Kennedy Nzechukwu
Kennedy's arms are 4.7 inches longer, so as always he will look to rely on that advantage. The American will try to pepper Shamil with straight punches to keep him as far away as possible. Nzechukwu will also benefit from body kicks, which can slow Gaziev down and sap his cardio somewhat. The main thing for the American is not to give his opponent a leg and not to get too close to him. Kennedy will be looking for a knockout, because otherwise he faces an early defeat himself.
Shamil Gaziev
Shamil will pepper his cumbersome opponent with quick hooks to take the lead on points or knock him down. He will try to knock his opponent out immediately if he starts taking too many punches. Gaziev will constantly threaten takedowns and eventually shoot for the legs. On the ground, the tactics will remain the same: give his opponent minimal space and land as many strikes as possible. Shamil will have the speed advantage and, if he capitalises on it, the fans will enjoy a quick finish.
Kennedy Nzechukwu vs Shamil Gaziev Prediction
Kennedy has solid striking, which can be very dangerous given the reach of his limbs. Shamil is not one of those heavyweights who is used to taking fights to a decision either: he has five finishes in six UFC bouts. Gaziev's pressure will be a stylistic problem for Nzechukwu, who is used to picking opponents off from range and looking for gaps in their defence. We are in for a tense fight, full of exchanges at close and middle range. The bout will almost certainly end, if not in the first round, then early in the second. These heavyweights have knockout power and understand that every extra minute in the octagon is a real risk. It is difficult to pick a favourite in this matchup, but an under bet looks optimal.
