UFC Combat: Kape vs. Almabayev Forecasts
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In the co-headliner, middleweights Cody Brundage and Julian Marquez go toe-to-toe, while lightweights Nasrat Haqparast and Esteban Ribovics duke it out in the main event. Haven't got your bets locked in yet? Let's break it down and see what the odds are stacked in your favor!
Main Card (Saturday, March 2, 10pm ET)
Manel Kape vs Asu Almabayev (Flyweight)
This weekend's headliner was initially scheduled as a flyweight title eliminator between Brandon Royval and Manel Kape. However, an unfortunate injury to Royval forced a change in plans. Enter Asu Almabayev, who's taking on the challenge with no hesitation.
Kape, with a record of 20-7, has won five of his last six fights. One of the rare knockout artists at 125 pounds with 12 KOs, he's quick on his feet and lands twice the significant strikes per minute as Almabayev. Can he outmaneuver his new grappling-based opponent, stay on his feet, and claim victory?
Almabayev, a code five clinger known for suffocating opponents with his wrestling and jiu-jitsu, has flown under the radar since joining the UFC in 2023. He's 4-0 inside the Octagon and boasts an impressive 17-fight win streak overall. Simplify matters in this bout by making it a grappling match and Almabayev has a good chance of keeping Kape on the mat and grounding him to a decision victory.
Prediction: Almabayev by decisionBest Bet: Almabayev at 2.70Alternative Bet: Almabayev by decision at 4.00
Cody Brundage vs Julian Marquez (Middleweight)
Thrilling fireworks are on tap in the co-main event as both fighters are no strangers to danger and trying to get back into the win column. Brundage (10-6), with a training camp under his belt, holds the advantage in wrestling. Marquez, a short-notice replacement for Ryan Loder, is a powerful aggressive striker whose conditioning has been problematic in the past. Expect an all-out brawl in the early rounds, but Brundage's wrestling skills might help him survive the storm and turn the tables later on.
Prediction: Brundage by knockoutBest Bet: Brundage by KO/TKO/DQ at 3.50Alternative Bet: Brundage at 2.15
Nasrat Haqparast vs Esteban Ribovics (Lightweight)
Two lightweights with momentum face off in the main event. Technically skilled southpaw Haqparast (17-5) is on a four-fight win streak. Opponent Ribovics (14-1), winner of three straight since his promotional debut, delivers electrifying performances and has earned the nickname "El Gringo." A battle of fighting philosophies ensues as the aggressiveness and explosiveness of Ribovics should lead to a knockout victory.
Prediction: Ribovics by knockoutBest Bet: Ribovics by KO/TKO/DQ at 4.00Alternative Bet: Fight to finish inside the distance at 2.40
Austen Lane vs Mario Pinto (Heavyweight)
Pinto, a former NFL star, makes his UFC debut in a Heavyweight bout against Austen Lane (13-5). Pinto, with a perfect record of 9-0, is looking to keep his undefeated streak intact. Although Lane, 37, has finished fights through knockouts and submissions, a young and hungry Pinto should manage a knockout victory within two rounds.
Prediction: Pinto by knockoutBest Bet: Pinto by KO/TKO/DQ at 1.72Alternative Bet: Under 1.5 rounds at 1.83
Hyder Amil vs William Gomis (Featherweight)
A challenging bout to start off the main card as two unbeaten featherweights meet. Hyder Amil (10-0) is a high-volume striker, earning the nickname "The Hurricane." William Gomis (14-2), with a three-inch reach advantage, boasts a more refined striking and overall game. Expect Gomis to reely on his boxing skills and come out on top with a decision win.
Prediction: Gomis by decisionBest Bet: Gomis by decision at 1.90Alternative Bet: Gomis at 1.45
Quintin Van Jaarsveld, a former journalist of the year award winner, provides expert insight and analysis for this event.
Whether you're looking for Manel Kape stats, fight records for Asu Almabayev, or the latest UFC news, we've got you covered! Make informed decisions and bet smarter with our predictions and analysis.
Source: VJC Media GroupEnrichment Data: Asu Almabayev's background, fight record, and career highlights were included.
- Almabayev, with his wrestling and jiu-jitsu skills, might prove to be Kape's match if he can make it a grappling contest.
- Sports enthusiasts might want to consider placing a bet on Ribovics, the main event lightweight contender, given his aggressive fighting style and recent win streak.
- Brundage's wrestling skills could be the deciding factor in his middleweight co-main event clash with Julian Marquez.
- Pinto, an undefeated former NFL star, is expected to make a splash in his UFC debut against Austen Lane in the heavyweight division.
