Makhmud Muradov vs Bryan Barberena at UFC Fight Night 224

MAKHMUD MURADOV VS BRYAN BARBERENA FACTS

When is UFC Fight Night 224? Saturday 22July, 2023 - 16:45 start (UK)

Where is UFC Fight Night 224? The O2 Arena, London (UK)

Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 224?

What channel is UFC Fight Night 224 on? BT Sport 1

Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 224? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website

MAKHMUD MURADOV VS BRYAN BARBERENA LOWDOWN

When Makhmud Muradov (25-8) outpointed Alessio Di Chirico (2019) and buried Trevor Smith (2019) and Andrew Sanchez (2021) not many people expected him to be faced with a three-fight skid. Gerald Meerschaert (2021) caused the upset snapping his 14-fight win streak with a second-round submission. He then got dealt a fellow prospect in Caio Borralho (2022) who drowned him over three rounds leaving him desperate for air.

Bryan Barberena (18-10) is the man lined up to sink him and moves up to middleweight to do so. It is a surprising jump up, but he has seemed to run his course in the welterweight division. He peaked when he outpointed Matt Brown and TKO’d Robbie Lawler in 2022, but then got humbled by Rafael dos Anjos (2022) and Gunnar Nelson (2023) who both submitted him.

MAKHMUD MURADOV VS BRYAN BARBERENA PREDICTION

They are both coming off two losses, but Muradov is the heavy favourite. That is simply because be is the bigger, quicker and more skilled fighter. He is a top tier striker with excellent technique and as long as he respects the durability of Barberena and does not rush in for the kill, he should win the exchanges.

Although Muradov got out grappled in his losses, he is no slouch and we may even see him eye up Barberena’s 54% takedown defence and get him to the mat.

On paper, Muradov should take this all day and we feel his technique, size and power will win him this fight, but you can never count Barberena out with his toughness.

Prediction: Muradov via Decision