The co main-event of UFC Vegas 44 will be between Brad Riddell and Rafael Fiziev. Both men are ranked inside the top 15 of the lightweight division and are the two of the top prospects. They’ll be looking to get the W and enter the top 10.
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Brad Riddell is a former kickboxer. He started his MMA career in 2013 and went 6-1 in his pro MMA journey before the UFC signed him. ‘Quake’ is currently on an impressive seven-fight win streak and is 4-0 in the UFC. His last fight against Drew Dober was his biggest fight yet, and he won that fight via a unanimous decision. Being a former kickboxer, he isn’t much of a grappler and likes to dish it on his feet.
Rafael Fiziev is an explosive fighter and is a Muay Thai specialist. ‘Ataman’ made his professional MMA debut in 2016 and won his first six fights before the UFC came knocking. He lost his debut fight to Magomed Mustafaev but hasn’t looked back since then.
Currently, on a four-fight win streak, Fiziev is ranked #14 and coming off an impressive win over an always game, Bobby Green. He would look to capitalize on his momentum and get a win over a higher-ranked opponent.
UFC Vegas 44: Brad Riddell vs. Rafael Fiziev
This is going to be a battle between two men who like to strike. Coming into the fight, both men have a 10-1 record, and are definitely going to put on a show for the fans.
Brad Riddell is a former kickboxer and has the same camp as UFC champions, Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski. Five of Riddell’s 10 wins have come via T/KO. However, none of his finishes have come in the UFC. Although ‘Quake’ has a striking accuracy of 54 percent, his opponents have clipped him.
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He lands good hits but is willing to take them in order to land. Despite that, Riddell has a strong chin and has never been knocked out in his MMA or kickboxing bouts.
Rafael Fiziev has a Muay Thai background and is happy to stay on his feet and strike. ‘Ataman’ has won six fights in his MMA career via T/KO and has the power to knock his opponents out. Unlike his upcoming opponent, he has claimed a finish in the UFC.
‘Ataman’s striking accuracy is 53 percent, and he also lands an impressive 5.34 significant strikes per minute. However, he has a questionable defense, which Riddell can take advantage of. Fiziev absorbs 5.76 significant strikes per minute, and that can be a problem.
Even though both men are not that popular yet, the matchup should excite fight fans. It has the potential to be the Fight of the Night. It is sure to be a close fight, but Riddell seems to have the advantage with his chin and a better training camp.
Prediction: Brad Riddell to via split decision
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