Preview: UFC on ESPN 44 ‘Holloway vs. Allen’

Light Heavyweights

#13 LHW | Dustin Jacoby (18-6-1, 6-3-1 UFC) vs. #15 LHW | Azamat Murzakanov (12-0, 2-0 UFC)

ODDS: Jacoby (-155), Murzakanov (+135)

Even with a loss in his last fight, Jacoby’s current run in the UFC is an impressive instance of getting a second chance to make a first impression. His first UFC stint was among the least memorable you will ever see, as he lost twice on the deep prelims over the course of a few months and was cut early on in 2012. From there, Jacoby spent some time trying to find a foothold in mixed martial arts before falling unexpectedly into a decently successful kickboxing career, eventually making his return to MMA in 2020. Between his Dana White’s Contender Series fight and subsequent time in the UFC, Jacoby racked up seven wins and a draw in eight fights upon his return, though it did feel like “The Hanyak” was walking a bit of a tightrope. Obviously most comfortable as a striker, Jacoby could seem a bit tentative against opponents willing to pressure him and mix things up. However, after an assertive performance against Da Woon Jung in July saw him score a quick knockout, the hope was that Jacoby had found a new level, which made it a bit disappointing when he then lost a narrow decision to fellow striking standout Khalil Rountree in October. The performance still did not hurt Jacoby’s stock much, so a win here against Murzakanov should see him regain his momentum, even if it might be a tough ask.

This is also technically Murzakanov’s second UFC stint—he was briefly signed in 2017 before failing a drug test—and he has been an interesting talent since finally making it to the Octagon a shade over a year ago. Murzakanov is prone to inactivity, both in terms of long stretches without fights over a 13-year undefeated career and his performances in said fights. There are often times when Murzakanov seems too patient for his own good and lets his opponent take over the fight. However, “The Professional” is quite impressive when he decides to spring into action. Even in tough fights where he has not gotten much done beforehand, Murzakanov can land with impressive accuracy and end festivities in an instant, scoring third-round knockouts in his two UFC bouts thus far. There is certainly the worry that Murzakanov can find a sudden knockout shot in a fight that has otherwise been going well for Jacoby, or that he can grind his way to a win as the clearly better wrestler. With that said, it is also a bit dicey as to whether or not Murzakanov will actually bring enough aggression to bring those factors into play. He should allow Jacoby to get comfortable and settle into a groove over the course of this fight, which is enough to give the American the nod, even if there are still some clear risks involved. The pick is Jacoby via decision.

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Holloway vs. Allen
Quarantillo vs. Barboza
Jacoby vs. Murzakanov
Cutelaba vs. Boser
Gutierrez vs. Munhoz
Garcia vs. Guida
The Prelims