MMA Preview – Edmen Shahbazyan vs Nassourdine Imavov at UFC 268
EDMEN SHAHBAZYAN VS NASSOURDINE IMAVOV FACTS
When is UFC 268? Sunday 7th November, 2021 - 00:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 268? Madison Square Garden, New York (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 268? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 268
What channel is UFC 268 on? BT Sport 2
Where can I stream UFC 268? 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!
EDMEN SHAHBAZYAN VS NASSOURDINE IMAVOV LOWDOWN
Edmen Shahbazyan (11-2) has quickly gone from one of the hottest prospects in the middleweight division to facing three losses on the bounce. He won his first four UFC fights to extend his unbeaten run capped off by a brilliant head kick knockout over the durable veteran Brad Tavares in November 2019. However, he ran into the resurgent Derek Brunson last year who ragdolled him for three rounds finishing him with ground-and-pound and then Jack Hermansson followed suit in exposing his wrestling walking away with a unanimous decision back in May.
Nassourdine Imavov (10-3) walks out for the third time this year for another tough match-up. He cruised past Jordan Williams on his debut to make it six wins in a row including two knockouts and two submissions. However, he was then handed Phil Hawes (who is also on this card) and just missed out on a majority decision. He returned five months later in July to put on his most impressive performance to date knocking out Ian Heinisch.
EDMEN SHAHBAZYAN VS NASSOURDINE IMAVOV PREDICTION
This is such an important fight for Shahbazyan. Losing to Brunson and Hermansson is nothing to be scoffed at but a three-fight skid coming off a hype train will be damaging to his career and confidence.
Imavov is a smaller name, but he is another very tough match-up. He will have a slight size advantage and is impeccably well-rounded. He is a calm, fluid and powerful striker and he is also a strong grappler which will be his easiest route to victory.
Shahbazyan has only lost to top tier wrestlers and although the Frenchman is not quite on Brunson’s and Hermansson’s level, he is up there. The only only question is what strategy he will go for and how much will he back his striking.
If Shahbazyan forces the pressure and controls the centre of the octagon, he can settle quickly and begin to dictate the pace. If he is hesitant like in the Hermansson fight, Imavov will begin to tag him with his hands and if he mixes in clinches and even gets Shahbazyan to the ground, he will bag the points.
The more Imavov wrestles, the more chance he has in winning. However, we expect him to have the confidence in his striking to go toe-to-toe with Shahbazyan on the feet which will make this a very even contest.
On paper, we give Imavov the slight edge in every area, but if he stands for three rounds while keeping his hands low, Shahbazyan holds all the value, especially as the underdog.
Prediction: Imavov via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Shahbazyan via Decision
