MMA Preview – Tagir Ulanbekov vs Joshua Van at UFC on ESPN 58
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
TAGIR ULANBEKOV VS JOSHUA VAN FACTS
When is UFC on ESPN 58? Sunday 16th June, 2024 - 01:00 (UK)
Where is UFC on ESPN 58? UFC Apex, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ESPN 58? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC on ESPN 58 on? TNT Sports 1
Where can I stream UFC on ESPN 58? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
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!
TAGIR ULANBEKOV VS JOSHUA VAN LOWDOWN
Tagir Ulanbekov (15-2) has got over his Tim Elliott-shaped hump and is back on the road towards the flyweight rankings. A unanimous decision loss to the veteran came after his first two UFC wins snapping a five-fight win streak. However, he has responded perfectly by submitting Nate Maness (2022) and Cody Durden (2023).
Now, he takes on Joshua Van (10-1) who is riding his own eight-fight win streak. He squeaked past his debut with a split decision win over Zhalgas Zhumagulov (2023). He then followed that up with a unanimous decision over Kevin Borjas (2023) and TKO over Felipe Bunes (2024) at UFC Fight Night 234.
TAGIR ULANBEKOV VS JOSHUA VAN PREDICTION
Ulanbekov is a wrestler by trade, but he is a good rangy striker and would not be surprised if he tests those skills against Van. It would be an unnecessary risk as the Myanmar fighter is electric on the feet.
He is only 22 years old, and packs thunderous kicks, lightening hands and attacks the body well. The longer this stays on the feet, the more you have to back him. However, he starts slow and Ulanbekov has the ability to chain takedowns together and remove that threat on the feet if he decides to.
We expect Ulanbekov to win the first round and his pressure and body locks will be enough bag another. However, Van’s wrestling is very underrated and we can see his takedown defence and aggression on the feet swaying a couple judges.
Prediction: Ulanbekov via Decision
Value Bet: Van to win
