MMA Preview – Arman Tsarukyan vs Damir Ismagulov at UFC Vegas 66
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ARMAN TSARUKYAN VS DAMIR ISMAGULOV FACTS
When is UFC Fight Night 216? Saturday 17th December, 2022 - 22:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 216? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 216? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC Fight Night 216 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 216? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
ARMAN TSARUKYAN VS DAMIR ISMAGULOV LOWDOWN
Arman Tsarukyan (18-3) is still one of the hottest prospects in the lightweight division despite coming off a loss. He made his debut against Islam Makhachev (2019) and although he lost a unanimous decision, he gave the current champ a run for his money going toe-to-toe in the grappling exchanges. He then strung together five dominant wins including knockouts over Christos Giagos (2021) and Joel Alvarez (2022) before meeting Mateusz Gamrot back in June. It was an incredible battle against one of few men to match his grappling prowess and fell short in another unanimous decision.
Now, he meets another lightweight beast boasting an extremely impressive record in Damir Ismagulov (24-1). He is riding a 19-fight win streak which include five UFC caps. They are all decision wins which is why not many people are shouting his name but they are quality wins including Alvarez (2019), Thiago Moises (2019), Rafael Alves (2021) and Guram Kutateladze back in June.
ARMAN TSARUKYAN VS DAMIR ISMAGULOV PREDICTION
Tsarukyan’s striking continues to improve but he has to stick to his bread and butter which is his grappling. Ismagulov is also well-rounded but his striking is top tier and will only use his grappling defensively.
Tsarukyan has been beaten twice by grapplers, but those were arguably to the only two lightweights that can out grapple him so it is easy to forget how much of a beast he is. If he gets his hands on Ismagulov, we expect him to drag him to the ground and keep him there while raining down the ground-and-pound.
So, the question is how long can Ismagulov maintain the distance and get his strikes off. He can pepper the Armenian with his jab and kicks from range. He also has 90% takedown defence so Tsarukyan will have to work hard.
We can see Tsarukyan surprising Ismagulov on the feet by standing longer than expected and even landing a few shots from awkward angles which will open up a takedown.
The Russian needs to be immaculate whereas Tsarukyan needs to be persistent to grind out a decision at least.
Prediction: Tsarukyan via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
