Islam Makhachev and Thiago Moises hill headline UFC Vegas 31 here is a preview.
Now that UFC 264 is in the books, the world’s largest mixed martial arts promotion looks to keeps the gears grinding as they are right back to it with UFC Vegas 31. Lightweights will once again take center stage in the evening’s featured contest as top-15 contenders Islam Makhachev and Thiago Moises meet for the first time.
Islam Makhachev vs. Thiago Moises – UFC Vegas 31 Preview
Islam Makhachev (19-1)
Islam Makhachev has been in the UFC since 2015. The Dagestani fighter is 8-1 in the promotion, with his only defeat coming at the hands of Adriano Martins. Makhachev was victorious over Drew Dober at UFC 259 in his most recent outing. He is entrenched as the No. 9-ranked lightweight, and a win over Thiago Moises would put his name on the shortlist of title challengers.
Thiago Moises (15-4)
Like his opponent, Thiago Moises also has a number by his name. Currently the No. 14 155-pound fighter in the UFC, Moises is riding a three-fight winning streak. Michael Johnson, Bobby Green, and Alexander Hernandez have all been successive victims of the Brazilian fighter. Moises has incredible jiu-jitsu and wins most of his fights via decision.
Islam Makhachev vs. Thiago Moises
UFC Vegas 31 is a sneaky good fight card. And by the time Islam Makhachev and Thiago Moises make the walk to the Octagon to headline the night, there will no doubt be steep competition for the bonus money.
If Makhachev doesn’t submit his opponents, which he does 42 percent of the time, he usually gets his hand raised via decision (42 percent). He is an outstanding grappler who lands 69 percent of his takedown attempts. The Dagestani also uses his wrestling to keep the fight on the feet, possessing a ridiculous 93 percent takedown defense. 75 percent of his significant strikes are landed to his opponent’s head, usually when he is in top control battering them, looking for a submission.
Moises, 26, fights out of American Top Team. The Idaiatuba, Sao Paulo, Brazil native has some of the best BJJ in the lightweight division. Since earning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2018, he has made six Octagon appearances. UFC Vegas 31 will be his seventh fight in the promotion and his first main event for the MMA leader. If Moises gets his hand raised over Makhachev, it will likely be via decision, as the Brazilian wins 47 percent of his fights in that fashion.
Islam Makhachev vs. Thiago Moises – Odds
At the time of writing, Islam Makhachev is a commanding -675 favorite to win the main event of UFC Vegas 31. On the flipside, Thiago Moises is a +475 underdog. All odds are courtesy of Draftkings.com. However, keep in mind as the fight draws closer, the odds will fluctuate greatly.
Keep it locked on MMASucka for your latest MMA news, and we will all the results for UFC Vegas 31 as they happen.
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