The MMA Daily

After putting out this prediction, Sherdog has released an article regarding Askar Mozharov record isn’t what it seems. Literally, losses are being notched on by the day. Due to this, while I’m not one to change predictions after writing them, I’d throw caution tape on this!

We have a scrap in the Light Heavyweight division, as Alonzo “Atomic” Menifield takes on newcomer Askar “No Mercy” Mozharov. Returning to the octagon for the first time in 2022, Menifield will look to rebound from a decision defeat in his most recent fight. Having won two straight prior, Menifield had seemed to turn the corner. Yet this recent stumble was another speedbump. Meanwhile, Mozharov steps into his UFC debut on short notice. A winner of three straight, Mozharov brings forth a kill or be killed style. With twenty-one wins in his twenty-nine professional fights, he’s been the hammer more often than the nail.

As for a prediction, I have Mozharov winning. In seven fights in the UFC, Menifield has not progressed the way I thought he would. Entering the UFC, as a knockout artist, Menifield hasn’t quite been as menacing of late. In fact, in the last five fights, Menifield has only scored one finish – via submission. Mozharov is buzzsaw on the feet, and will certainly bring the fight to Menifield. While his style has led him to being stopped eight times, I still like his chances to win this fight. With heavy hands, solid leg kicks and excellent speed, Mozharov is the type of fighter to light you up before you even knew what hit you. Nineteen first round finishes would back me up on that notion. So with all that said, I predict Mozharov to win via knockout.