Kyoji HoriguchivsTagir Ulanbekov

The upcoming UFC Baku event has taken an unexpected turn with Kyoji Horiguchi's withdrawal, paving the way for Azat Maksum to step in against Tagir Ulanbekov. This change shifts the dynamics from Horiguchi's striking prowess to Maksum's pressure wrestling, making it a compelling matchup for fans. Ulanbekov, representing Eagles MMA, is riding high on a series of victories, including a recent unanimous decision win over Azat Maksum at UFC Fight Night: Hill vs. Rountree Jr. What makes this fight particularly intriguing is the clash of styles between Ulanbekov's southpaw stance and Maksum's wrestling-heavy approach. Ulanbekov has shown his versatility with both decision wins and submissions, such as his rear-naked choke victory over Cody Durden at UFC 296.

Maksum, on the other hand, is relatively new to the UFC scene, bringing a fresh challenge with his relentless grappling. Technically, Ulanbekov will need to utilize his striking accuracy, as seen in his 72% strike success rate against Clayton Carpenter, to keep Maksum at bay. Meanwhile, Maksum's strategy will likely focus on closing the distance and utilizing his wrestling to control the fight on the ground. The key for Ulanbekov will be to maintain his striking range and avoid being taken down.

With Ulanbekov's momentum and Maksum's hunger to make a mark, this fight could have significant implications for the flyweight division. The outcome could propel Ulanbekov closer to title contention or establish Maksum as a rising star in the UFC ranks.