UFC Fight Night Kansas City tips: Azamat Murzakanov faces a huge test against Dustin Jacoby
- Liam Hampton
- 15 April 2023
Two prospects in the light-heavyweight division square off in Kansas City as unbeaten Russian Azamat Murzakanov takes on Dustin Jacoby.
Russia's Murzakanov is an undefeated prospect coming from Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series. With back-to-back wins in his debut year in the UFC, the fighter has shot up the rankings.
Finishing both Tafon Nchukwi and Devin Clark in the final round of his first two UFC bouts quashed any concerns about the Russian's cardio.
The 34-year-old is set for a stern test against Jacoby, though a win could pave the way for a ranking.
Fighting out of Denver, Colorado, it looked for a long time like Jacoby had blown his chance at the big show as he lost both his fights during his first spell in the UFC to Clifford Starks and Chris Camozzi.
But eight years later and with experience in one of the worlds premier kickboxing organizations under his belt, Jacoby has capitalized on his second chance securing a seven-fight unbeaten streak, only losing his last fight to Khalil Rountree by a controversial split decision.
Despite that loss, Jacoby has looked a different man in his second UFC spell. Fighting with confidence and proving those rounds spent fighting in GLORY Kickboxing were crucial for his development.
Although not known for his grappling, the path of least resistance for Murzakanov could be to engage Jacoby in wrestling, hoping to catch him early and grind down the striking specialist with wrestling.
Key Stats
Jacoby hasn't been submitted since a 2015 fight with John Salter at Bellator 132.
Murzakanov's last opponent to take him the distance was another GLORY veteran in Guto Inocente back in 2019.
Suggested Bets
Total rounds completed: At least 2
