UFC Fight Night 31 ‘Fight for the Troops 3’ Preview

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Lightweights

Rustam Khabilov (16-1, 2-0 UFC) vs. Jorge Masvidal (25-7, 2-0 UFC)

The Matchup: The Russian invasion of the Octagon continued to gain steam at UFC 166, where Adlan Amagov authored a brutal knockout of T.J. Waldburger in a featured preliminary bout. Amagov trains at Jackson’s Mixed Martial Arts, alongside Khabilov, whose trio of belly-to-belly suplexes against Vinc Pichel in December made for a spectacular promotional debut. Khabilov is highly regarded inside the renowned fight camp, and both Greg Jackson and Mike Winkeljohn have forecast big things for the Dagestani fighter down the road.

Khabilov will face a significant step up in Masvidal, a former Strikeforce title challenger with a wealth of professional experience. “Gamebred” has transitioned nicely to the Octagon, earning triumphs over Tim Means and Michael Chiesa in his first two outings.

Thus far, Khabilov’s hype has come as a result of his devastating slams. At UFC 159, Yancy Medeiros dislocated his thumb while attempting to defend against a Khabilov onslaught. While it was not the highlight-reel material that he provided against Pichel, it was another indication of how relentless the former M-1 Global competitor can be in the cage. A decorated sambo practitioner, Khabilov is known for his suplexes, but Masvidal will find it difficult to gain the upper hand in any type of grappling exchange. The Jackson’s MMA product has a knack for winding up in an advantageous position, whether it is through takedowns, slams, scrambles or transitions. His top game is backed by good ground-and-pound and solid submission defense.

That means the well-rounded Masvidal will have to force his opponent to trade with him on the feet. The American Top Team product blends punches and kicks together well, and his sense of timing allows him to counter effectively. Masvidal can also land knees and elbows in the clinch, but he will be better served by keeping Khabilov at a distance.

His composure and savvy notwithstanding, Masvidal can lose his rhythm when faced with an adversary who is able to close the distance on him consistently. While Khabilov is not the most polished striker, he is getting more technical and will look to use his standup to get into takedown and tie-up range.

The Pick: In his last two bouts, Masvidal won because he was able to mix up striking with takedowns and ground-and-pound. Against Khabilov, he will be forced to be more one-dimensional. Khabilov gets his most difficult UFC test to date, but constant pressure and wrestling will ultimately carry him to a decision triumph.

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