Kazakhstan fighter Zhalgas Zhumagulov will finally have his fight this weekend at UFC on ABC after his opponent Felipe Bunes withdrew last week before UFC on ESPN 47. Zhalgas Zhumagulov, who is looking to return to the win column following a three-fight losing skid, will clash with debutant Joshua Van. The talented and very active Fury FC fighter has achieved his dream of fighting in the UFC with this bout listed on the preliminary card of UFC on ABC 5. The UFC event holds at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, Florida.
Bet on Zhalgas Zhumagulov vs Joshua Van with 1xBetMMA: UFC Flyweight
Location: VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, Florida
Where to watch: ESPN/ESPN+
Date: 24.06.2023. 21.00
Zhalgas Zhumagulov
The 34-year-old Kazakh earned a UFC contract following a stellar early career in several promotions, including winning the Fight Nights Global Flyweight Championship in 2018. Unfortunately for “Zhako” his UFC career has been dogged by a lack of threat from him, tough fights, and controversial judges’ decisions against him. The media all queried his losses to Raulian Paiva, Jeff Molina, and Charles Johnson. Debuting in the UFC in 2020, the Kazakh’s sole win was a submission of Jerome Rivera in July 2021 at UFC 264. Zhalgas Zhumagulov recently became an internet sensation when pictures of his new haircut became controversial. The fighter said he had gotten the bowl cut in honor of The Beetles.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 34
- Height: 5’ 4”
- Reach: 66”
- Record: 14-8
Joshua Van
The 21-year-old is touted to have a great UFC career by MMA fans and experts. Born in Myanmar, the fighter who grew up in Texas and formerly of The FURY FC has been very active in the last few years, fighting frequently. Making his professional debut in October 2021, “The Fearless” fought three times that year and five times in 2022. With a 7-1 record, his visits to the cage have been very productive. The prospect has five wins and two submissions. He is a natural striker throwing punches, legs, and knees with some fluidity and aggression. His grappling is not his best department, but Van always seems to find a way to escape.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 21
- Height: 5’ 5”
- Reach: N/A
- Record: 7-1
Betting Odds
The experienced Zhalgas Zhumagulov is the favorite at 1.57 odds on Bet365. A bet for the underdog is priced at 2.50 odds. Over 2.5 rounds is available at 1.69 odds on 1XBET while the under is priced at 2.1. On Coinplay, Zhalgas Zhumagulov by decision is 1.909 odds, while a decision for the underdog is 5 odds.