MMA Preview – Jamall Emmers vs Khusein Askhabov at UFC Vegas 69
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JAMAL EMMERS VS KHUSEIN ASKHABOV FACTS
When is UFC Fight Night 219? Saturday 18th February, 2023 - 22:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 219? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 219? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC Fight Night 219 on? BT Sport 2
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 219? 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!
JAMAL EMMERS VS KHUSEIN ASKHABOV LOWDOWN
Jamal Emmers (18-6) is 1-2 in the UFC, but his losses consist of a split decision to Giga Chikadze (2020) on debut which continues to age well and a submission to Pat Sabatini (2021) which was part of a six-fight streak. Sandwiched between those losses was a unanimous decision win over Vince Cachero so his biggest worry at the moment is his activity only fighting twice since his debut against the Georgian.
He welcomes Khusein Askhabov (23-0) to the octagon who has been even more inactive. He has not fought since 2020 when he ended Yusup Visaitov with a flying knee which was only three weeks after he submitted Umar Movsarov. A couple cancelled fights with Joanderson Brito (2021) and Herbert Burns (2022) halted his debut but now he is looking to make up for lost time.
JAMAL EMMERS VS KHUSEIN ASKHABOV PREDICTION
It is great to finally see Askhabov in the UFC after sorting out his visa issues. He is an explosive athlete and dangerous everywhere. We are in for a treat as Emmers is also an exciting and well-rounded fighter.
He is a long and dangerous fighter and he will try and dictate the range and pick Askhabov apart. However, the Russian covers distance very well. He has powerful leg kicks and explodes into range to unleash his grappling.
Emmers’ confidence in his ground game could could get him in trouble here like the Sabatini fight. Askhabov is a strong wrestler with a variety of submissions in the locker. As long as he paces himself, he has the tools to hurt Emmers everywhere.
His speed and explosiveness will cause issues on the feet and as soon they tie up, the Russian’s scrambles and throws will enable him to land in top position.
That said, his aggressiveness will leave openings and his inactivity is a worry. We are backing him for a successful debut, but all the value is on Emmers as the underdog.
Prediction: Askhabov via KO/TKO - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value bet: Emmers to win