One of the most anticipated fight cards of the year kicks off this weekend in Abu Dhabi. Fans will have to get up early in America to catch the prelim action, which kicks off at 9 a.m. CST. UFC 308 features 13 fights and is headlined by a Featherweight title matchup between undefeated champion Ilia Topuria (15-0) and current BMF champion Max Holloway (26-7). With such a highly anticipated main event, some fans may not realize the depth of this card. Let’s take a look at some of the preliminary matchups that are flying under the radar.
Rinat Fakhretdinov (22-1-1) vs. Carlos Leal (21-5)
Russian powerhouse Rinat Fakhretdinov returns this weekend welcoming PFL standout Carlos Leal to the octagon in the prelim opener. In June, Fakhretdinov was invloved in a highly competitive contest with Nicholas Dalby, which ended in split decision. Leal is a dangerous Brazilian finisher who has won four of his last five fights by knockout. In the PFL, Leal twice made it to the semifinals of their million-dollar tournament. Currently online sportsbooks favor Fakredinov (-250) in this interesting battle of welterweights.
This is a classic striker vs grappler matchup with Leal holding ten wins by knockout and Fakhretdinov owning seven submission wins. Fakhretdinov has ran into trouble on the feet in recent contests, getting dropped in his fight with Elizeu Zaleski Dos Santos. Leal is known for his aggressive striking style, throwing hard leg kicks and using forward pressure to break his opponents. To find success in his debut, Leal will have to keep Fakhretdinov from controlling him on the ground.
Prediction: Rinat Fakhretdinov by Decision
Abus Magomedov (26-6-1) vs. Brunno Ferreira (12-1)
Don’t blink in this Middleweight matchup between talented finishers Abus Magomedov and Bruno Ferreira. Magomedov is 2-2 in his run with the promotion, with both of those losses coming to top five contenders Sean Strickland and Caio Borralho. Ferreira has finished all 12 of his professional victories and is 3-1 in the UFC. Length may play a factor in this contest with Magomedov standing four inches taller and enjoying a six-inch reach advantage. Currently online sportsbooks slightly favor Magomedov (-140).
Magomedov bounced back with a victory over longtime veteran Warlley Alves in May, cementing his place on the roster. Ferreira debuted with an impressive knockout win against Gregory Rodrigues, showing his one punch knockout power. Magomedov wants to keep this fight at distance, utilizing his front kick to the body and a lengthy jab. Ferreria will try to get inside the long limbs of Magomedov and find a home for his devastating power. Don’t miss this prelim action between rising middleweight prospects.
Prediction: Bruno Ferreira by KO/TKO
Geoff Neal (15-6) vs. Rafael Dos Anjos (32-16)
Former UFC lightweight champion Rafael Dos Anjos makes his 35th appearance in the promotion this weekend, facing “Hands of Steel” Geoff Neal. Dos Anjos is riding a two-fight losing streak and is 39 years old entering this matchup. Neal has also dropped his last two fights, losing to rising star Ian Garry and undefeated phenom Shavkat Rahkmonov. Neal takes on all comers, challenging the two brightest prospects in the division in back-to-back fights. Dos Anjos was once the best 155-pound fighter in the world, but recently the former champion has had to navigate two weight classes to continue his career. Online sportsbooks heavily favor Geoff Neal in this contest (-330).
After taking two challenging fights in a row, Neal may be facing a step down in competition in this one. Dos Anjos is still a very tricky fighter, and a BJJ blackbelt in Jiu-Jtsu. If the fight hits the ground, it will favor Dos Anjos, who has eleven submission wins. Neal is a very durable and athletic fighter who will want to keep the aging former champion on his feet.
Prediction: Geoff Neal by Decision
UFC 308 takes place in Abu Dhabi this Saturday night on PPV.
