Afghan lightweight Nasrat Haqparast will fight Rafa Garcia at UFC Fight Night: Edwards vs Muhammad. Haqparast has been out for a while, having competed in August most recently, winning a decision against Alex Munoz. He was set to face Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 258, but that bout was canceled due to medical issues.
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The undefeated Mexican, Garcia, will make his octagon debut against Haqparast. Garcia last fought at the Combate Americas promotion in February 2020.
Haqparast will make his 7th appearance inside the Octagon against Garcia. He has won 4 out of his 6 previous contests. The Afghan lost a decision to Marcin Held in his UFC debut.
At UFC 246, Drew Dober handed him the first T/KO loss of his career. Marc Diakiese, Thibault Gouti, Joaquim Silva are his victims in the organization along with Alex Munoz.
The clash is set to be an exciting one between two promising lightweights. Haqparast will hope to build on his positive start in the UFC and break into the Top-15 of the division.
Nasrat Haqparast and Rafa Garcia in numbers
Haqparast has a professional record of 12-3. However, one might question the credentials of his pre-UFC opponents. He has 9 T/KO wins in his career so far.
Haqparast has landed 265 of his attempted 567 strikes with an accuracy of 47% in his UFC career. He lands a massive 5.24 signature strikes per minute, absorbing 3.20 in the process. Also, he has a great takedown defense of 79%.
‘Gifted’ Garcia has 8 out of his 11 wins by finishes. He has 1 T/KO and 7 submission wins in his resume. Heel Hook, armbar, and rear-naked choke are some of Garcia’s signature moves. His professional record stands at 11-0.
Haqparast is a good fighter with a lot of promise. He was knocked out by Dober, but that doesn’t undermine his skills on his feet.
He should be able to outstrike Garcia comfortably. What’s more, he is not one to get taken down easily. His takedown defense stats are a testament to the same. The Afghan, Haqparast, should be able to grind out a decision.
Final Prediction: Haqparast by unanimous decision.
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