Sean Strickland vs Abusupiyan Magomedov at UFC on ESPN 48

SEAN STRICKLAND VS ABUSUPIYAN MAGOMEDOV FACTS

When is UFC on ESPN 48? Saturday 1July, 2023 - 22:00 start (UK)

Where is UFC on ESPN 48? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)

Where can I get tickets for UFC on ESPN 48?

What channel is UFC on ESPN 48 on? BT Sport 1

Where can I stream UFC on ESPN 48? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website

SEAN STRICKLAND VS ABUSUPIYAN MAGOMEDOV LOWDOWN

Sean Strickland (26-5) headlines his third UFC card in a row. In fact, he has headlined four of his last five. The first two, he won decisions over Uriah Hall (2021) and Jack Hermansson (2022). He then ran into Alex Pereira (2022) at UFC 276 who obliterated him in the first round. Strickland was then handed title contender Jared Cannonier (2022) losing a split decision but made a quick turnaround fighting a month later against Nassourdine Imavov (2023). He replaced Kelvin Gastelum on short notice and pulled off one of his best performances convincing all three judges to award him the 12decision of his career.

He now meets Abusupiyan Magomedov (25-4-1) to see how much potential he has in the middleweight division. He does not even have 20 seconds of time in the octagon, but he has only lost once in his last 14. That was a knockout courtesy of Louis Taylor (2018) under the PFL banner. He went on to submit Slavis Simeunovic (2019 - EMC) and knock out Cezariusz Kesik (2020 - KSW). Now, he is coming off an incredible TKO, cleaning up Dustin Stoltzfus (2022) after a stunning front kick.

SEAN STRICKLAND VS ABUSUPIYAN MAGOMEDOV PREDICTION

This is a huge step-up in competition for Magomedov and surprising matchmaking. Strickland has all of the experience and was on the cusp of a title shot whereas Magomedov has one UFC win over a fighter who is 1-4 in the UFC now.

That said, Magomeodv is a prospect with bags of talent and finishing ability as an explosive and seasoned striker. He is more than capable of knocking Strickland out however, he has never gone past the third round.

Strickland is made for five rounds and will keep up a consistent pace. If Magomedov cannot get him out early, it will be a long night for him and we feel Strickland’s durability will drag this into the championship rounds and finish on top.

Prediction: Strickland via Decision

Value bet: Magomedov via KO/TKO