Michal Oleksiejczuk vs Shamil Gamzatov Odds, Preview and Prediction, October 30 (10/30): UFC

Credit: photo by Per Haljestam-USA TODAY Sports

Odds

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Preview

In the Light Heavyweight division, we have a showdown between the undefeated Shamil ‘Umar’ Gamzatov and Michal ‘Lord’ Oleksiejczuk. It has been nearly two years since Gamzatov won a split decision victory in his UFC debut against Klidson Abreu. Unfortunately, Gamzatov has seen four fights scratched due to the coronavirus, injuries and visa issues. Meanwhile, Oleksiejczuk snapped a two-fight skid against Modestas Bukauskas. A fight that saw Oleksiejczuk win via a controversial split decision. In fact, the majority of media members had it for Bukauskas.

Prediction

This is one of the tougher fights to pick on the card, as neither man exactly stands out from the other. Shamil Gamzatov is a decent striker who makes up for a lack of footwork with legitimate power. With ten finishes in fourteen fights, Gamzatov has proven to be a shark when he smells blood. The same could be said about Michal Oleksiejczuk. The Pole has won eleven of his fifteen wins via stoppage, with ten of them coming by knockout. Using pressure, Oleksiejczuk likes to walk down opponents. While accurate, Oleksiejczuk isn’t afraid to load up shots, often winging punches from the hip. 

As for a prediction, I’m going with Oleksiejczuk by the slightest of margins. Gamzatov is undefeated for a reason, but between the layoff and how his debut went, I see Oleksiejczuk’s pressure being problematic. Another issue for Gamzatov is if he gasses out, as Oleksiejczuk has solid cardio and has shown an ability to turn it on late into fights.  So with that said, I predict that Oleksiejczuk wins via decision.

PICK: Michal Oleksiejczuk (+125)

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