Set to go down on the ESPN portion of UFC 246, the lightweight fight between Nasrat Haqparast and Drew Dober is a certified banger. The fighters are at opposite points in their careers, but they both have serious hands. Haqparast is one of the most promising prospects in the UFC, while Dober is the tough veteran who is a tough out. Hopefully plenty of fans tune into the prelims of this event, because this fight is the leading fight of the night candidate.
Nasrat Haqparast
For a 24-year old fighter, Nasrat Haqparast has already showed the poise and technical ability that makes him a promising prospect. He’s not just a dynamite left hand. Haqparast has shown to be a very good counterstriker in his four UFC fights, too. In those four fights he is 3-1, with his only loss coming via decision in his promotional debut. Through four fights he has already earned two post-fight bonuses. Only one of his three wins in the UFC have come via knockout. But, all eight of his career wins prior to the entering the promotion came via KO or TKO. He currently sits around a -320 favorite, and bet-tn.com is the place to go if you’re looking to throw some money down on the German prospect.
You wouldn’t think so based on his build, but Nasrat Haqparast is a very good athlete and is very quick on his feet. He can close the distance, land a few shots, and get out of the pocket before his opponent has much time to land anything. Haqparast also uses his feints well to give himself chances to enter the pocket and land a big left hand. He is a very experienced striker who definitely fights like he is more than a 24 year old prospect. Drew Dober has only been finished once in his career and will definitely be the toughest test Haqparast has faced yet. There will be a ton of fireworks in this one, but expect Nasrat Haqparast to come out on top.
If Haqparast does end up victorious in this fight, he might find himself contending for a spot in the lightweight rankings. Lightweight is one of the deepest divisions in the promotion. A four fight win streak capped off with an impressive win over Dober would do big things for Haqparast’s career and could lead him to another step up in competition. From there, the possibilities are endless.
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