Myktybek Orolbai and Tofiq Musayev meet Saturday on the main card of UFC on ABC 8 at Baku Crystal Hall in Baku, Azerbaijan. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.
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Myktybek Orolbai vs. Tofiq Musayev UFC Baku preview
Orolbai (13-2-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) will look to rebound from a streak-ending split decision loss to Mateusz Rebecki at UFC 308. Although he walked away with a loss, the Fight of the Night bonus helped ease the sting. Prior to the close setback, the Kyrgyzstan-born lightweight won eight straight, including his first pair of UFC bouts against Uros Medic and Elves Brenner. Orolbai has finished his opponent in 11 of his 13 wins. … Musayev (22-5 MMA, 0-0 UFC) makes his UFC debut. The Rizin and Bellator veteran comes in on a two-fight winning streak with stoppage of Akira Okada and Koji Takeda. A proven finisher in the lightweight division, 20 of Musayev’s career wins 22 have come by stoppage.
Myktybek Orolbai vs. Tofiq Musayev UFC Baku expert pick, prediction
Despite being shifted to a catchweight bout at the eleventh hour, Myktybek Orolbai vs. Tofiq Musaev is one of the fights I’m looking forward to most on this card.
Orolbai, who looks like he belongs in the background of a Dave Rickels walkout, is a large and durable lightweight who can fight in all phases of the game. Musaev isn’t too far behind in the power or size department, but I believe the Sanda specialist could be in for a rough night if he’s not able to seriously hurt Orolbai early.
Even though Orolbai will give Musaev ample opportunities to hit him on the feet, the native of Kyrgyzstan’s insane durability and drive are difficult to deny. Add in the fact that Orolbai has more directions to take this fight (as well as more ways to win it), and I can’t help but side with the favorite to roll in this spot.
Given the lack of depth in Musaev’s ground game, I’ll go ahead and pick Orolbai to win by submission in Round 2.
Myktybek Orolbai vs. Tofiq Musayev UFC Baku odds
The oddsmakers and the public favor the fighter from Kyrgyzstan, listing Orolbai -168 and Musaev +136 via FanDuel.
Myktybek Orolbai vs. Tofiq Musayev UFC Baku start time, how to watch
Orolbai and Musayev are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 4:10 p.m. ET. The fight broadcasts on ABC, ESPN and ESPN+.
