MMA Preview – Amir Albazi vs Zhalgas Zhumagulov at UFC 257
AMIR ALBAZI VS ZHALGAS ZHUMAGULOV FACTS
When is UFC 257? Sunday 24th January, 2021 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 257? Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 257? No tickets are available as this event will take place with a limited number of spectators
What channel is UFC 257 on? BT Sport 1 (prelims) BT Sport Box Office (£19.95)
Where can I stream UFC 257? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website and app
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!
AMIR ALBAZI VS ZHALGAS ZHUMAGULOV LOWDOWN
Amir Albazi (13-1) helps kick off the blockbuster UFC 257 card with a Fight Island win already in the bank. He took on Malcolm Gordon for his UFC debut in July and it could not have gone better, wrapping Gordon up in a triangle in the first round.
Zhalgas Zhumagulov’s (13-4) debut back in the same month did not go as well. He was riding an impressive four-fight win streak including decisions over Tyson Nam, Tagir Ulanbekov and Ali Bagautinov but fell on the wrong side of the judges call against Raulin Paiva.
AMIR ALBAZI VS ZHALGAS ZHUMAGULOV PREDICTION
Paiva was a big hiccup in the road for Zhumagulov but he did take the fight on short notice. He has another very tough opponent in Albazi who is also a strong grappler and well-rounded which should create an entertaining fight.
They are both very aggressive hunting the finish on the feet and on the ground, but they are so evenly matched, we could see an action-packed decision. Grappling is their bread butter, and the scrambles will be a fascinating contest as well the stand-up battle.
We can expect a fast-paced scrap with a mixture of grappling and striking. Whoever can land more significant strikes, particularly leg kicks and takedowns should be able to steal a decision.
Prediction: Zhumagulov via Decision
