Only a week removed from the historic UFC 287 in Miami, we are back with a great Fight Night event set in Kansas City. One of the key fights on the main card will be a light heavyweight bout between combat sports veteran Dustin Jacoby and Azamat Murzkanov.
Read along for an analysis and a Jacoby vs Murzakanov prediction leading up to this weekend’s event.
Dustin Jacoby vs. Azamat Murzakanov Information
Dustin Jacoby vs Azamat Murzakanov
Location of the fight: T-Mobile Center, Kansas City, MO.
Date and Time: April 15, 2023. 8:30 PM ET.
How to Watch: ESPN | ESPN+
Dustin Jacoby vs. Azamat Murzakanov Last Fight Record
Jacoby is coming off the first loss of his second tenure with the UFC. Prior to the loss to Khalil Rountree in October, he hadn’t lost since 2015 in Bellator.
Murzakanov is 2-0 in the UFC, with both victories coming via 3rd round KO.
Dustin Jacoby vs. Azamat Murzakanov Betting Analysis
Dustin Jacoby Facts to Know
Jacoby is a world-class kickboxer that competed in some of the biggest kickboxing events in the world prior to his current career as a pro MMA fighter in the UFC. For a guy that stays out of the UFC news a lot, he has built a reputation for himself as being one of the toughest guys to beat on the roster.
He averages 5.58 significant strikes landed per minute while only absorbing 3.98. Jacoby will also enjoy a 5” reach and height advantage over his opponent this weekend–which is something that turns into a massive advantage when a fighter can control distance as well as Jacoby.
Azamat Murzakanov Facts to Know
Murzakanov has had quite the start to his UFC career. His southpaw stance might lead to some confusion from Jacoby, along with the unreal striking accuracy of 60% that the Russian has.
He averages 4.63 significant strikes landed per minute and only absorbs just shy of 2.5 strikes in that minute as well. His pressure and toughness seem to lead to his opponents breaking down as the fight goes on.
Updates
No injuries have been reported to the UFC or the Missouri Athletic Commission.
Dustin Jacoby vs. Azamat Murzakanov Betting Preview
As we try to arrive at a correct Jacoby vs Murzakanov prediction, the betting lines are also a massive factor in the picks. UFC odds have Dustin Jacoby as the -160 favorite this weekend. His opponent, Murzakanov, sits at +140 as the betting underdog.
The most intriguing betting line has to be Jacoby winning a decision at +165. Also, both fighters have +215 odds to win inside the distance. There is lots of value in both athletes in this matchup.
When you see an intriguing matchup like this on the UFC schedule, it makes the event even more of a must-watch.
Both of these guys are durable, tough, and highly skilled fighters that will put on a show for the fans. Do not be surprised if both take heavy shots from each other, get hurt, but still finish the three rounds and let the judge decide. This feels like it’s going to be a close decision victory for one of them.
Dustin Jacoby vs. Azamat Murzakanov Betting Prediction
As we said before, UFC picks are very difficult to make. Anything can happen once that octagon door closes on Saturday night, but let’s make a final Jacoby vs Murzakanov prediction.
The prediction stems from simple “MMA math.” If both of these guys plan on making this a kickboxing match, the nod needs to go to Jacoby to get the job done. Kickboxing was his career before this whole MMA thing came around, and he is going to outclass Murzakanov.
If Murzakanov can mix in some wrestling and win a round from that, this fight gets a lot closer. But you should expect to see Jacoby using his kicks and distance-management skills to beat up on Murzakanov for all 15 minutes.
Murzakanov hasn’t shown that he has the wrestling skills to takedown Jacoby and win fights that way. This is going to be a frustrating night for the Russian making his 3rd appearance in the promotion against someone that has been doing it at this level for a long time.
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