MMA Preview – Omari Akhmedov vs Tom Breese at UFC Fight Island 8
OMARI AKHMEDOV VS TOM BREESE FACTS
When is UFC Fight Island 8? Wednesday 20th January, 2021 - 15:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Island 8? Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Island 7? No tickets are available as this event will take place with a limited number of spectators
What channel is UFC Fight Island 8 on? BT Sport 3
Where can I stream UFC Fight Island 8? 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!
OMARI AKHMEDOV VS TOM BREESE LOWDOWN
Omari Akhmedov (20-5-1) is coming off his first loss in seven fights. After starring in Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos’ highlight reel back in 2016, Akhmedov grinded out five impressive decisions against legitimate middleweights as well as battling to a draw with the now top contender Marvin Vettori. However, he crossed paths with former champion Chris Weidman who beat Akhmedov at his own game to claim his second win in seven.
Injuries have done everything they can to rob Tom Breese (12-2) of a career, but he managed to get two fights in last year and is back for another on Fight Island which is a great sign. He returned after nearly two years out to fight Brendan Allen which was a tough ask and ended up getting finished in the first round to suffer the second loss of his career. However, he got that winning feeling back when he welcomed newcomer KB Bhullar to the octagon in October and pulled off a vintage first-round finish of his own.
OMARI AKHMEDOV VS TOM BREESE PREDICTION
This will be a very different fight to Akhmedov’s grappling contest with Weidman. The Russian will be confident in standing with Breese knowing he has his wrestling to call upon. However, Breese is very well-rounded. He is a weapon on the feet with dangerous jiu-jitsu, but he also has good takedown defence.
The striking will be a fascinating contest. Breese is taller than Akhmedov but they have the same reach. They will both have to mix up their attacks with leg kicks and feints as they both have solid defence.
If the fight stays on the feet we would back Breese but if Akhmedov mixes things up and gets some takedowns he can clinch a decision. If Breese’s takedown defence is on point he can test Akhmedov’s cardio and finish stronger but this is a tough fight for him.
Prediction: Akhmedov via Decision
