The opening bout of the main card of UFC on ESPN 48 promises to be fireworks as two newcomers with a reputation for finishing their opponents clash in the Octagon. Uzbek debutant Nursulton Ruziboev, on an eight-fight winning streak, makes a tough start in the UFC when he clashes with unbeaten Brunno Ferreira, who has been quickly dispatching his opponents in recent fights. The Middleweight bout sees sophomore Bruno Ferreira as the clear favorite with the bookmakers.
MMA: UFC Middleweight
Location: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada
Where to watch: ESPN/ESPN+
Date: 2.07.2023. 01.00
Nursulton Ruziboev
29-year-old Nursulton Ruziboev conquered regional promotions like Brave, Open Fighting Champion, and Octagon to catch the eye of the UFC. He is poised to make his debut while riding a long winning streak. “Black” made history in 2021 when he earned the first and only slam KO in the history of Brave promotion. Following the feat against Ibrahim Mane, he won the KO of the Year award at the BRAVE CF 2021 awards. With a background in kickboxing and wrestling, Nursulton Ruziboev’s last loss was in 2019 via a unanimous decision. Last October, he bagged his eighth consecutive win with a first-round armbar of Pavel Masalski to win the WEF Middleweight championship. The debutant has not passed the first round in his last eight flights.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 29
- Height: 6’ 4”
- Reach: N/A
- Record: 34-8-2
Brunno Ferreira
“The Hulk” is s phenomenal talent. Unbeaten in ten professional fights, the Brazilian destroyed Gregory Rodrigues with a counter left four minutes into the first round of their fight at UFC 283 to announce himself on the biggest stage in the MMA world. That win last January brought him to 10-0, with the Curitiba, Parana-based fighter notching his tenth win and continuing the amazing stat of never going to the distance in his pro career. The 30-year-old currently has seven KOs and three submissions on his resume.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 30
- Height: 5’ 10”
- Reach: 72”
- Record: 10-0
Betting Odds
Brunno Ferreira is priced at 1.57 to win on Bet365. A bet for the underdog, Nursulton Ruziboev is priced at 2.50. On 1XBET, Yes to the second round beginning is priced at 1.85 odds. A No comes at 1.9. Coinplay lists over 1.5 at 2.08 odds and the under at 1.7.