Fight Log
Loading Fight Log...
Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Muin Gafurov See More
The best MMA bets, top DFS picks across multiple sites, and predictions for this weekend's UFC Vegas 101 card are live on RotoWire before Saturday's international event.
The top UFC betting and DFS plays for this weekend's UFC 311 card are up, as well as breakdowns of betting and lineup strategy, plus predictions for the entire event.
UFC 311 takes place Saturday, so it's time to break down the top fights, plus make DFS picks and predictions for the key matchups on the card.
More Fantasy News
Tough draw at UFC 311
Gafurov will take on Rinya Nakamura in a bantamweight matchup at UFC 311 on January 18, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Gafurov picked up his first UFC victory in three official attempts last June when he took a unanimous decision from Kyung Ho Kang, but his roster status likely remains on thin ice. The UFC elected to give him an incredibly difficult test in Nakamura, who is 3-0 with the company since getting his chance via Road to the UFC. Both men stand with identical height and reach numbers, but Nakamura holds the statistical edges is striking offense, striking defense and takedown volume.
Gafurov picked up his first UFC victory in three official attempts last June when he took a unanimous decision from Kyung Ho Kang, but his roster status likely remains on thin ice. The UFC elected to give him an incredibly difficult test in Nakamura, who is 3-0 with the company since getting his chance via Road to the UFC. Both men stand with identical height and reach numbers, but Nakamura holds the statistical edges is striking offense, striking defense and takedown volume.
Finally earns first UFC win
Gafurov defeated Kyung Ho Kang via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
ANALYSIS
It is Gafurov's first UFC victory in three attempts and a performance that likely saved his job in the process. Still, it was far from a flawless effort. Gafurov was multiple steps ahead of Kang on the feet, but he allowed his opponent to land 3-of-11 takedown attempts. Muin found himself in a few terrible spots on the mat, but Kang didn't take advantage of it in the least. The win should ensure we see Gafurov back in the Octagon, but he needs to put forth another strong effort his next time out.
It is Gafurov's first UFC victory in three attempts and a performance that likely saved his job in the process. Still, it was far from a flawless effort. Gafurov was multiple steps ahead of Kang on the feet, but he allowed his opponent to land 3-of-11 takedown attempts. Muin found himself in a few terrible spots on the mat, but Kang didn't take advantage of it in the least. The win should ensure we see Gafurov back in the Octagon, but he needs to put forth another strong effort his next time out.
Another shot at first UFC win
Gafurov will take on Kyung Ho Kang in a bantamweight matchup at UFC Saudi Arabia on June 22, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
It's potentially the last call for Gafurov, who is in the UFC despite losing on Contender Series and has started his run with the company with back-to-back losses. He'll face a more experienced fighter in Kang, who is also looking to rebound from a loss last November. On paper, Kang has the advantages in height, reach and striking volume. Gafurov is much younger, however, in addition to holding an edge in offensive wrestling volume.
It's potentially the last call for Gafurov, who is in the UFC despite losing on Contender Series and has started his run with the company with back-to-back losses. He'll face a more experienced fighter in Kang, who is also looking to rebound from a loss last November. On paper, Kang has the advantages in height, reach and striking volume. Gafurov is much younger, however, in addition to holding an edge in offensive wrestling volume.
Lasts 73 seconds in Abu Dhabi
Gafurov lost to Said Nurmagomedov via submission (guillotine choke) at 1:13 of Round 1 at UFC 294 on Saturday in Abu Dhabi.
ANALYSIS
Gafurov possibly (probably?) would have lost this fight regardless, but he's going to be kicking himself for how it ended. Entering as a +235 underdog and in no position to be making foolish mistakes, Gafurov pushed forward in hopes of landing a wild combination and left his next exposed in the process. Nurmagomedov immediately clamped on the guillotine, and Muin had no choice but to tap out. The sample size is small, but what we have seen from Gafurov to date has not been impressive. He dropped a split decision to Chad Anheliger on Dana White's Contender Series in September 2021 and has now lost each of his first two official fights with the company. It's far from a guarantee he will receive a third opportunity.
Gafurov possibly (probably?) would have lost this fight regardless, but he's going to be kicking himself for how it ended. Entering as a +235 underdog and in no position to be making foolish mistakes, Gafurov pushed forward in hopes of landing a wild combination and left his next exposed in the process. Nurmagomedov immediately clamped on the guillotine, and Muin had no choice but to tap out. The sample size is small, but what we have seen from Gafurov to date has not been impressive. He dropped a split decision to Chad Anheliger on Dana White's Contender Series in September 2021 and has now lost each of his first two official fights with the company. It's far from a guarantee he will receive a third opportunity.
Added to UFC 294 prelims
Gafurov will take on Said Nurmagomedov in a bantamweight matchup at UFC 294 on Oct. 21, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Gafurov lost his UFC debut to John Castaneda last June before having a scheduled September matchup against Taylor Lapilus cancelled due to visa issues. That shouldn't be a problem when the UFC heads to Abu Dhabi, but Gafurov will be handed a very tough opponent for this preliminary fight. Nurmagomedov is 6-2 under the UFC banner, and his only two losses are of the decision variety. He had been riding a four-fight winning streak before falling to Jonathan Martinez in March. Gafurov will also be giving up an inch in height and two inches in reach to his opponent.
Gafurov lost his UFC debut to John Castaneda last June before having a scheduled September matchup against Taylor Lapilus cancelled due to visa issues. That shouldn't be a problem when the UFC heads to Abu Dhabi, but Gafurov will be handed a very tough opponent for this preliminary fight. Nurmagomedov is 6-2 under the UFC banner, and his only two losses are of the decision variety. He had been riding a four-fight winning streak before falling to Jonathan Martinez in March. Gafurov will also be giving up an inch in height and two inches in reach to his opponent.