I'm a big Nursulton supporter and that won't stop here. I am glad to see this fight is at middleweight because that is absolutely where he belongs. He is way too big to cut down to welterweight and have any real success. Up at middleweight he can have the cardio to wrestle, won't be worried about giant speed differences and will still be rangy. I think Nursulton has another showcase win here. McConico isn't dangerous enough on the feet to pose a real problem and I do think, despite not seeing it in the UFC yet, Nusurlton's wrestling can be a big advantage here. Nursulton is the pick and les hope all the excitement and drama with his brother last week don't spill over to him this week.
Nursulton Ruziboev
Nursulton Ruziboez is a wrestling and grappling beast who has been showcasing his hands in the UFC. We haven't seen much wrestling out of him in the Octagon, but on the regional scene he was a non stop wrestler who would get you to the ground any way that he needs to. He would shoot doubles, he would catch kicks, literally any opportunity he has, he would use to get you to the ground. On the ground he is very aggressive and always transitioning while looking for a finish. He has fantastic BJJ but his control isn't the best. In the UFC we have seen mostly striking which is powerful and long. He is 6'5 and uses the reach well. He is coming off the loss to Joaquim Buckley at 170 where he couldn't keep up with the speed.
Eric McConico
Eric McConico is a solid grappler who is comfortable striking, but ultimately looking to close the distance and grind fights to the ground. Even though he wants fights on the ground, he doesn't always force them there. Many times he will wait to catch a kick or force a trip with out rushing and shooting. When fights do get to the ground Eric does a nice job passing through positions and finding control before working to submissions. He is stepping up on short notice after a 5 fight win streak
