MMA Preview – Terrance McKinney vs Nazim Sadykhov at UFC on ESPN 49
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
TERRANCE MCKINNEY VS NAZIM SADYKHOV FACTS
When is UFC Vegas 77? Sunday 16th July, 2023 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Vegas 77? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Vegas 77? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC Vegas 77 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC Vegas 77? 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!
TERRANCE MCKINNEY VS NAZIM SADYKHOV LOWDOWN
Terrance McKinney (13-5) has had a wild ride yet only five fights deep in his UFC career. He ignited his campaign with a knockout over Matt Frevola (2021) and submission over Fares Ziam (2022). He then nearly knocked out Drew Dober (2022) before getting buried himself. He responded with a submission over Erick Gonzalez (2022) but is coming off another hellacious knockout eating Ismael Bonfim’s knee in the second round.
The UFC clearly do not want McKinney to have an easy ride as Nazim Sadykhov (8-1) is next up. He has won eight in a row and coming off four knockouts. He erased Juan Carlos De Leon (2021) and Joe Boerschig (2022) for Fury FC. He kept the run going on the Contender Series putting Ahmad Sohail Hassanzada (2022) away and finished Evan Elder on debut back in February.
TERRANCE MCKINNEY VS NAZIM SADYKHOV PREDICTION
McKinney has all of the tools to make it to the top of the division. He is an explosive athlete with knockout power and has very strong grappling to fall back on. The problem is that he is reckless which is great for the fans but terrible for his brain cells.
He has been knocked out four times now and he is up against a composed assassin here. Sadykhov is a brilliant striker and we expect him to wait for McKinney to throw bombs so he can counter with precision.
This is a big step-up for Sadykhov and if McKinney rushes forward with his chin up in the air, the favourite will clean him up. However, if McKinney approaches this more intelligently and incorporates his wrestling, he can keep the fight where he wants it.
That said, the four knockouts is a real worry considering the striking of the Azerbaijani. McKinney has also only been out the second round twice so as long as he is patient, opportunities to find the chin will open up.
Prediction: Sadykhov via KO/TKO
Value bet: McKinney to win
