Hometown hero Nazim Sadykhov steps into the Octagon to face Brazil’s hard-hitting Nikolas Motta in a fight that promises fireworks at UFC Baku today. Sadykhov, known for his dynamic striking and relentless pace, carries the weight of local expectations, aiming to get the win and electrify the Azerbaijani crowd with a career-defining performance.
Meanwhile, Motta, a dangerous knockout artist with a knack for turning fights into brawls, looks to play spoiler and derail Sadykhov’s momentum. The clash of styles, which includes Sadykhov’s technical precision against Motta’s raw power, sets the stage for a high-stakes battle, with both fighters aiming to climb up the lightweight division.
As part of UFC’s first event in Azerbaijan, both fighters are hungry to seize the spotlight. Will Sadykhov shine in his homeland, or can Motta deliver a devastating upset? The tension is palpable as the fight approaches.
Nazim Sadykhov (10-1-1 with 3 wins and a draw in the UFC) will face Nikolas Motta (15-5-0 with 3 wins, 2 losses, and a no-contest in the UFC) in a lightweight showdown at Baku Crystall Hall. Sadykhov, a 31-year-old Azerbaijani southpaw, boasts a versatile skill set, landing 4.70 significant strikes per minute at 46% accuracy and securing 1.54 takedowns per 15 minutes with 62% success. His first-round TKO over Ismael Bonfim showcased his finishing prowess and has a knack for constantly finishing his fights more often than not.
Motta, a 32-year-old Brazilian, counters with 3.64 significant strikes per minute at 37% accuracy and a robust 82% takedown defense. Fresh off a unanimous decision victory over Maheshate, Motta’s 10 career KOs highlight his power. He has not lost a fight since June of 2023, and is currently riding a 2-fight win streak, looking to pull off an upset and get his third straight victory. Expect Sadykhov to mix strikes and takedowns, while Motta may simply try to knockout his opponent as he’s done before.
The betting market clearly reflects on who the superior fighter is going into the fight. According to BetMGM, Nazim Sadykhov is the heavy -425 favorite, signaling that the oddsmakers view this bout as a lopsided match with Sadykhov to take home the victory. With Nikolas Motta’s odds at +320, suggest that he is viewed as the underdog who may most likely lose the fight.
According to BetMGM, the fight going to distance seems highly unlikely with odds currently at -300 to end before the final bell to +200 to see the judges decision.
This lightweight bout on the main card between Nazim Sadykhov and Nikolas Motta, is highly anticipated, with Sadykhov listed as the heavy favorite to take home the victory. The Azerbaijani fighter, according to the stats, is the better striker and has the grappling prowess to give him the edge. He should be able to overwhelm Motta’s 82% takedown defense with relentless pressure. While Motta’s 10 career KOs pose a threat, his 37% striking acurracy is a huge concern going into the fight.
Expect Sadykhov to land crisp combinations, potentially finishing Motta in the second round via a knockout, which could solidify his position in the lightweight division.
(All Odds According to BetMGM: BetMGM offers exclusive promo codes, bonus deals and accurate odds for users upon signing up. Use BetMGM to ace your betting game in all sports!)
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