Tajik fighter Muhammad Naimov expects to return to the win column when he enters the octagon at UFC Saudi Arabia against Australian Kaan Ofli. The pair of featherweights kick off the main card proceedings in Riyadh this weekend as the UFC touches down in the Arabian desert. Muhammad Naimov was surprisingly handed his first UFC defeat last June in Saudi Arabia and hasn’t fought since then. Kaan Ofli lost his UFC debut after earning his UFC stripes via The Ultimate Fighter. Naimov is a huge favorite to win the fight.
Bet on Muhammad Naimov vs. Kaan Ofli with 1xBet
MMA: UFC Featherweight
Where to Watch: ESPN+
Venue: ANB Arena, Riyadh
Date: 01.02.2025 20:00
Muhammad Naimov
The former Titan FC featherweight contender was 3-0 in his UFC journey when he was matched against promotional newcomer Felipe Lima last June after Melsik Baghdasaryan pulled out of their scheduled match. Muhammad Naimov then saw a routine fight against a short-notice opponent go awry as he surprisingly lost by third-round submission. The Tajik debuted in the UFC in June 2023, reeling off three consecutive wins over Jamie Mullarkey, Nathaniel Wood, and Erik Silva. Seven months after his shock loss to Lima, Naimov must work towards getting 2025 off to a winning start. “Hillman,” who is 30, came to UFC via Taekwondo.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 30
- Height: 5’9”
- Reach: N/A
- Weight: 145lbs (65.8kg)
- Record: 14-3
Kaan Ofli
The Aussie competed in the Australian regional scene before a place in the tournament finals of The Ultimate Fighter earned him his UFC spot. However, Kaan Ofli’s 10-fight winning streak was snapped by Mairon Santos, who finished the debutant in the second round of their August 2024 rodeo. In 2025, the 31-year-old Ofli starts on a new slate against Naimov. A second straight defeat here will be unwanted, as the featherweight division has a deep and competitive roster.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 31
- Height: 5’7”
- Reach: 66”
- Weight: 145lbs (65.8kg)
- Record: 11-3-1
Betting Odds
Kaan Ofli is a 3.40 underdog on Bet365, with a decision victory for Muhammad Naimov at 2.25 odds. Over 2.5 is 1.62 on 1xBet, with the under at 2.25 odds. Betway has the fight to go the distance at 1.74 and the bout to end inside the distance at 2.02 odds. Read more here.
Bet on Muhammad Naimov vs. Kaan Ofli with 1xBet
