Preview: UFC Fight Night 203 Prelims

Light Heavyweights

NR | Tafon Nchukwi (6-1) vs. NR | Azamat Murzakanov (10-0)
Odds: Murzakanov (-165), Nchukwi (+145)

Light heavyweight is one of the UFC's more wide-open divisions at the moment, and it'll be interesting to see if Murzakanov can make up for lost time and make a run up the ladder. Murzakanov's been on the UFC's radar since 2017 and was in fact briefly signed to the promotion, though his late-notice debut was scrapped by a failed drug test, which in turn led to a termination of his contract and a two-year suspension. After winning a one-night tournament in late 2019, it would be about two years until Murzakanov fought again, earning a UFC contract via the Contender Series this past August. Now 35 years old, the hope was that Murzakanov would get a quick turnaround and start his UFC career in earnest, but various matchups on various dates fell through until now, as "The Professional" will finally get to step into the Octagon against Nchukwi. Nchukwi's an absolute tank of a fighter who was physically capable of hanging at heavyweight on the regional scene; that made it a surprise when, after winning his Contender Series fight at light heavyweight, "Da Don" decided to start his UFC career as a middleweight. Nchukwi did manage to win his UFC debut against Jamie Pickett, but his subsequent loss to Jun Yong Park showed that Nchukwi didn't have the requisite speed to compete at 185 pounds. Thankfully, a move back up to light heavyweight against Mike Rodriguez saw Nchukwi strike a much better balance and look much more effective. Murzakanov's definitely undersized for a light heavyweight, so Nchukwi is an interesting first challenge - but in turn, that means the UFC newcomer should be able to lean on a clear speed advantage here. So while this may not be the cleanest win, the Russian should be able to lean on his bursts of striking offense and even some wrestling to stay ahead of Nchukwi without eating much in return. The pick is Murzakanov via decision.