Nurmagomedov vs Kakhramonov Fight Info, Date & Time
UFC Vegas 66 – Preliminary Card Bantamweight Bout
Said N urmagomedov (16-2-0, 4 KOs, 4 Submissions) vs. Saidyokub Kakhramonov (10-2-0, 3 KOs, 4 Submissions)
Date:'Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022
Fight Time:'This will be on the preliminary card, which begins at 4 p.m. ET.
Venue:'UFC Apex – Enterprise, NV
Coverage:'ESPN+
Nurmagomedov vs Kakhramonov Odds & Betting Info
Moneyline:
– Said Nurmagomedov: (-102)
– Saidyokub Kakhramonov: (-125)
Method of Victory:
– Nurmagomedov by KO/TKO: (+500)
– Nurmagomedov by Points: (+250)
– Nurmagomedov by Submission: (+750)
– Kakhramonov by KO/TKO: (+460)
– Kakhramonov by Points: (+210)
– Kakhramonov by Submission: (+850)
Nurmagomedov vs Kakhramonov Prediction
Nurmagomedov has rebounded nicely from his first UFC loss, winning three straight fights since then. He picked up a unanimous decision win over Douglas Silva de Andrade in his last outing in July, marking the seventh time in his last 11 fights that he's had to go the distance.
It won't be easy for Nurmagomedov to continue his run, though. Kakhramonov has tasted victory in five of his last six fights and is 2-0 under the UFC banner. He's yet to face someone on Nurmagomedov's level, so this will be his first real test to prove that he belongs.
One thing that gives Kakhramonov the edge is his takedown skills. He averages 6.07 takedowns per 15 minutes on 52% accuracy while also boasting an 80% defense rate. On the flip side, Nurmagomedov rarely goes for takedowns (0.61 per 15 mins) and while he has a 70% defense, Kakhramonov's unrelenting attack should break him down slowly.
In a fight that could steal the show, I have Kakhramonov winning this one.
Nurmagomedov vs Kakhramonov Best Bets
The odds being this close means that there's still decent value to be had with a Kakhramonov outright win (-125 odds).
Having said that, I could see this one being decided by points, too. Nurmagomedov has been known to have longer fights, going the distance in 10 of his last 15 outings. Meanwhile, Kakhramonov has done so in four of his last nine. Even FanDuel seems to think that we're heading down this path again, favoring the fight to go the distance at (-134) odds.
I like the idea of Kakhramonov's takedown and striking skills earning him more points here, ultimately winning this one by decision (+210).