UFC Las Vegas, Said Nurmagomedov vs Jonathan Martinez Prediction and Stats: Who Will Win at UFC Las Vegas?

Two highly ranked bantamweight fighters, Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili are headlining UFC Las Vegas. While one is the former champ, the other is just one win away from a maiden title shot. But they are not the only bantamweight stars in action. Dagestani prospect Said Nurmagomedov will also take on Jonathan Martinez on the night.

The bout will take place on the main card of the event on March 11. Said Nurmagomedov is a rising contender, but he is currently unranked in the division. Although another Dagestani fighter, Umar Nurmagomedov is currently in the Top 10 of the division, Said is still finding his foothold in the company. So is the case with Jonathan Martinez, who is unranked despite having 8 UFC wins under his belt.

Nurmagomedov vs. Martinez pic.twitter.com/9671i5Tnld

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Martinez is currently on a 4-fight win streak and has 6 wins in his last 7 fights. Nurmagomedov, on the other hand, is unbeaten in his last 5 fights as well. So both Said and Jonathan have a great deal of momentum behind them. The winner this Saturday may find themselves in the Top 15 of the division with a good performance. So who is the favorite to win? Let’s find out.

UFC Las Vegas: Said Nurmagomedov vs Jonathan Martinez, Stats

Nurmagomedov vs Martinez: Fight Breakdown

Dagestani MMA legends like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev are amazing wrestlers. From desperately looking for takedowns, to absolutely dominating the fighters, to finishing them via submissions, UFC fans are very familiar with the Dagestani style of fighting. Fans can expect more of the same from Said Nurmagomedov this weekend as well.

 

 

 

 

 

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But, he does have some weaknesses in Jiu-Jitsu. In his only UFC loss, Raoni Barcelos took him down twice and stopped Nurmagomedov from doing what he does best. As per UFC stats, Nurmagomedov lands 0.52 takedowns per fight with an accuracy rate of 9%. Although it sounds extremely low, it just shows how often he is looking for a takedown. In terms of striking, Said only absorbs 2.05 strikes and lands 3.64 strikes per minute.

Jonathan Martinez, on the other hand, absorbs 3.88 strikes, while landing 4.84 strikes per minute. But Martinez has 8 KOs and 2 submission wins. So Jonathan will need to maintain a great balance on the feet and resist conceding a takedown. He has 70% takedown defense and it may come under a big threat.

 

 

 

 

 

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There is no doubt that Said Nurmagomedov is the favorite this Saturday. Nurmagomedov always does well against strikers as he possesses the threat of a takedown. It makes his opponents wary of over-extending themselves. Although Martinez’s power may make the difference, Said has a great chin too. So the 30-year-old will be the smart pick this weekend.

Prediction: Said Nurmagomedov wins via submission at UFC Las Vegas