Welterweight, Magomed Kabardiev (10-1):
Kabardiev may have lost his last fight but he has a ton of potential. Where Kabardiev is most confident is when he’s on his feet with space to work. He uses a lot of different looks. He’s really good at setting the tone of the fight with his kicks. He throws a variety of kicks going down low, to the body, and up top. He likes to be unorthodox with his movement and feints to keep his opponent guessing. He can end the fight at any moment with his explosiveness and power. It’s more so his timing and shot placement that’s putting guys away as opposed to his power. Kabardiev had an extensive background in Pankration before coming to MMA. His style in the cage you can see his upbringing in Pankration. Kabardiev is a diverse striker/kickboxer at the range that moves in and out. He throws a lot of output while being tricky with feints.
Featherweight, Sabit Zhusupov (16-3, 1 NC):
Zhusupov is the current Fight Nights Global bantamweight champion but actively fights at featherweight as well. He’s got a background in Pankration as a three-time world champion in 2019, 2021, and 2023 representing Kazakhstan. Zhusupov has been competing in MMA for years but he’s in his prime currently. Zhusupov can wrestle/grapple and does it well to mix it up. On the feet is where he shines as he puts his hands together so well. Zhusupov gets credit for his vision, timing, and IQ when it comes to his striking. He doesn’t get the credit some others do but he would do very well in a big promotion.
Strawweight, Sagyn Kazbek (5-0):
Kazbek is well-rounded being able to adapt anywhere the fight takes him. On the feet is where he hangs around the most. Although he can get reckless at times his speed and in-and-out footwork make up for it. Kazbek does a lot of moving in and out of the pocket throwing power hooks. He throws a lot of volume and his power is big for his size. Although it’s more power than anything he can be technical going to the body and head. His counterstriking is also dangerous, especially with his pull counters. A lot of promise at 125 even thought he’s a strawweight champion.
