MMA Preview – Magomed Mustafaev vs Brad Riddell at UFC Fight Night 168
THE FACTS
When is UFC Fight Night 168? Saturday 22nd February, 2020 - 22:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 168? Spark Arena, Auckland, New Zealand
What channel is UFC Fight Night 168 on? BT Sport 3
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 168? 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+ which can you sign up to here!
Are tickets still available for UFC Fight Night 168? https://www.ufc.com/tickets
THE STATISTICS
THE LOWDOWN
Brad Riddell gets his hometown bout for his second UFC fight but has a tremendously tough assignment in the shape of Magomed Mustafaev.
After suffering the first loss of his career back in 2016, to Kevin Lee via a rear-naked choke, Mustafaev took some time off but blitzed his way back into action in April last year. The Russian made up for lost time by dispatching Rafael Fiziev in the first round with a spinning back kick.
Riddell made his UFC debut in October last year in Australia on the UFC 243 card. He extended his winning streak to four by earning a unanimous decision over Jamie Mullarkey. It was a good fight that ended with a thrilling round and Riddell is hoping to continue the punishment in front of his home fans.
THE PREDICTION
This should be a striking battle of utter class. Riddell dominated his local kickboxing scene and Mustafaev proved he is still a beast despite the time off with that spinning back kick.
Take Riddell’s fight stats with a pinch of salt as they are only based on his fight with Mullarkey. That said, he will be one of the best strikers Mustafaev has faced. If he can keep the fight standing he has a good chance but Mustafaev is an absolute weapon who has finished all of his wins and will be most dangerous in the first round as his cardio is his only question mark. If Riddell can avoid any early damage, he has the stamina to deliver more output and more damage in the final two rounds.
Winner: Riddell via Decision
Striking and grappling stats sourced via FightMetric.
