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We're set to bring you a betting prediction and pick for this exciting Co-Main Event atop the UFC Abu Dhabi: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov fight card. We head to the Middleweight (185) Division as Russia's Shara Mogomedov will take on Poland's Michal Oleksiejczuk. Check out our UFC odds series for our Magomedov-Oleksiejczuk prediction and pick.
Shara Magomedov (13-0) has gone 2-0 through his first UFC appearances. He's a massively-hyped prospect and rose to the occasion just a month ago when he defeated Antonio Tricoli on short notice. Now, he'll face his toughest opposition to-date with a chance to possibly break into the rankings. Magomedov stands 6'2″ with a 73-inch reach.
Michal Oleksiejczuk (19-8) has gone 7-6-0-1 inside of the UFC since 2017. He's gone 2-3 in his last five fights coming into this one and all five of those fights ended within the second round. Following back-to-back losses against Michel Pereira and Kevin Holland, he'll look to bounce back here as the betting underdog. Oleksiejczuk stands 6'0″ with a 74-inch reach.
Here are the UFC Abu Dhabi Odds, courtesy of BetOnline.
UFC Abu Dhabi Odds: Shara Magomedov-Michal Oleksiejczuk Odds
Shara Magomedov: -235
Michal Oleksiejczuk: +200
Over 1.5 rounds: -150
Under 1.5 rounds: +120
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Why Shara Magomedov Will Win
Shara Magomedov will be returning to action after just a month layoff following his knockout win over Antonio Tricoli in Saudi Arabia. He's not sanctioned to fight in the United States due to his missing vision in his right eye, so he'll be making the quick turnaround while the UFC is back in the region. Still, he's about as exciting as prospects come and he fights with a wild striking style that is uniquely his. He's been the massive betting favorite in both of his bouts thus far and we've certainly seen some holes exposed in his game, namely his takedown defense. His striking defense could also be better, but he offsets everything with his insane power and ability to hit the target when striking.
If Magomedov treats this like his previous fights, he could coax his opponent into swinging with him, to which Magomedov stands the better chance of landing a knockout blow. He's more accurate with his punches and kicks and will have the advantage over Oleksiejczuk with his speed. Still, he should expect a very tough opponent and may need to dig deep if this fight sees a third round. His last fight proved he's dangerous at any point of the fight and a knockout is likely in the cards for him.
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Why Michal Oleksiejczuk Will Win
Michal Oleksiejczuk is no stranger to an opponent like Magomedov and he's grown accustomed to facing dangerous strikers throughout his career. He's a dangerous striker in his own right and has won the majority of his fights by knockout, typically occurring in the first round. He wastes no time in taking the center of the octagon and he should be met with fierce opposition during this one. Oleksiejczuk is more than willing to throw the kitchen sink at his opponent during the first round and he's usually solid in finding his target – look for him to welcome the action against Magomedov as he looks to pressure him for the first time in his career.
Michal Oleksiejczuk has to know what to expect when facing Magomedov and he could benefit from taking a defensive approach through the first round and allow Magomedov to tire himself out. Still, it's not likely that either fighter will be deterred from marching forward and it may be a matter of who can land first. Oleksiejczuk could also benefit greatly from taking Magomedov down and working this fight from the ground, although that's also not likely given his recent performances.
Final Shara Magomedov-Michal Oleksiejczuk Prediction & Pick
This will be a very fun fight for as long as it lasts for the Co-Main Event in Abu Dhabi. Both fighters are extremely willing to meet in the center and swing until someone hits the canvas. Michael Oleksiejczuk has been the better knockout artist throughout his UFC run, but the talent and aggression of Shara Magomedov could be a tough out for him. Magomedov is intent on the same result and he'll be seeking the knockout early in this one.
If Michael Oleksiejczuk chooses to meet Magomedov in the middle, this fight should end rather quickly as neither striker will miss after too many shots. He has a greater chance, however, at extending this fight and dragging Magomedov along the ground for a decision win.
While Shara Magomedov may be the more dangerous striker, I expect Oleksiejczuk to walk through some of his shots and land his own. This fight seems a bit forced for Magomedov following his last performance and if Oleksiejczuk is smart here, he could push the tempo and force Magomedov to fight a more technical contest. For our final prediction, let's take a chance on the underdog here as Oleksiejczuk is no stranger to this kind of fight.
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Final Shara Magomedov-Michal Oleksiejczuk Prediction & Pick: Michal Oleksiejczuk (+200)
