This event is in China so obivouly there are some favorable matches for the local guys. Maheshate is not very good. He's way too hitable to have any meaningful success. He is tough though and can sling. So the UFC gave him Motta who can be KO'd and won't be a wrestler. i am actually picking Motta here. I think Maheshate is just too damn sloppy and eating shots to deliver shots isn't a long term game plan. Motta can be chinned himself, but +176 seems crazy. Motta is the pick and I will keep an eye on the line.

Maheshate Hayisaer

Maheshate is still very young at only 24 years old but he has plenty of experience. Style wise he's a fun striker who can hang in a firefight or dance the outside in a technical kickboxing match. He mixes in traditional martial arts technques like side kicks with flashy ones like spinning or step in elbows. If you let him dictate the pace, you could have a long night, but if you stay in his face you can have success getting to his chin or grinding him to the ground. He is coming off the close win over Gabriel Benitez where he was very hittable but won by taking shots and landing bigger ones.

Nikolas Motta

Nikolas Motta is a pretty good striker. He's explosive, he's athletic and moves well with his speed and diversity. He has solid takedown defense at 82% which allows him to get lose with his striking. He does a very good job being patient, but then pouring it on when he sees his opportunity. He is coming off the early KO win over Tom Nolan.