What’s Next for the Heavy-Handed Undefeated Russian?
Azamat Murzakanov is a powerhouse who can finish anyone with just one punch. He had his most challenging test of his career last Saturday at UFC 321 against Aleksandar Rakic, which he passed with flying colors. He was able to knock out Rakic in the first round and now sets himself up with a top-five, maybe top-three, fight in his next time out. I will break down two potential matchups I see Murzakanov getting and how his undefeated streak would fare in each.
Azamat Murzakanov vs. Magomed Ankalaev
This seems like the perfect matchup because Magomed Ankalaev doesn't have many options to secure a potential rematch for a title shot. This would be a way for him to beat a top-ranked, undefeated guy with all the momentum. If he can go out there and take his zero, he can call for his shot with confidence and most likely get it reciprocated. As for Murzakanov, this is the fast track toward his first title shot. Beating a former champion with the resume and status that Ankalaev has will turn heads and put him on the map. This is an intriguing matchup; I would give Murzakanov the power and striking, but Ankalaev the speed and technique. They're both solid grapplers, but don't rely on it much, so I see these exchanges canceling each other out. For Murzakanov to win this fight, he will need to catch the former champion early, particularly in the first round. If he doesn't, I see Ankalaev using his footwork and speed to pick him apart and secure the decision.
Azamat Murzakanov vs. Carlos Ulberg
Carlos Ulberg seemed to be next in line for a title shot after he dismantled Dominick Reyes in round one. However, it looks as if Jiri Prochazka will be getting his third crack at Alex Pereira, leaving Ulberg needing one more fight to get his shot. This will be an exciting, striking matchup with one loss separating the two athletes. Both athletes like to sit back and wait to counter early, so it's an interesting chess match. They mix up their strikes really well, and Murzakanov showed in his last fight against Rakic that he can overcome someone longer and more athletic than he is. Murzakanov is going to need to march forward and throw because when you pressure Ulberg, he will circle and defend rather than throw, so you can make him freeze up and take advantage of that. If you sit back, you will allow Ulberg to dictate the pace and tempo and pick you apart from the outside. If Murzakanov gets in close and stays in the pocket, he will be able to find his chin and potentially knock him out.
With Alex Pereira winning back his Lightweight Championship at UFC 320, he doesn't have many new opponents in the division that really catch his eye. Murzakanov, undefeated and capable of taking out the top guys, could really make himself stand out. If he continues to finish his opponents and make these huge statements, Pereira will have no choice but to try his hand at another elite striker and try to take his zero and add it to his already hall-of-fame resume. Whatever happens next for the 36-year-old Russian, one thing is for sure: you're not going to want to miss the action because a finish could happen at any time.
