Tofiq Musayev and Alexandr Shabliy are two relative unknowns to the Bellator crowd, despite having plenty of mixed martial arts experience. But both will be enthralled to be part of the Lightweight grand prix, seeking to capture gold off champion Usman Nurmagomedov. First, people making MMA predictions will have to see if they can get by each other.
Making a Musayev vs Shabliy prediction will be an interesting choice for bettors. Both fighters have shown the ability to finish fights at promotions around the world. But now, with both of them being signed to a major promotion like Bellator, they will have to prove that their success on the lower levels will translate to a higher level of competition.
Tofiq Musayev vs. Alexander Shabliy Information
Tofiq Musayev vs Alexander Shabliy
Location: SAP Center, San Jose, CA.
Date and Time: Friday, March 10, 2023, 10:00 PM ET.
How to Watch: Showtime
Tofiq Musayev vs. Alexandr Shabliy Recent Scores
Shabliy won his Bellator MMA debut by knocking out Brent Primus in the second last June 2022. Musayev also won his Bellator debut last July by scoring a knockout 27 seconds into his fight with Sidney Outlaw.
Tofiq Musayev vs. Alexandr Shabliy Betting Analysis
Musayev Facts to Know
Trying to make a Musayev vs Shabliy prediction may center around Musayev’s motivation. After beating Outlaw in 27 seconds in his Bellator debut, Musayev vaulted to No. 2 in the organization’s 155-pound rankings. However, he was denied a title shot that went to Nurmagomedov.
Bellator odds show that Musayev, who is from Azerbaijan, has compiled a 20-4 record. Fans will be excited to watch his fights as Musayev has won 16 of them by knockout. He isn’t totally lost on the ground and has also locked up two submissions in his career.
Musayev has a notable win over current Bellator fighter and former Lightweight champion Patrick Pitbull. Musayev beat Pitbull by a decision at RIZIN 20 in 2019.
Musayev would likely prefer this fight stays on the fight. He has been submitted three times in his four total losses. Musayev, who was 5-1 at RIZIN and 1-0 so far in Bellator, will want to pressure Shabliy and rely on his hands to help set the distance in this fight.
Shabliy Facts to Know
Shabliy’s well-rounded skillset may tip making Musayev vs Shabliy prediction tip a bettor toward the favored Russian. Over the course of his career, Shabliy, who hadn’t signed with a major promotion before combing on board with Bellator, has 26 professional MMA fights to his credit. Shabliy has finished 18 of those fights.
He has won 11 times by knockout and seven times by decision. Even when a fight goes to the scorecards, Shabliy has a 5-2 record. What Shabliy will need to show is that he can grind out another win. In three fights in Bellator, Shabliy has compiled a perfect record, while two of the fights have gone to a decision.
Shabliy’s last victory opened some eyes. Many people thought Primus, a former champion, was on his way back toward earning another title shot. However, Shabliy picked up the second-round KO and a spot in the $1 million lightweight grand prix.
Updates
Bellator picks show that neither fighter has any injury concerns.
Tofiq Musayev vs. Alexandr Shabliy Betting Preview
Bellator odds show that Shabliy opened as a -145 favorite. Musayev is +110.
Tofiq Musayev vs. Alexandr Shabliy Betting Prediction
What makes making MMA picks so difficult is that styles make fights. One fighter can look like a title contender and untouchable right up until they run into a matchup where they don’t have the tools to knock off an opponent. Musayev has explosive hands and has the capability of ending the punch at any minute.
While it is tempting to take someone with that skillset at plus money, Shabliy is someone who is capable of doing different things to avoid Musayev’s power punching. Shabliy will likely try to take Musayev down and try to tire out his opponent. This is a fun fight in the first round of this tournament.
While it could go either way, Shabliy’s patience and ability to lean on different skills should carry him to a victory.
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