The main card opener for UFC Fight Night: Moraes vs Sandhagen sees a featherweight clash between Youssef Zalal and Ilia Topuria. The narrative surrounding the fight is a classic one that sees a surging mainstay against the promotional newcomer. What’s more, hardcore fans and pundits have circled this fight to be a barn burner with heavy leather being exchanged.

Youssef Zalal is undefeated in his three UFC appearances and has kept a sturdy 2020 schedule. The bout against Ilia will be his fourth in just 10 months since his February debut. Not to mention, he’s had a promising run in LFA with some spectacular finishes sprinkled through his professional run thus far.

Ilia Topuria’s record sits at a perfect 8-0 with all his victories coming by stoppages. His propensity to chase the finish has made it possible for him to secure the main card slot in his first fight. Also, he is a cerebral talent no matter where the fight may end up.

The featherweight division is under the thumb of City-Kickboxing stand-out Alexander Volkanovski, who runs a tight ship. In order to separate themselves from the crowd at featherweight, fighters need a spectacular showing. Considering the finish rate the aforementioned fighters boast, that may be done without breaking a sweat.

UFC featherweights: Youssef Zalal vs Ilia Topuria

‘The Moroccan Devil’ has been comprehensive in his promotional appearances; however, there have been some moments of tentativeness. He’s yet to finish a fight inside the UFC’s famed octagon and will have to be loose against Topuria. Additionally, his busy strength of schedule in 2020 could mean that he hasn’t had time to make the necessary adjustments to his overall game.

The 23-year-old fighter, Topuria will look to use his explosiveness when dealing with a slower starter. Furthermore, his opponent is defensively irresponsible at certain junctions of the three-round fight. The Spanish finishing machine has proven himself to be an opportunist who can capitalize on a dime.

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Prediction: Ilia Topuria to claim a first-round KO victory

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