UFC Moscow Preview

UFC Moscow Preview

By James Heaney

Straight off a huge weekend in New York, the UFC returns to Moscow, headlined by an intriguing featherweight bout. Their last visit to Moscow was dominated by the veteran heavyweights, Mark Hunt, Aleksei Oleini and Andrei Arlovski with over 140 fights between them. This time it’s experienced and exciting prospects looking to continue their run to a title.

Zabit Magomedsharipov is one of the most promising prospects at 145 pounds. His unusual yet extremely technical and precise style has caught many of his opponents off guard. That’s not to say he’s not beatable- there have been moments in his previous fights where his opponent has had success. The trick though, is getting close enough to impose your game against Zabit. Calvin Kattar is arguably someone who is able to do that. His excellent striking will cause Zabit problems and we may see Zabit look to wrestle his way out of some difficult exchanges.

This fight, originally scheduled for Boston in October, is a great opportunity for Kattar to go into enemy territory and upset the crowd and the odds. It’ll give yet further clarity to a stacked division, the winner will likely call for the winner of Holloway and Volkanovski but with Ortega facing Chan Sung Jung and Aldo facing Moraes before the years out, there’s a great opportunity for someone here to make a statement and jump the line.

In the co-main event, Greg Hardy replaces Junior Dos Santos at short notice to face Alexander Volkov. This is a step up on short notice for Hardy, against a fighter who on paper looks like a nightmare match up.

Hardy will look to rely on his one punch power, although he was much more tactical and controlled in his last outing, learning that he needs to preserve the gas tank. He’ll need it against an oppressive Volkov, known for his high volume and consistent output.

This could be the fight that many have been wanting to see for Hardy, a well ranked opponent who will cause him trouble.

Volkov was training for Junior Dos Santos, a much more well rounded fighter than Hardy who maybe hits just as hard. There’s lots of ifs and buts going into this fight, but it’s going to be the next level which Hardy has been craving. Time will tell whether he’s ready for that level.