UFC Contender Series Week 1 Matchup: Forecasting Murtaza Talha versus Baysangur Susurkaev, Odds, and Favorite Selection
Murtaza Talha and Baysangur Susurkaev are set to face off in the middleweight division on Contender Series Week 1. Originally, Talha was scheduled to take on Damian Pinas, but visa issues nixed that fight.
Baysangur Susurkaev, with a record of 8-0, is expected to shine in this fight, especially if Talha gasses out. Susurkaev's strategy will likely involve using his knees up the middle to prevent Talha from shooting for takedowns and scrambling back to his feet to land a highlight-reel knockout.
Talha, known for his reckless fighting style, has a record of 7-1. He is known for throwing heavy looping strikes and diving into double leg takedowns. However, his vulnerabilities, especially his history of cardio issues, struggle defending leg kicks, and fading when pressured, make Susurkaev the clear favorite.
Analysts predict that Susurkaev will win the fight, likely by TKO or KO inside the distance. Susurkaev's superior striking power, finishing ability (with 7-8 wins by KO/TKO), composure, and better cardio compared to Talha are the key factors in this prediction.
The UFC Contender Series odds for the fight remain the same, with Talha: +250 and Susurkaev: -310, courtesy of DraftKings. The best value is predicted on Susurkaev to finish inside the distance.
Baysangur Susurkaev's last win was a second-round TKO of Irakli Kuchukhidze at Fury FC 102 in February. He is methodical in his striking, systematically breaking down his opponents with lead calf kicks, body attacks, and head hunting when necessary.
Talha, on the other hand, will need to press the action and put an immense amount of pressure on Susurkaev right from the get-go. However, his weaknesses at range and in prolonged exchanges make Susurkaev the clear favorite.
Notably, Susurkaev has been training with elite fighters like Khamzat Chimaev, Dricus Du Plessis, and Nursulton Ruziboev, which should help his takedown defense in the match against Talha.
In summary, the consensus is that Baysangur Susurkaev will win by knockout or technical knockout early in the fight, leveraging his power, pace, and superior defense against Talha’s aggressive but susceptible style. The final Murtaza Talha-Baysangur Susurkaev Prediction & Pick is Baysangur Susurkaev (-310).
Susurkaev may use his well-honed striking skills to try and exploit Talha's vulnerabilities at range, given their upcoming mixed-martial-arts match in the middleweight division. Betting odds from DraftKings favor Susurkaev (-310), indicating that he is expected to win by knockout or technical knockout, likely early in the draft.
