UFC London: Prelims
Muhammad Mokaev (6-0) vs Cody Durden (12-3-1)
Flyweight (125)
Mokaev sub …The way he’s running his mouth, Mokaev better be able to back up his words. The 21-year-old is slowly growing into his body, evidenced by increased pop to his shots, but there is also strong grappling in the locker. There is a huge dose of recklessness behind Mokaev’s work, however, and it’s a surprise that he’s still undefeated in his amateur and pro MMA career. Defensively, Durden is extremely hittable on the feet, but when there is still gas in the tank – the American is a decent enough striker who can find counters beyond the first layer. When tired, however, Durden gasses himself further in pursuit of panic takedowns and can run himself into submissions.
Elise Reed (4-1) vs Cory McKenna (6-1)
Women’s Flyweight (115)
McKenna Decision … A tight boxer with solid wrestling credentials, McKenna has great potential for growth. Sharp combinations will punish Reed who opens her guard up after single shots, while a leaky TDD will provide the Welshwoman with every opportunity to take this to the mat.
Jack Shore (15-0) vs Timur Valiev (18-2)
Bantamweight (135)
Shore Decision … An incredible banger of a fight between two fighters seemingly destined to break the top-fifteen. Valiev’s unorthodox creativity on the feet and superior volume will catch the judges’ eyes. If Valiev can keep himself away from the clinch, much of Shore’s wrestling threat is removed. There are frequent periods of recklessness from the Russian however, while the Shore is incredibly consistent in his decision-making. Even with the athletic disparity, Shore’s BJJ wizardry could well keep Valiev tangled on the ground if the fight finds its way there.
Nikita Krylov (27-8) vs Paul Craig (15-4-1)
Light Heavyweight (205)
Krylov Decision … Long gone are the days when Krylov was deadset on searching for finishes. No longer a wild striker, Krylov opts to out-wrestle opponents. Craig is wide open to being out-wrestled, but the Scot’s threat off the back cannot be overlooked. A surprising track record of submissions from the back could punish Krylov’s tendency to position himself in sticky situations on the mat. Craig’s record is padded with wins over the corpse of Shogun Rua and Antigulov, so therefore I will not opt for the gameplan of ‘hail Mary submission’.
Shamil Abdurakhimov (20-6) vs Sergei Pavlovich (14-1)
Heavyweight (265)
Pavlovich TKO … After his death to Overeem hellbows, Sergei Pavlovich has slowly built his confidence against tame opposition. More accurate, powerful overhands are a growing weapon in Pavlovich’s game, with solid control wrestling always in the locker if needed to change the direction of a fight. Shamil has long been an underrated name in the HW division, but his chin looks well and truly finished. Pavlovich remains a limited fighter, but Father Time seems to have taken Abdurakhimov.
Mike Grundy (12-3) vs Makwan Amirkhani (16-7)
Featherweight (145)
Grundy Decision … Which round will Amirkhani gas himself out? Mr Finland always carries a sub threat, but his increased kickboxing emphasis dies away by the mid-point. It is unlikely that Amirkhani can out-wrestle Grundy consistently, the Finn will have to gamble on taking out the Brit early. There is the potential for a draw here, with Grundy outclassed in the opening rounds before a dominant final round.
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