Muin Gafurov (2-3 UFC) will face Abdul Hussain (15-2 MMA) in what will be Hussain's UFC debut. The bout is scheduled for UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25.
Muin Gafurov returns to the octagon when he takes on debutant Abdul Hussain at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25, with the featherweight or bantamweight contest adding an intriguing newcomer to the UFC roster.
Gafurov, known as "Tajik," carries a 20-7-0 overall record into the bout, though he has gone 2-3 inside the UFC. The 30-year-old from Tajikistan trains out of Taj-Fighter and stands five-foot-seven with a 68-inch reach. He fights out of an orthodox stance and lands 3.36 significant strikes per minute at a 47 percent striking accuracy, while also contributing on the ground with 1.57 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Hussain enters the UFC with a 15-2 MMA record, making this his promotional debut. Verified data on his physical attributes and career statistics were not available at the time of reporting.
Why it matters
- Gafurov's 2-3 UFC record means another loss could put his roster spot in jeopardy, raising the stakes considerably for him.
- Hussain arrives with a strong 15-2 record and will look to make an immediate impression against an experienced UFC veteran.
- The pairing gives Hussain a credible measuring-stick fight on debut without throwing him straight into ranked competition.
- A Gafurov win would provide momentum and keep him in contention within his division.
