UFC 295 has finally arrived. Although the main event of the PPV was changed, it still looks to be an exciting event for fight fans as the card is filled with some exciting fights. One such fight between Nazim Sadhykhov and Viacheslav Borshchev will open the ESPN+ preliminary card.
Nazim ‘Black Wolf’ Sadykhov is coming strong with a submission victory over fellow lightweight, Terrance McKinney at UFC Fight Night: Holm vs. Bueno Silva. Furthermore, he seems to be very active as this will be his third fight of the year 2023. The 29-year-old from Azerbaijan will be looking for his third straight UFC win.
#UFC295 weigh-in results: Nazim Sadykhov (@naz_mma) – (155.6)
Full coverage: https://t.co/15JnqTMwdl pic.twitter.com/3c9rXT4Hnc
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) November 10, 2023
Viacheslav ‘Slava Claus’ Borshchev has had mixed results in the UFC so far. The Russian lightweight is coming off a strong TKO victory over Maheshate Hayisaer earlier this year at UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Hill. After a solid UFC debut against Dakota Bush, he lost two back-to-back fights before bouncing back with a TKO win. He will be looking to start a winning streak in the UFC against Sadykhov.
Nazim Sadykhov vs. Viacheslav Borshchev stats
Stats | Nazim Sadykhov | Viacheslav Borshchev |
Wins | 9 | 7 |
Losses | 1 | 3 |
Height | 5ft 10 in | 5ft 11 in |
Division | Lightweight | Lightweight |
Reach | 69” | 69” |
Age | 29 | 31 |
Nazim Sadykhov vs. Viacheslav Borshchev prediction
Nazim Sadykhov has momentum by his side with a 9-fight win streak. Furthermore, his only loss came in his professional MMA debut against Juan Galarza. Out of his 9 victories, six have come by way of KO/TKO and two by way of submission. The Southpaw fighter has a takedown defense of 75% and a takedown accuracy of 100% which makes him dangerous both on feet and the ground.
When it comes to striking, ‘The Black Wolf’ has a significant strike rate of 4.35 per minute while absorbing 3.72 strikes per minute. Furthermore, his strike accuracy of 52% and a striking defense of 56% give him huge leverage on the feet.
On the other hand, Viacheslav Borshchev is a pure striker with 6 of his 7 victories coming via KO/TKO. The Russian fighter boasts a decent significant strike rate of 4.63 per minute while absorbing 3.44 strikes per minute which is a bit better than his opponent. Furthermore, he has a strike accuracy of 57% and a strike defense of 56% which can benefit ‘Slava Claus’ in this fight.
However, when it comes to his ground game it is not up to the mark. Borshchev has a takedown defense of only 35% which can cause a lot of issues against an average wrestler. However, he has never been submitted in a fight as all of his 3 losses came via decision.
This is a classic southpaw vs. orthodox match between two solid strikers. Furthermore, both of them have never been knocked out in their MMA careers. When it comes to the striking department, ‘Slava Claus’ has a slight edge over Sadykhov. However, the difference-makers in this fight will be Nazim Sadykhov’s submission skills and his ground game.
If Nazim is able to take Borshchev down it could be game over for the Russian fighter. However, on the feet, Viacheslav Borshchev might be able to defeat the ‘Black Wolf’.
Prediction – Nazim Sadykhov wins via unanimous decision.