Islam Makhachev is set to return to the Octagon on July 17th. The Russian lightweight prospect is expected to fight Brazilian contender Thiago Moises in an intriguing clash. Makhachev, who last fought at UFC 259, earned a dominant win over Drew Dober. The Russian fighter suffocated Dober with his grappling pressure, eventually earning a finish in the 3rd round.
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Moises, on the other hand, earned a unanimous decision win over Alexander Hernandez in February. He received plaudits for his performance from fans and experts. Now, he will have a step up in challenge as he prepares to fight Makhachev. The match-up is yet to be confirmed officially by the UFC. However, ESPN’s Brett Okamoto has been told by multiple sources about the possible booking.
Islam Makhachev is set to return to the Octagon on July 17, multiple sources tell @bokamotoESPN.
UFC is close to finalizing a three-round lightweight bout between Makhachev and Thiago Moises. pic.twitter.com/7JpvAgL3ZO
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) May 13, 2021
The fight will also see a clash between two of the most renowned MMA gyms in the world. Makhachev, who is a teammate of former UFC lightweight kingpin Khabib Nurmagomedov, trains at the famous American Kickboxing Academy under the guidance of ‘The Eagle‘ and Javier Mendez.
Moises is an American Top Team trainee. He trains alongside the likes of Dustin Poirier, Jorge Masvidal, and more on a daily basis. No doubt, fans can expect a barn-burner on this one.
Imago
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 06: (R-L) Islam Makhachev works for a submission against Drew Dober in their lightweight fight during the UFC 259 event at UFC APEX on March 06, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Both fighters will look to get a win on this one, thus guaranteeing themselves a meteoric rise in the divisional rankings. Makhachev has lost only once since making his UFC debut in 2015. He is currently on a seven-fight winning streak and has won 8 of his 9 fights in the promotion.
Islam Makhachev vs Thiago Moises: What to expect?
Just like Makhachev, Moises is on a roll at the 155 lbs division of the UFC at the moment. He is currently on a three-fight winning streak, including a finish of Michael Johnson. The Dana White’s Contender Series alumni has won 4 out of his 6 fights in the organization.
Imago
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 27: (L-R) Thiago Moises of Brazil punches Alexander Hernandez in a lightweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on February 27, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Both fighters are experts when the fight hits the mat. So, fans can expect to see some technical grappling in this one. Also, it can turn out to be a kickboxing match if they want to negate the opponent’s strength. Nevertheless, one can expect fireworks once the duo squares off.
Who gets it done in July on the Tate vs Reneau undercard? Let us know your pick.
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