Feb 22, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Mansur Abdul-Malik (red gloves) fights Nick Klein (blue gloves) in the middleweight bout during UFC Fight Night at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

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Nick Klein vs Andrey Pulyaev Preview, Predictions And MMA Betting Odds

Get to know the betting odds, predictions and picks for the upcoming Nick Klein vs Andrey Pulyaev fight at UFC Vegas 108!

The Dana White Contender Series has become the modern gateway to UFC stardom. Hopeful fighters step into the octagon knowing their dreams hang in the balance. One impressive performance can change everything, launching careers that seemed impossible just months before. The show has produced champions, contenders, and countless memorable moments since its inception.

However, earning a contract is just the beginning of the journey. Many DWCS graduates discover that the UFC represents a massive step up in competition. This weekend’s UFC Vegas 108 features exactly this scenario, as two talented middleweights who impressed Dana White enough to earn contracts now face each other in a must win situation. Both Nick Klein and Andrey Pulyaev are still searching for that elusive first UFC victory.

Nick Klein vs Andrey Pulyaev Preview

Nick Klein brings a 6-2 record into this middleweight clash, standing 6’1″ with a 77 inch reach fighting from the orthodox stance. His striking numbers tell the story of a measured fighter who picks his shots carefully. Klein lands 3.22 significant strikes per minute with excellent 60% accuracy while absorbing just 3.33 strikes per minute. His striking defense sits at 47%, which isn’t spectacular but shows he’s learning to avoid damage.

What really defines Klein’s game is his submission hunting. He averages 3.33 takedown attempts per fight but only succeeds 20% of the time. His takedown defense needs work at 66%, but once fights hit the ground, Klein becomes dangerous. He averages 1.7 submission attempts per fight and has finished three opponents with rear naked chokes.

Andrey Pulyaev comes in with a 9-3 record and significant physical advantages. The Russian stands 6’4″ with a 78 inch reach, fighting from the southpaw stance. Pulyaev is more active on the feet, landing 3.87 significant strikes per minute with solid 58% accuracy. He absorbs 3.93 strikes per minute with 48% striking defense.

Pulyaev’s grappling statistics reveal a fighter who prefers to keep fights standing. He attempts just 0.50 takedowns per fight with a terrible 16% success rate, but his 85% takedown defense is impressive. Interestingly, he averages zero submission attempts per fight. His seven career finishes include five knockouts and two submissions, showing he can end fights in multiple ways.

Nick Klein vs Andrey Pulyaev MMA Betting Odds

According to Fanduel, the oddsmakers have installed Andrey Pulyaev as a moderate favorite at -156. Meanwhile Nick Klein sits as the underdog at +132. The market seems to respect both fighters’ potential while slightly favoring the bigger man.

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The odds for the fight going the distance have also come out. The probability of the fight ending before the final bell is higher and the odds (-180) reflect that. The odds for the fight seeing the judges scorecards stand at +140.

Nick Klein vs Andrey Pulyaev Predictions And Picks

This matchup comes down to whether Nick Klein can overcome Pulyaev’s size and takedown defense to implement his ground game. Pulyaev’s 85% takedown defense rate is concerning for Klein, who needs to get this fight to the mat to maximize his chances. If Klein can’t secure takedowns, he’ll be forced to strike with a bigger, longer opponent who has shown solid boxing skills.

However, Klein’s finishing instincts shouldn’t be underestimated. His ability to find rear naked chokes means he only needs one successful takedown or scramble to end the fight. Andrey Pulyaev’s zero submission attempts suggest he might not be comfortable in extended ground exchanges, which could play into Klein’s hands.

If we bet on the fight, we are going with Andrey Pulyaev to win the fight via unanimous decision.

(Image Credit: Steven Bisig – Imagn Images)

Andrey Pulyaev

Nick Klein

UFC Vegas 108

Zaid Quraishi

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I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!