MMA Preview – Nasrat Haqparast vs Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 257
NASRAT HAQPARAST VS ARMAN TSARUKYAN FACTS
When is UFC 257? Sunday 24th January, 2021 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 257? Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 257? No tickets are available as this event will take place with a limited number of spectators
What channel is UFC 257 on? BT Sport 1 (prelims) BT Sport Box Office (£19.95)
Where can I stream UFC 257? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website and app
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!
NASRAT HAQPARAST VS ARMAN TSARUKYAN LOWDOWN
Nasrat Haqparast (12-3) takes part in the battle of the lightweight prospects. Although that status has been threatened when he ran in to Drew Dober’s left hand which sparked the first knockout loss of Haqparast’s career. It came after three impressive wins after his debut loss to Marcin Held but he got back in the win column in August where he earnt a unanimous decision over Alexander Munoz.
Arman Tsarukyan (15-2) is the dark horse in the division. Not many many people are talking about him but has proven skills and is only 24 years old. He announced himself on the big stage with a loss that still garnered respect. He stepped up on late notice to take on one of the best grapplers in the division, Islam Makhachev and although he lost a unanimous decision, he completely held his own in the fierce grappling exchanges. He has gone on to show that pedigree in his next two fights earning a unanimous decision over Olivier Aubin-Mercier and Davi Ramos.
NASRAT HAQPARAST VS ARMAN TSARUKYAN PREDICTION
One prospect’s progress will have to stall here but they are both young and have their whole career ahead of them.
Tsarukyan is becoming a seamless fighter but his wrestling is a level above the German and he can throw him around for three rounds. That said, Haqparast’s knockout power is undeniable and he only needs to connect clean once to end the fight.
As long as Tsarukyan can avoid the hands on Haqparast, the fight will be his. He has the talent to stand and trade with him but also has the wrestling in his locker to dictate where the fight goes.
Prediction: Tsarukyan via Decision
