MMA Preview – Rinat Fakhretdinov vs Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos at UFC Fight Night 231
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RINAT FAKHRETDINOV VS ELIZEU ZALESKI DOS SANTOS FACTS
When is UFC Fight Night 231? Saturday 4th November, 2023 - 23:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 231? Ginasio do Ibirapuera, Sao Paulo, (Brazil)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 231? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC Fight Night 231 on? TNT Sports 2
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 231? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
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!
RINAT FAKHRETDINOV VS ELIZEU ZALESKI DOS SANTOS LOWDOWN
Rinat Fakhretdinov (21-1) arrived to the UFC riding a 17-fight win streak including 10 knockouts and five submissions with the majority of those at middleweight. He stepped down to 170 lbs upon entry to the UFC and earnt a unanimous decision over Andreas Michailidis (2022) and Bryan Battle (2022). He returned in July this year to welcome back Kevin Lee to the UFC and then sent him into retirement with a first-round submission.
Although Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (24-7) has been slugging it out in the UFC since 2015, we do not see enough of him. He has only fought twice since his split decision loss to Muslim Salikhov over three years ago. He returned in 2021 and although he welcomed a lightweight debutant, he put a ruthless beating on Benoit St Denis which will continue to age well. He returned five months ago and earnt another decision, this time a close split one over Abubakar Nurmagomedov to take his UFC tally to 10-3.
RINAT FAKHRETDINOV VS ELIZEU ZALESKI DOS SANTOS PREDICTION
This fight should not be on the prelims. It is a mouthwatering match-up between elite skill sets. The fan favourite returns to Brazil in front of his home fans, but he has been paired with an absolute monster.
Fakhretdinov is an extremely strong wrestler who throws dynamite making it easier to set up his takedowns. He has a dominant top game with brutal ground-and-pound and submissions.
Zaleski dos Santos is well-rounded, and his striking is on a different level to the Russian. However, unless Fakhretdinov gets clipped with something he does not see coming, he will be able to grab a hold of the Brazilian, press him against the fence and drag him down to the canvas.
Zaleski dos Santos is a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, so if he gets submitted, it will be late when he fatigues. The Brazilian has a chance while this is on the feet but is a tough fight for him.
Prediction: Fakhretdinov via Decision
Value bet: Fakhretdinov via Submission
