This is a really good matchup between two high level fighters who have been struggling as of late. Both of these guys are very good strikers and both of them could use a win. I think Javid is the overall better fighter. Where Said has creative striking, Javid has fantastic footwork and high level wrestling. I am going to lean Javid here because I think the footwork and wrestling threat may have Said stuck in the mud, but he clearly is chinny so will need be careful on his entries. Whats interesting here is the Tapology voters have overwhelmingly picked Said at 80% where as the betting line has tipped the other direction.

Said Nurmagomedov

Said Nurmagomedov is a flashy striker who uses his length really well. His range keeps him dangerous both in and out of the pocket. His striking is versatile and his takedown defense is solid at 63%. The length doesn't just benefit him on his feet, he also uses it to lock up and insane guillotine, literally might have the best guillotine in MMA. He is coming off the loss to Bryce Mitchell where the takedowns were solid early and so was the striking.

Javid Basharat

Javid Basharat is a grappler who has incredible offensive and defensive wrestling. He has absolutely no problems with a kickboxing match either and is landing almost 6 significant strikes per minute and being hit with fewer than 3. We have seen him out grapple and out strike his opponents with little resistance. He is coming off the insanely fast KO loss to Ricky Simon.