Saturday night’s action-packed UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi features an explosive light-heavyweight clash between Azamat Murzakanov and Dominick Reyes.
Murzakanov (16–1, 6–1 UFC) is coming off his first professional loss: a third-round TKO to Paulo Costa at UFC 327 in April. That same night, Reyes (16–5, 10–5 UFC) got back in the win column with a split-decision victory over Johnny Walker.
Murzakanov enters as a -218 moneyline favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook. Reyes is a +180 underdog, with the fight total set at O/U 1.5 rounds.
Azamat Murzakanov vs. Dominick Reyes Fight Preview
Azamat Murzakanov (#7)
- 16–1 (6–1 UFC)
- 12–1 (T)KO
- 1–0 SUB
Azamat Murzakanov’s torrid UFC rise hit a wall earlier this year, with the previously undefeated contender getting stopped by Paulo Costa. The hard-hitting Russian got a taste of his own medicine after opening his promotional tenure with six straight wins, five by knockout or TKO.
“The Professional,” 37, will face a considerable size and speed disadvantage against the rangy, speedy Dominick Reyes. That said, Murzakanov is an expert at closing distance and needs only one clean shot to end a fight — especially given Reyes’ compromised chin.
Dominick Reyes (#8)
- 16–5 (10–5 UFC)
- 10–4 (T)KO
- 2–0 SUB
Dominick Reyes returned to the win column with a split decision win over Johnny Walker, an anomalous result at this point in his career. “The Devastator” hadn’t gone the distance since his controversial 2020 loss to Jon Jones; each of his seven fights since ended in a knockout or TKO inside two rounds. He went 3–4 during that stretch.
The 36-year-old American will be longer, faster, and more technically refined than Azamat Murzakanov, giving him a runway to dish out a decisive blow. The only issue is Reyes’ durability has practically vanished at this point in his career; he likely can’t afford to eat a clean shot from his thunderously powerful opponent.
Azamat Murzakanov vs. Dominick Reyes Pick, Best Bet
Saturday’s clash between Azamat Murzakanov and Dominick Reyes should end with one of them seeing stars, as the fight carries -360 odds to end in knockout, TKO, or DQ. Given their shared aggressiveness — and questionable chins — it likely won’t take long for that to happen. Expect this one to be decided within 1.5 rounds.
