MMA Preview – Kevin Lee vs Rinat Fakhretdinov at UFC on ESPN 48
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
KEVIN LEE VS RINAT FAKHRETDINOV FACTS
When is UFC on ESPN 48? Saturday 1st July, 2023 - 22:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC on ESPN 48? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ESPN 48? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC on ESPN 48 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC on ESPN 48? 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!
KEVIN LEE VS RINAT FAKHRETDINOV LOWDOWN
Kevin Lee (19-7) struts back to the UFC after getting released a couple years ago. He got submitted by Charles Oliveira (2020) and then lost a unanimous decision to Daniel Rodriguez (2021) which was enough for the UFC to let him go. He has made one appearance since then which was for Khabib Nurmagomedov’s promotion Eagle FC. He met fellow UFC vet Diego Sanchez in a 165lb bout and cruised a unanimous decision.
Rinat Fakhretdinov (20-1) welcomes him back for an ugly match-up. The Russian has not lost in 10 years and is riding a 19-fight win streak. Two of those came last year in his first UFC appearances. He earnt unanimous decisions over Andreas Michailidis and Bryan Battle to set up this high-profile scrap.
KEVIN LEE VS RINAT FAKHRETDINOV PREDICTION
This is a very tough comeback fight for Lee. His level of competition does not compare fighting the the very best however, Fakhretdinov has the skill set to cancel out his strengths.
Lee is a very athletic and strong grappler, but he is fighting up at welterweight and taking on a demon wrestler. He is slightly undersized for the division and Fakhretdinov has the weight and technique to punish Lee over three rounds.
Lee has to mix his attacks up and try and surprise the Russian with his striking. We can see him finding a home for his kicks, but he runs the risk of getting a leg caught and taken down.
It is good to see Lee back, but this is a bad match-up for him and we are leaning towards Fakhretdinov grinding out a decision or even a submission depending on how fatigued Lee gets.
Prediction: Fakhretdinov via Decision
