Preview: Bellator 269

160-pound catchweight

Usman Nurmagomedov (13-0, 2-0 Bellator) vs. Patrik Pietila (11-8, 0-1 Bellator)
Odds: Nurmagomedov (-2500), Pietila (+1200)

For all intents and purposes, this is little more than a showcase fight for Nurmagomedov on home soil — though it doesn’t make sense for the fight to be at a catchweight when the Dagestani has already been touted as a lightweight contender in Bellator. The cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov, the 23-year-old prospect grew up with the former UFC lightweight champion and also trained under the guidance of the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. Additionally, Usman spends time at the acclaimed American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, Calif., so he already has a solid foundation for success that has translated to an undefeated record.

The comparisons to his accomplished cousin will run rampant throughout the Bellator 269 broadcast, and though Usman does have a sambo background and the ability to control opponents through suffocating grappling and top control, his striking has been a standout aspect during his development thus far. Usman pressures his opponents on the feet while utilizing straight punches and kicks to all levels, and his calf kicks are particularly effective. In close quarters, Usman attacks with damaging knees, as he did in his first-round stoppage of Luis Muro at Bellator 263. Of course, he is also adept at driving his foes to the fence, wrestling them down and riding them from there, but his ability to hold opponents down isn’t at the level of Khabib.

That shouldn’t matter against Pietila, a Finland native who is four inches taller than Usman but will only have a one-inch reach advantage. There isn’t much film on Pietila, who will be competing for the first time in more than two years, when he made his promotional debut in a unanimous decision loss to Ryan Roddy at Bellator 227. Pietila is relatively aggressive in using his striking to close the distance, where he will look to take his opposition down from the clinch or body lock positions. Once on top, he actively works to advance for ground-and-pound and submissions but can be careless during scrambles. In reality, this fight is more about Usman than anything Pietila can do. The Finnish fighter’s record screams journeyman, and Usman should be able to all but pick his method of victory.

The Pick: Nurmagomedov by KO/TKO.

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