Harris vs Nurmagomedov Preview
On March 11th, 2023, two welterweight contenders will step into the Octagon for a highly anticipated matchup. Carlston Harris will face Abubakar Nurmagomedov in a battle that could have significant implications on the rankings of the UFC's welterweight division.
Recent Fights
Carlston Harris lost his last fight to Shavkat Rakhmonov by KO (Spinning Hook Kick and Punches) in round 1 on February 5th, 2022.
Abubakar Nurmagomedov won his last fight by Decision (Unanimous) on October 22nd, 2022, against Gadzhi Omargadzhiev.
Round-by-Round Breakdown of their recent fights
Harris vs Rakhmonov:
Round 1: The fight starts with both fighters measuring their distance. Harris lands a couple of leg kicks, but Rakhmonov responds with a spinning hook kick that connects with Harris's chin, sending him to the ground. Rakhmonov follows up with punches on the ground, and the referee stops the fight. Winner: Shavkat Rakhmonov by KO (Round 1, 2:46)
Nurmagomedov vs Omargadzhiev:
Round 1: Nurmagomedov uses his wrestling to take Omargadzhiev down early in the round. Omargadzhiev manages to get back to his feet, but Nurmagomedov takes him down again. Nurmagomedov controls the rest of the round on the ground.
Round 2: Nurmagomedov continues to dominate with his wrestling, taking Omargadzhiev down multiple times and controlling him on the ground.
Round 3: Omargadzhiev tries to mount some offense on the feet, but Nurmagomedov takes him down again and controls him until the end of the fight. Winner: Abubakar Nurmagomedov by Decision (Unanimous) (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Carlston Harris is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has a well-rounded skillset with decent striking and grappling. However, his defense has been suspect in the past, and he has been knocked out in three of his five losses.
Abubakar Nurmagomedov is a highly skilled wrestler with a smothering top game. He has good striking, but it is not his primary weapon. His biggest weakness is his submission defense, as he has been submitted in two of his three losses.
Martial Arts Background:
Carlston Harris started training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in his early twenties and received his black belt under Marcos Soares. He has also trained in Muay Thai and boxing.
Abubakar Nurmagomedov comes from a fighting background with a rich history in wrestling. He is the cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov, the former UFC lightweight champion who retired with an undefeated record of 29-0. Abubakar has won multiple national and international wrestling championships, including the Russian Combat Sambo Championship.
Association and Notable Fighters:
Carlston Harris is a member of the Renovacao Fight Team, a Brazilian MMA team that has produced notable fighters such as former UFC champions Jose Aldo and Renan Barao. Harris also trains with other UFC fighters such as Claudio Silva and Marlon Vera.
Abubakar Nurmagomedov trains with FightSpirit Team, a Russian MMA team that has produced several top-level fighters such as UFC featherweight contender Zabit Magomedsharipov and Bellator lightweight champion Islam Mamedov.
Possible Outcomes:
This matchup has the potential to be a very intriguing fight, with two skilled fighters looking to make a statement. Here are three possible outcomes for the fight:
- Harris wins by submission: Harris is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has won several fights by submission. If he can get Nurmagomedov to the ground and work his grappling, he could potentially catch him in a submission.
- Nurmagomedov wins by decision: Nurmagomedov's wrestling could be the deciding factor in this fight. If he can control Harris on the ground and avoid getting submitted, he could potentially win a decision.
- Nurmagomedov wins by TKO: Although Nurmagomedov is not known for his striking, he does have power in his hands. If he can use his wrestling to get Harris to the ground and land some ground-and-pound, he could potentially finish the fight by TKO.
Conclusion:
The upcoming fight between Carlston Harris and Abubakar Nurmagomedov is sure to be a highly anticipated matchup. Both fighters have the skills to win, and it will be interesting to see how the fight plays out. Harris will be looking to bounce back from his last loss, while Nurmagomedov will be looking to continue his winning streak. That said, I think Nurmagomedov's wrestling will be the difference in this matchup so I'm backing him on the Moneyline at +114.
