MVP MMA: Namo Fazil vs Jake Babian Preview & Prediction

Boasting a near perfect record and seven finishes in nine professional victories, Namo Fazil (9-1) has cut his teeth in promotions like Karate Combat, ONE Championship, and UAE Warriors en route to his first appearance under the MVP banner. A heavy handed striker, "Grandson of Saladin" has never been finished and is best known for an absolute war against Jae Woo Jong under the ONE banner in 2024. At 29, the Finnish born Kurdistan fighter looks to be in his prime and is currently riding a six fight win streak.

Jake Babian: The American looks to cash in as a considerable underdog

Undefeated since a TKO defeat in his debut, Jake Babian (6-1) enters this contest as a considerable underdog in his MVP debut. With five finishes in six professional victories, the American is clearly not a fan of the judges' scorecards and has only ever seen a second round on two occasions throughout his young career. Currently riding a six fight win streak, Babian has largely fought in Lights Out Extreme Fighting and has yet to face an opponent with any kind of legitimate name value.

Namo Fazil vs Jake Babian prediction

Pitting two enormous welterweights with high finish rates against each other, this one is highly unlikely to require the judges' scorecards.

Fazil's edge in experience means that he's a justifiable favorite here. The Kurdistan native hasn't exactly fought the elite of the elite throughout his career to date, but his experience makes him look like a world champion compared to his latest opponent. Babian has only fought opposition with a winning record on two ocassions, with his most recent victory coming over the 8-9 Saad Ul-Hasan.

The American has some solid regional level BJJ credentials, but it's still not enough to make me think that he has any legitimate chance of scoring the upset here. Fazil has some serious one punch power in his hands and this match up looks tailor made for him to showcase that state of affairs to close out the prelims in style.

As such, the pick is for "Grandson of Saladin" to land a bomb on the feet after a brief feeling out process, sending Babian to the shadow realm for his latest brutal finish.

Prediction: Namo Fazil to win by TKO