MMA Preview – Renato Moicano vs Rafael Fiziev at UFC 256
RENATO MOICANO VS RAFAEL FIZIEV FACTS
When is UFC 256? Sunday 13th December, 2020 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 256? UFC APEX, Las Vegas, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 256? No tickets are available as this event will take place without spectators
What channel is UFC 256 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC 256? 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!
RENATO MOICANO VS RAFAEL FIZIEV LOWDOWN
Renato Moicano (14-3-1) is coming off a successful comeback and debut at lightweight. The former featherweight prospect ran into Jose Aldo and Chan Sung Jung getting finished on the feet but returned almost a year later in March against Damir Hadzovic and looked back to his best submitting the Bosnian in the first round.
Rafael Fiziev (8-1) put every lightweight notice with his last performance. He took on fellow striker Marc Diakese and put on a clinic outclassing the Englishman to earn a unanimous decision. That made it two on the bounce with his decision over Alex White after his debut loss and memorable knockout to Magomed Mustafaev.
RENATO MOICANO VS RAFAEL FIZIEV PREDICTION
On paper, this looks like a classic grappler vs striker match-up between Moicano the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt with zero knockouts and Fiziev the Muay Thai and kickboxing specialist with five knockouts, but they are both well-rounded.
Fiziev will be desperate to keep the fight on the feet where he has the ability to avoid any damage and knock Moicano out. His limbs are like weapons and he throws with a lot of power as well as technique.
The Brazilian is a good boxer with dangerous leg kicks but he should not waste any time in shooting in for the takedown. He looked great in his last fight and is certainly a more natural lightweight, so we expect him to look even better here.
This all depends on the takedown defence of Fiziev who has not been taken down in the UFC yet. The longer the fight stays on the feet the more you have to back Fiziev but if Moicano gets him pinned on the mat, he will be in trouble.
This is a very tough fight to call and Fiziev is the favourite, but we are backing Moicano who only needs one opportunity to take the back.
Prediction: Moicano via Submission
