MMA Preview – Rafael dos Anjos vs Rafael Fiziev at UFC Vegas 58
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RAFAEL DOS ANJOS VS RAFAEL FIZIEV FACTS
When is UFC Vegas 58? Sunday 10th July, 2022 - 00:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Vegas 58? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Vegas 58? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC events
What channel is UFC Vegas 58 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC Vegas 58? 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!
RAFAEL DOS ANJOS VS RAFAEL FIZIEV LOWDOWN
Rafael dos Anjos (31-13) has been waiting a long time for this. The second time this fight fell through back in March, Renato Moicano bravely stepped in fighting up at 160 lbs. As a reward, he got beaten senseless by the former lightweight champion and the fight somehow lasted all three rounds. That made it two in a row after his split decision win over Paul Felder (2020) which is a welcome streak after losing four of his last five fights prior – all unanimous decisions to bigger and more powerful grapplers – Colby Covington (2018), Kamaru Usman (2018), Leon Edwards (2019) and Michael Chiesa (2020).
Rafael Fiziev (11-1) first pulled out of the UFC Vegas 48 card in February with visa issues and then COVID-19 forced him off the UFC 272 card. Hopefully, he makes it to the APEX as this fight has to happen after his spectacular knockout over Brad Riddell (2021). His fellow elite striker had only lost once before, but Fiziev stole the show with a spinning wheel kick in the third round. That extended his impressive streak to five deserving a shot at a legend.
RAFAEL DOS ANJOS VS RAFAEL FIZIEV PREDICTION
It is very interesting to see dos Anjos as the underdog here. Fiziev is an absolute monster and one of the most dangerous strikers in the division, but dos Anjos is the strongest grappler he will have faced and has accumulated priceless five-round experience. Fiziev on the other hand has never gone past the third round.
He has good cardio but digging deep in the championship rounds with a former champion will be the ultimate test and we feel his best chance is to find a knockout before he gets there.
Dos Anjos will be competitive on the feet, but Fiziev’s speed and movement will cause him problems. Expect Fiziev to sway laterally creating angles to pump leg kicks and set up up lightening fast combinations. Once he gets a read on the Brazilian, he will set up the heavy artillery in the form of blistering hooks and head kicks.
Dos Anjos has a very strong chin and has only been knocked out by Jeremy Stephens (2008) and Eddie Alvarez (2016). That said, we can see Fiziev rocking him with a clean combination or head kick. However, if dos Anjos can make it through three rounds, you have to back him to grind out a win.
Fiziev has great takedown defence and we feel his speed and explosive will fend off the first few attempts at least. That said, he is not a big welterweight wrestler and never gone past the third round. An early Fiziev knockout or a dos Anjos decision / late submission are the most likely outcomes. Dos Anjos is the smart money as the underdog for sure.
Prediction: Dos Anjos via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Dos Anjos via Submission
