Two recent graduates of the Contender Series collide in the main card of UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Hill at the Apex. After scaling the Contender Series and making impressive debuts in the promotion, the tough reality of the UFC hit Viacheslav Borshchev and Hayisaer Maheshate, with both coming into this match on the back of losses. The winner will see a much-needed return to the win column and continue their rise up the Lightweight division. UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Hill holds this Saturday in Las Vegas.
MMA: UFC Lightweight
Location: UFC Apex, Las Vegas
Where to watch: ESPN+
Date: 21.05.2023. 03.00
Viacheslav Borshchev
Russian fighter Viacheslav Borshchev knocked out Chris Duncan in the second round of their 2021 Dana White Contender Series match to earn a UFC contract. “Slava Claus” who had previously competed in Titan FC and LFC, went on to stop Dakota Bush in his January 2022 debut, stopping his opponent with a liver shot in the first round. The rest of 2022 went sour for the Russian, as he lost via decisions in March and October to Marc Diakiese and Mike Davis. The 31-year-old has five knockouts from six wins.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 31
- Height: 5’ 11”
- Reach: 69”
- Record: 6-3-0
Hayisaer Maheshate
Hayisaer Maheshate is a Chinese professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He is currently ranked #15 in the UFC lightweight rankings. Born in Xinjiang, China, Maheshate began training in martial arts at the age of 16 and made his professional MMA debut in 2018. He quickly rose through the ranks of the Chinese MMA scene, winning his first eight fights. In 2021, Maheshate defeated Achilles Estremadura in the DWCS by a unanimous decision to earn a UFC contract. Maheshate debut in the UFC in June 2022 at UFC 275. He defeated Steve Garcia by knockout in the first round. In his next fight, Maheshate lost to Rafa Garcia in his next fight by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs. Strickland. Maheshate holds a black belt in Sanda, a Chinese martial art that combines striking and grappling.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 23
- Height: 6’ 0”
- Reach: 71.5”
- Record: 9-2-0
Betting Odds
Viacheslav Borshchev is a clear favourite with the oddsmakers. Betting on the Russian to win is priced at 1.62 odds on Bet 365. Going for the upset comes at 2.30 for Maheshate. Betting that that fight will not go the distance is 1.57 odds on 1XBET. The under is priced at 2.25. On Coinplay, “Slava Claus” to win in round one is 5 odds, and to win by decision is priced at 4 odds.