for the Knockout of the Year award. However, in the fight with Nurmagomedov, he will have to cope not only with punches, but also with possible transfers to the parterre.
Shamil Gaziev vs. Thomas Petersen
After a successful UFC debut against Martin Budaj, a disappointing loss to Jairzinho Rosenstrike and a workmanlike win over Don'tale Mayes, Gaziev is preparing for an important test, the result of which will show whether Shamil is a top-15 fighter.
Petersen is a former LFA champion who moved to the UFC after a streak of three early wins. He's had mixed success in the UFC with one win and one loss. Petersen's arsenal includes solid wrestling and powerful close-range striking, but Gaziev has already shown he can take apart difficult opponents, and if Petersen doesn't find a way to stop his pressure, the fight could very well end early.
Israel Adesanya - Nassurdin Imavov
Former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya returns to the octagon after losses to Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis, and this fight will be an opportunity for him to rehabilitate himself. Adesanya took a break after his title loss, and now he's looking to prove he's still the best puncher in the division. His style is based on accuracy, timing and the ability to control distance, which makes him an extremely uncomfortable opponent for most fighters.
Imavov, for his part, is slowly working his way to the top of the division, and a fight against the UFC star will be the biggest challenge of his career. The Russian-born French fighter has versatile skills, good clinch work and the ability to impose a high tempo. Recent wins over Brendan Allen, Jared Cannonier and Roman Dolidze have shown that he can compete with the elite, but the fight with Adesanya will be a real test of his mettle. Only if he wins this fight will Imavov, along with Khamzat Chimaev, be able to call himself worthy of a title shot.
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