Erik Silva vs Muhammad Naimov: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

Muhammad Naimov competes in the first bout of UFC Mexico City against Erik Silva, hoping to continue his whirlwind start to his UFC career, which has seen the Tajik post impressive victories over Jamie Mullarkey and Nathaniel Wood in his debut and sophomore outings. Naimov is a massive favorite ahead of the featherweight clash this weekend against Venezuelan Erik Silva, who dropped his UFC debut in late 2022 and has been out of action since then.

MMA: UFC Featherweight 

Venue: Arena CDMX, Mexico City, Mexico

Where to watch: ESPN+

Date: 25.02.2024. 03:00

36-year-old Erik Silva lost in the third round of his UFC debut to TJ Brown in December 2022. The Dana White Contender Series grad won the featherweight title in the regional scene in Mexico before earning his UFC contract. Erik Silva is a dynamic striker who prefers to land power shots over smaller volume strikes. The Venezuelan also regularly throws in some good kicks. He may not be the greatest wrestler in the division, but he has good jiu-jitsu, and most of his wins have come from rear-naked chokes.

• Age: 36
• Height: 5’ 9’’
• Reach: 71”
• Weight: 145 Ibs (65kg)
• Record: 9-2

Tajik Muhammad Naimov made a short-notice debut in the UFC last July when he came on as a s replacement against Jamie Mullarkey in a lightweight bout and won by TKO. He followed that up with a tricky contest against Nathaniel Wood, scraping out a decision to start his UFC journey with a 2-0 record. In both fights, Naimov had entered the Octagon as a moderate underdog. Now a person interested in the 145-pound class, the 29-year-old is expected to stay in the win column after this featherweight clash. Coming from a background of Taekwondo, Naimov has developed into a powerful striker with his punches and leg kicks. He also brings a cage nous to survive tough situations, as evident against Nathaniel Wood, where his takedown defense and shenanigans came good for the win.

• Age: 29
• Height: 5’ 9’’
• Reach: 70”
• Weight: 145 Ibs (66kg)
• Record: 10-2

Erik Silva is a 4.50 underdog on Bet365. Over 1.5 is priced at 1.6 odds on 1XBET, with the under at 2.25. Yes, to the start of round three is 1.89 odds on Betwinner with the No available at 1.77.