MMA Preview – Brian Kelleher vs Saidyokub Kakhramonov at UFC on ESPN 32
BRIAN KELLEHER VS SAIDYOKUB KAKHRAMONOV FACTS
When is UFC on ESPN 32? Saturday 15th January, 2022 - 22:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC on ESPN 32? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ESPN 32? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC events
What channel is UFC on ESPN 32 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC on ESPN 32? 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!
BRIAN KELLEHER VS SAIDYOKUB KAKHRAMONOV LOWDOWN
Brian Kelleher’s (23-12) patchy form continues. He is 7-5 in the UFC and yet to win more than two fights in a row. That said, he has floated between bantamweight and featherweight fighting very tough competition throughout his UFC career. His losses were to Marlon Vera (2017), John Lineker (2018), Montel Jackson (2018), Cody Stamann (2020) and and Ricky Simon (2021). So, he has struggled against top competition but looked great against lesser foes finishing five out of his seven wins. After that dominant decision loss to Simon, he dropped back down to bantamweight to earn a comfortable unanimous decision over Domingo Pilarte and stays at 135 lbs for this one.
Saidyokub Kakhramonov (9-2) heads to the APEX for the second time coming off a successful UFC debut. He was coming off two vicious knockouts over Askar Askar (2020) and Tycen Lynn (2021) and made it three finishes in a row submitting Trevin Jones at UFC on ESPN 29 back in August. He now faces his toughest challenge to date and if he can keep up his form, he will put a lot of bantamweights on notice.
BRIAN KELLEHER VS SAIDYOKUB KAKHRAMONOV PREDICTION
Two natural finishers are likely to put on a show. Kelleher is the underdog and there is certainly value on him with all his experience.
That said, we are backing Kakhramonov who will boast a three-inch reach and two-inch height advantage. We expect him to put that advantage to full use, firing from range with long punches and an array of kicks. He is also a terrific grappler and only getting better, but he has to respect the skills of Kelleher.
Although Kelleher has average takedown defence, he has a nasty guillotine so the Uzbekistani can not afford to leave his neck exposed for a second. He also has a lot of power in his hands so if you fancy a punt on him, a finish is your best bet.
Kakhramonov is also likely to find a finish and considering Kelleher’s submission defence, a submission could well be there for him. Do not be surprised is a guillotine falls either way.
Prediction: Kakhramonov via Submission - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Kelleher via Submission
