MMA Preview – Aiemann Zahabi vs Drako Rodriguez at UFC Vegas 17
AIEMANN ZAHABI VS DRAKO RODRIGUEZ FACTS
When is UFC Vegas 17? Saturday 19th December, 2020 - 22:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Vegas 17? UFC APEX, Las Vegas, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Vegas 17? No tickets are available as this event will take place without spectators
What channel is UFC Vegas 17 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC Vegas 17? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
AIEMANN ZAHABI VS DRAKO RODRIGUEZ LOWDOWN
Aiemann Zahabi (7-2) has had a miserable time in the octagon. The brother of Firas won his debut back in 2017 against Reginaldo Vieira earning a decision but got brutally knocked out by a lethal spinning back elbow from Ricardo Ramos. He was out licking his wounds for 18 months but returned only to lose a unanimous decision to Vince Morales.
Drako Rodriguez (7-1) makes his UFC debut after wrapping up Leomana Martinez in a beautiful triangle choke on the Contender Series. That submission two months ago made it three wins on the bounce after getting knocked out by Tony Gravely for King of the Cage in 2018.
AIEMANN ZAHABI VS DRAKO RODRIGUEZ PREDICTION
After finishing his first seven fights, Zahabi has tasted the step-up in competition and now risks getting cut if he loses three in a row. He will need to perform a lot better than he did against Morales but is up against a hungry young lion looking to make a statement on his debut.
Zahabi may have the edge on the ground as a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu but we expect Rodriguez to hold his own in the grappling exchanges and sway the judges with his output on the feet.
Prediction: Rodriguez via Decision
UPDATE: This fight has now been postponed
