UFC Baku Staff Picks: Lightweight Finishers Battle
Picks of the week for UFC Baku are in. Who did our guys choose?
UFC Baku is set to deliver a rip-roaring show for late-morning viewers around the world, with lightweight contenders Rafael Fiziev and Manuel Torres squaring off in the main event. Before that, however, middleweight hard-hitters Sharabutdin Magomedov and Michel Pereira engage in what has all the makings of an electrifying striking affair.
UFC Baku Main Event
Owner of seven post-fight bonuses, Fiziev is hands down one of the most exciting 155-lb fighters in the sport. Dead set on ending his current time in the loser’s column with a bang in his home country of Azerbaijani, “Ataman” is prepared to go into deep waters against his streaking Mexican foe.
In all of his victories in the UFC, Torres had produced first round stoppage after first round stoppage. With the lightweight championship set in his sights, “El Loco” will stop at nothing to get his hand raised this weekend as he hopes to continue his warpath to the top of the division.
UFC Baku Co-Main Event
A massive fan-favorite athlete in the middleweight category, Magomedov has produced a lengthy highlight-reel of impressive performances across his three years in the organization. Now on a crash course with one of the biggest power punchers in the weight class, “Shara Bullet” will have his work cut out for him in the co-main event of UFC Baku.
Gaining a notable reputation as possibly the most wild finisher in UFC history, Pereira has encountered his fair share of highs and lows since moving up to 185-lb in 2023. Wanting nothing more than to end his current three-bout losing skid, “Demolidor” is aiming to wow audiences with another patented high-flying victory.
More Bouts On the UFC Baku Main Card
Also on the main card, Nazim Sadykhov battles Matheus Camilo. Then, Asu Almabayev comes to blows with Charles Johnson. Also, Ikram Aliskerov meets Brunno Ferreira. Finally, Abusupiyan Magomedov tests himself against Michał Oleksiejczuk.
UFC Baku Predictions and Staff Picks
MMASucka staff picks are composed of four of the world’s leading mixed martial arts organizations: the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the Professional Fighters League (PFL), ONE Championship (ONE FC), and Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS).
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UFC picks will include main card fights ranging from four to six matchups per event.
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PFL picks from main cards for pay-per-views and from tournament fights in the Regular Season, Playoffs, and Finals.
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ONE FC and DWCS picks will feature all MMA fights from the event with a minimum of three matchups.
Find our UFC Baku picks and fight odds below.
Staff records after UFC Vegas 119:
1. Hank Strandberg: 101-45
2. Frazer Krohn: 81-60
3. Drew Zuhosky: 69-80
4. Andrew Benjamin: 18-18
*Note – not all staff pick for every event*
Michał Oleksiejczuk
Vs.
Abusupiyan Magomedov -103
MIDDLEWEIGHT
Hank Strandberg: Oleksiejczuk by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Magomedov by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Oleksiejczuk by Second Round Submission
Staff picking Oleksiejczuk: 2
Staff picking Magomedov: 1
Ikram Aliskerov -280
Vs.
Brunno Ferreira +240
MIDDLEWEIGHT
Hank Strandberg:Aliskerov by Second Round Knockout
Drew Zuhosky: Ferreira by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Ferreira by Second Round Knockout
Staff picking Aliskerov: 1
Staff picking Ferreira: 2
Asu Almabaev -290
Vs.
Charles Johnson +245
FLYWEIGHT
Hank Strandberg: Almabaev by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Almabaev by First Round Knockout
Frazer Krohn: Johnson by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Almabaev: 2
Staff picking Johnson: 1
Nazim Sadykhov -181
Vs.
Matheus Camilo +156
LIGHTWEIGHT
Hank Strandberg: Sadykhov by Unanimous Decision;
Drew Zuhosky: Camilo by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Camilo by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Sadykhov: 1
Staff picking Camilo: 2
Sharabutdin Magomedov -400
Vs.
Michel Pereira +300
MIDDLEWEIGHT
Hank Strandberg:Magomedov by First Round Knockout
Drew Zuhosky: Magomedov by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Magomedov by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Magomedov: 3
Staff picking Pereira: 0
Manuel Torres -118
Vs.
Rafael Fiziev -102
LIGHTWEIGHT
Hank Strandberg:Torres by First Round Knockout/span>
Drew Zuhosky: Torres by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Torres by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Torres: 3
Staff picking Fiziev: 0
