Rafael Estevam, the undefeated Brazilian fighter with an 11-0 MMA record, is set to debut in the UFC in Newark, New Jersey, this weekend against Kazakh Zhalgas Zhumagulov. Having earned his opportunity through a remarkable second-round TKO victory on Dana White's Contender Series last September, Estevam is billed to appear in the prelims of UFC 288 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, against Zhumagulov, from Kazakhstan who is aiming to end a three-fight losing streak. Both fighters were pitched together after their original opponents dropped out due to injury in the last few weeks.
MMA: UFC Flyweight
Location: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey
Where to watch: ESPN+, UFC Fight Pass
Date: 7.5.2023, 01:00
Zhalgas Zhumagulov
Zhalgas Zhumagulov, 34, has had a career filled with both highs and lows. The former FNG Flyweight champion has struggled since his 2020 debut in the UFC, with the Kazakh scoring only one win in six fights. Zhumagulov has showcased his skills and resilience in the Octagon, demonstrating his ability to go the distance, engage in exciting battles, and display his striking and grappling abilities. He has also been on the wrong end of more than a couple of dodgy decisions in the UFC. Notable were his defeats against Raulian Paiva, Jeff Molina, and Charles Johnson, where the media gave him the win. He won the FNG Flyweight title in 2018 when he defeated Tagir Ulanbekov. He made a successful title defense in 2019 before transitioning to the UFC.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 34
- Height: 5' 4"
- Reach: 66"
- Record: 14-8
Rafael Estevam
The undefeated Brazilian has been active in the regional scene in his home country since turning professional in 2015. After going 9-0, the 26-year-old faced João Elias in the Contender Series, defeating his countryman by a round two ground and pound to earn a ticket to the UFC. "Macapa" has four KO/TKO, four decisions, and three submissions from his eleven fights. He is the favorite with the bookies' going into his UFC debut.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 26
- Height: 5' 8"
- Reach: 69"
- Record: 11-0
Betting Odds
Rafael Estevam is 1.53 odds to win on Bet365, with Zhalgas Zhumagulov priced at 2.62 odds. 1XBET has a decision win for Rafael Estevam at 2.5 odds. On Coinplay, Fight to go the distance is available at 1.616.
