Nurullo Aliev and Mike Davis have been matched up for the UFC's Abu Dhabi event on July 25.
The UFC's July 25 Abu Dhabi card has a new addition, with lightweight prospects Nurullo Aliev and Mike Davis officially matched up for the event.
Aliev, known as the Tajik Eagle, enters the fight as one of the division's most intriguing unbeaten prospects. The 25-year-old from Tajikistan carries a perfect 11-0 record into the cage and stands five-foot-ten with a 72-inch reach. He is a measured, orthodox fighter who mixes striking with a respectable takedown rate of 2.12 per 15 minutes. His significant strike output sits at 2.72 per minute at 44 percent accuracy, suggesting a calculated rather than volume-heavy approach on the feet.
Davis, nicknamed Beast Boy, brings a more seasoned profile to the matchup. The 33-year-old holds an 11-3 record and stands six feet tall, sharing the same 72-inch reach as his opponent. What separates Davis on paper is his striking output — he lands 4.68 significant strikes per minute at an impressive 52 percent accuracy, making him one of the sharper offensive fighters at this level. He also contributes on the grappling end, averaging 2.48 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Aliev's perfect record is on the line against a seasoned opponent who has faced adversity in his career
- Davis's significant striking volume and accuracy give him a notable edge on the feet, while both men are capable on the mat
- A win for either fighter would strengthen a push toward the ranked portion of the lightweight division
