MMA Preview – Neil Magny vs Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC on ESPN 38
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
NEIL MAGNY VS SHAVKAT RAKHMONOV FACTS
When is UFC on ESPN 38? Sunday 26th June, 2022 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC on ESPN 38? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ESPN 38? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC events
What channel is UFC on ESPN 38 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC on ESPN 38? 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!
NEIL MAGNY VS SHAVKAT RAKHMONOV LOWDOWN
Neil Magny (26-8) walks out for his 27th UFC fight and he has remained relevant for an impressive amount of time. He is 19-7 now and is desperate to build another streak if he wants a sniff at the title. After three dominant unanimous decisions in 2020 over Li Jingliang, Rocco Martin and Robbie Lawler he was well on the way. However, Michael Chiesa (2021) gave him a taste of his own medicine grinding out a decision of his own. He has replied with two to more vintage decisions over Geoff Neal (2021), Max Griffin (2022) and has now been handed another very tough assignment.
That assignment is Shavkat Rakhmonov (15-0) who none of the top ranked fighters want to take on. He is a lesser-known name but just as dangerous as the upper echelon and now he gets to prove it. After several cancellations, the former M-1 welterweight champion made his debut against late replacement Alex Oliveira (2020) stunning the crown with a first-round submission. He then followed that up with two more ruthless finishes submitting Michel Prazeres (2021) and clapping Carlston Harris (2022) with a spinning hook kick before closing the show with ground-and-pound.
NEIL MAGNY VS SHAVKAT RAKHMONOV PREDICTION
This is the perfect test for Rakhmonov and by far his toughest. He is a machine and has finished every opponent he has faced. Magny has top-level experience and exceptional cardio, but three rounds will not help him.
If he can weather the early storm, grab a hold of Rakhmonov and chain takedowns together, he can test his gas tank and subdue him enough to convince the judges. However, the Kazakhstani has the speed, power and technique to stuff the takedowns, cinch up a submission or create enough to space to light Magny up on the feet.
There are a few miles on the Magny’s clock now and we feel Rakhmonov will be able catch him clean with his speed advantage to set up a TKO or submission. Considering Magny is a huge underdog, he is the smart bet for sure.
Prediction: Rakhmonov via Submission - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Magny via Decision
