DWCS 2022 Week 9 Breakdown and Predictions

Nurullo Aliev and Josh Wick, Dana White’s Contender Series 55 weigh-in Credit: Alex Behunin/Cageside Press

Lightweight: Nurullo Aliev Vs. Josh Wick

Tale of the tape

Nurullo Aliev
22-years-old
5’10”
Tajikistan/Russia
Sanford MMA
6-0
1 KO/TKO
Combined opponent’s record: 29-9-2
Josh Wick
27-years-old
5’9″
Boise, Idaho, US
Elevation Fight Team
12-5
3 KO/TKOs, 7 Submissions
Combined opponent’s record: 59-23

Pros and Cons

Nurullo Aliev

Pros

  • Smothering top control
  • Good wrestling
  • Relentless grappling pressure
  • Strikes to wrestle well
  • Good ground and pound

Cons

  • Labored striking
  • Wide striking
  • Slows as the fight goes

Josh WickPros

  • Submission threat
  • Solid kickboxing
  • Dangerous off his back
  • Damaging chopping leg kicks
  • Good movement

Cons

  • TDD needs work
  • Throws single strikes at times
  • Head is a bit stationary
  • Easily pressed back

Who has the advantage?

Striking: Wick
Speed: Wick
Output/Volume: Wick
Kickboxing: Wick
Striking defense: Even
Footwork/movement: Wick
Wrestling: Aliev
Grappling: Aliev
More likely to finish on the mat: Aliev
Gas tank: Even

Prediction: There is a lot of hype coming from Aliev ahead of this fight but none of it is from me. I will say his wrestling, pressure, and ground game are at a higher level. However I do feel he’s not as good as some think and I see him struggling if he was to get in the UFC.

I’ve enjoyed myself more watching Wick fight but styles make fights and this is a tough one for him. Wick is the better all-around fighter but his takedown defense and inability to deal with pressure will be his downfall. I see Aliev winning minutes pressuring Wick putting him against the cage and scoring takedowns and top position. If he doesn’t finish the fight I think he will do enough to get the nod from the judges.