5 Sept 2019
Let’s take a closer look at the 13 fights going down, including a dynamic co-main rematch between Brazilian highlight-reel maker Edson Barboza versus American striker Paul Felder.
UFC 242 EARLY PRELIM CARD
French newcomer Fares Ziam (10–2) is an underdog in his fight to kick-off the card against South African Don Madge (8-3-1) that comes in on a five-fight winning streak. Two former welterweights will battle at middleweight as Omari Akhmedov (18-4-1) faces Zak Cummings (23-6-0) in what will likely be a close fight on the cards. The ”King of Kung Fu” Muslim Salikhov (14-2) will bring his exciting striking style against long-time UFC vet Nordine Taleb (15-6) in a pick-em. Ending the main card is power puncher Takashi Sato (15- 2) that has a stiff challenge facing him in talent Belal Muhammad (15-3).
UFC 242 PRELIM CARD
Ottman Azaitar (11-0) VS Teemu Packalen (8-2)
German Azaitar will face Packalen to kick-off the card. Azaitar is a former champion of the Brave FC promotion. “Packman” will finally make a return to the cage after several injuries following a KO loss back in 2017. Look for the Finn to submit Azaitar once the fight hits the ground in an upset.
Liana Jojua (7- 2) VS Sarah Moras (5-5)
Jojua is a favorite in what should be a grappling match versus Moras. The Canadian bantamweight has lost three bouts in a row, including a TKO loss to streaking Macy Chiasson in May. “Mgeli” will make her UFC debut and is on a five fight winning streak
Lerone Murphy (8-0) VS Zubaira Tukhugov (18-4)
Tukhogov has been making most of his recent news outside the cage. The Russian of Chechen descent got a two-year suspension from an anti-doping violation. Zubaira was then in Khabib Nurmagomedov’s corner in the Conor McGregor’s fight and part of the post-fight melee resulting in an additional suspension. So, it has been over 3 years since he has fought. Murphy is a huge underdog in his UFC debut.
Joanne Calderwood (13- 4) VS Andrea Lee (11-5)
A high-stakes flyweight showdown ends the prelim card as Calderwood takes on Lee. “Jojo” is a striker and will have her hands full against the powerful “KGB.” The American is on a roll, winning her last 7 fights, including two already this year. The Scottish fighter will have to use her reach and stay on the outside to eek out a decision in what would be a significant upset.
UFC 242 MAIN CARD
Ferreira (15- 2) v Taisumov (27-5)
Chechen Taisumov is a total powerhouse and heads into UFC 242 on a roll. “Beckan” has won 6 straight in the UFC, but his inactivity due to injuries and visa issues has kept him out of the cage. Brazilian black belt and former Legacy FC champ Ferreira is a betting dog in this one, but has been rolling through competition as of late with a nice run of four wins in the UFC’s Octagon. A good opportunity for one of these fighters take a step forward in the lightweight division on the main card.
Abdurakhimov (20-4) v Blaydes (11- 2)
Blaydes one of the biggest favorites on the card, and if it wasn’t for a punch from the massive Francis Ngannou last year leading to a KO, the American wrestler could be looking at a title shot instead of facing a hard-hitting Russian in “Abrek.” Abdurakhimov has also been the victim of a big KO, and he got his at the hands of Derrick Lewis, but has since notched two solid wins over Marcin Tybura and former champ Andrei Arlovski. The wrestling of the American heavyweight gives him the big advantage, and will be enough to get the fight to the ground for damage throughout this matchup.
Makhachev (17–1) v Ramos (10-2)
This is a high placement on the card to feature Russian lightweight prospect Makhachev. The dynamic wrestler with punching power is marching toward the top, and Brazilian Ramos is a likely victim here. The BJJ expert doesn’t mind keeping the feet standing and use kick-boxing, but Islam should be looking for the kill here with friend and teammate Nurmagomedov fighting in the main event and a big opportunity to shine under the lights.
Barboza (20-7) v Felder (16-4)
Guaranteed fireworks in the co-main event as the two dynamic strikers battle again. Barboza is one of the most explosive strikers, highlighted by the social media darling spinning wheelkick KO of Terry Etim. However, unlikely fighters such as Jamie Varner and power puncher Justin Gaethje have shown that you can turn the lights out on the 33-year-old that has to watch his chin.
Their first fight went down in 2015 and was an all-out war. In this co-main event, it will be a coin flip of who goes down as both fighters will come in with power-striking worthy of stopping the fight in a flash. With Felder the underdog, I would put a play on the American to win the roll of the dice in the 15-minute violent standoff. Don’t miss this one.
Khabib (27-0) v Poirier (25-5) – Lightweight Title Fight
Khabib Nurmagomedov finally comes back to the cage after his massive showdown with Conor McGregor back at UFC 229 last October. This will be a title unification bout against Dustin Poirier in one of the most anticipated fights of the year.
The challenger out of Louisiana won the vacant UFC Interim Lightweight Championship against Max Holloway in an all-out war in April, and now heads into the fight without a loss in his past 6 bouts. With additional stoppages against former champions Eddie Alvarez and Anthony Pettis has added to the fuel to the thought that “The Eagle” could finally be grounded.
There are 27 reasons to believe that the Russian fighter will get win number 28 in a row in Abu Dhabi. A big favorite again, it will be the wrestling and grappling of Khabib Nurmagomedov that should once again use his grappling to control the fight as long as it lasts. The only chance for the “Diamond” will come if Khabib decides to have fun striking, which would end up in an opportunity for Poirier to land a power shot that he is capable of landing.
About Ryan O’Leary
Ryan O’Leary is a veteran mixed martial arts journalist and commentator. The Swedish-based writer is the founder and editor at MMAViking.com, which is the premier source for Nordic mixed martial arts news since 2008.
About Genting Casino
Genting Casino is owned by Genting Casinos UK Limited, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Genting Malaysia Berhad, which has interests in leisure and hospitality, power generation, oil and gas, property development, life sciences and biotechnology activities, with operations spanning across the globe, including in Malaysia (the Group’s country of origin), Singapore, Indonesia, India, China, the United States of America, Bahamas, the United Kingdom and Egypt. In the core leisure and hospitality business, the Genting Group and its brand affiliates, offer a suite of products under a number of premier brands including Genting Casino featuring the exclusive Crockfords, Resorts World, Genting Grand, Genting Club, Crystal Cruises, Dream Cruises and Star Cruises
The Genting Group of companies also have tie ups with established names such as Universal Studios®, Premium Outlets®, Hard Rock Hotel, Zouk and other renowned international brand partners
Genting Casino offers a first class sports betting experience for the UK online sport betting customer, while our casino provides hundreds of the latest online slots and our exclusive Genting tables streamed directly to your device or desktop from our flagship UK casino’s like Crockfords
If you are after a premium online gaming experience with a company that puts the customer first and takes responsible gaming very seriously, then why not open an account and give Genting Casino a try.
