Surging featherweight prospect Zabit Magomedsharipov (17-1, 6 KOs, 7 SUBs) will meet the underrated Calvin Kattar (20-3, 9 KOs, 3 SUBs) at UFC on ESPN+ 21 on Saturday, November 9, 2019 at the CSKA Arena in Moscow, Russia. The card streams live on ESPN+ starting 2pm ET.
Zabit Magomedsharipov is well on his way to becoming the UFC’s second Dagestani champion. Following Khabib Nurmagomedov’s lead, the 28-year old has been flawless in compiling a 5-0 UFC record while extending a 13-fight winning streak. But the Russian isn’t just racking up wins - he’s been styling on his opponents.
This isn’t your typical Dagestani grinder: Magomedsharipov is one of the most exciting fighters in a division brimming with them. If he keeps winning in style, it won’t be long before he gets a title shot. In fact, he’s surged all the way to No. 5 at 145 pounds, and could find himself just a win or two away from a challenge - whether it’s Max Holloway or Alexander Volkanovski holding the belt.
Hoping to usurp Zabit’s status as The Next Big Thing is Calvin Kattar. “The Boston Finisher” sports an impressive 4-1 UFC record, with finishes in three of his four victories. Though he suffered a decision loss to Renato Moicano in 2018, he’s bounced back nicely with two first-round knockouts - most recently besting perennial contender Ricardo Lamas. While beating Lamas doesn’t mean what it used to, beating Zabit would be a huge statement at 145 pounds - one could argue he’d be a title contender with a win.
To be honest, this looks like a showcase fight for Zabit, and the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu have opened with the Russian as the clear favorite. But let’s take a look at all your betting options and break down the best values. Live UFC betting is available during the fight as well, with real-time line updates.
UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Zabit Magomedsharipov -300
Calvin Kattar +228
Fight goes/doesn’t go to decision: -145 / +105
Significant Striking Stats
Strikes landed per minute: Magomedsharipov 4.53 / Kattar 5.06
Striking accuracy: Magomedsharipov 53% / Kattar 42%
Strikes absorbed per minute: Magomedsharipov 2.44 / Kattar 6.35
Striking defense: Magomedsharipov 66% / Kattar 55%
Grappling Stats
Takedowns per 15 minutes: Magomedsharipov 6.23 / Kattar 0.61
Takedown accuracy: Magomedsharipov 59% / Kattar 33%
Takedown defense: Magomedsharipov 77% / Kattar 80%
Submission per 15 minutes: Magomedsharipov 0.96 / Kattar 0
Bet on UFC odds at the online sportsbook
Zabit doesn’t have the frame of a powerful wrestler - he’s got a beanpole body at 6’1”. But looks are deceiving, as he’s an accomplished takedown artist who lands over 6 takedowns per 15 minutes. His long limbs give him the leverage to lock in a diverse arsenal of submissions, and his unique kneebar on Brandon Davis just highlights his ability to be creative when it comes to grappling.
But unlike his Dagestani counterparts, Magomedsharipov is a dynamic, high-volume striker. He is flashy but effective in the standup, and makes good use of his lanky frame to dictate distance well. Landing well over four strikes a minute, the Russian has proven that he has the cardio to sustain an extraordinarily high striking + takedown rate.
Kattar was never considered a blue chip prospect, but he has exceeded relatively high expectations inside the octagon. Though he wasn’t a knockout artist prior to signing with the UFC, the 31-year old appears to have developed killshot power as he has evolved. Kattar does his best work on the feet, working behind a technical boxing game. What’s interesting here is his ability to fight off pressure, which could give his aggressive opponent some trouble.
UFC Odds Pick: Magomedsharipov to win at -300
While this should be closer than what the odds suggest, the Russian just has too many tools to bet against. His wrestling, in particular, should be an effective crutch should the standup not go his way. But we see Zabit having his way wherever this fight goes. You can feel confident with a big bet on the Russian.
Bet on UFC odds at BookMaker.eu now.
