Having high confidence in a UFC debut who has only beaten regional guys is definitely risky, but I can't even convince myself not to be insanely confident here. Melsik is a very good striker but thats where it ends. Magomedov is too good of a wrestler and grappler to not get this to the ground. I see the distance closing and Magomedov taking over early with a likely first or second round finish. Magomedov is the pick, but expect a full “Fraud Check” temper tantrum if thats not how this plays out.

Melsik Baghdasaryan

Melsik Baghdasaryan is a very aggressive striker who is always moving forward. He has a long professional kickboxing background before MMA and you can see those techniques in the Octagon. He has diverse striking and does a great job mixing things up. He will go to the body, he will use kicks and puts it all together really well. His forward pressure, power and diversity is very fun to watch but he does have grappling holes. He is coming off the KO loss to Jean Silva

Murtazali Magomedov

Murtazali Magomedov is an OV so he does the things you expect an OV to do, like have big takedowns, nasty submissions and incredible control on the ground. He also though, can strike. He has solid hands, great clinchwork and a willingness to engage. He is a finisher who can finish anywhere and has never been to a decision, but obviously level of competition is a concern.