via Imago
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 08: (R-L) Nasrat Haqparast of Germany punches Alexander Munoz in their lightweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on August 08, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
via Imago
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 08: (R-L) Nasrat Haqparast of Germany punches Alexander Munoz in their lightweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on August 08, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
UFC lightweight, Nasrat Haqparast, will return to the octagon at UFC Fight Night on March 13 per ESPN’s Brett Okamoto. The Tristar standout will face Don ‘Magic Man’ Madge in a bout that is sure to help with overall visibility. Both men need to swipe the spotlight for different reasons, and it’s essential that they make the most of the opportunity.
The lightweight division is a shark tank of dangerous contenders who are pining to reach the top. Khabib Nurmagomedov will leave the division, leaving the pole position unoccupied and in need of a figurehead. Traditionally, this means that the rankings will begin to shuffle, leading to opportunities that were previously unexplored by newer contenders.
Per Nasrat's manager Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00), he has stepped up to fight Don Madge (@DonMadgeMMA) at UFC Fight Night on March 13. Also, Umar Nurmagomedov is in Las Vegas and has asked UFC to book him ASAP, including anything on short notice. https://t.co/c75FJbM1Th
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) February 11, 2021
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Also Read: Nate Diaz Lashes Out at Khabib Nurmagomedov for Hiding After Beating Conor McGregor
UFC lightweights: Nasrat Haqparast vs Don Madge
The 25-year-old fighter from Afghanistan last competed back in August 2020 and defeated Alex Munoz to get back on track. His previous fight was a KO loss to Drew Dober that set him back in the rankings. Prior to the loss, Nasrat Haqparast was riding a three-fight win streak and was making a steady climb to the top.
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The 12-3 standout opts for a wide stance and throws picture-perfect fadeaway shots that land right on the money. He steps into range with an explosive push and often favors side stepping when facing opponents of the orthodox stance. Moreover, it’s not the easiest task in the world to get Haqparast down or keep him there.
via Imago
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 08: (L-R) Alexander Munoz punches Nasrat Haqparast of Germany in their lightweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on August 08, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Don Madge came into the UFC as the two-time EFC lightweight champion. His overall record sits at 9-3 and he’s accrued 2 wins in the UFC thus far. However, his rate of activity has been anything but ideal considering he needs momentum going forward. He last fought back in September 2019 at UFC 242.
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‘Magic Man’ was supposed to face Guram Kutateladze, but will now have to revamp his approach against Nasrat. While both men pose explosiveness in their striking, the threat of a trip or sweep isn’t as prevalent with his new opponent. He’ll have to be extremely wary when walking the cage against a heavy-handed sniper in Haqparast.
What do you make of this booking?
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