UFC Abu Dhabi Odds, Pick & Prediction for Shara Magomedov vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk (Saturday, August 3)

Shara Magomedov vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk Odds

Here's the latest on the Shara Magomedov vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk odds for UFC Abu Dhabi on Saturday, August 3, with our expert pick and prediction.

The co-main event in Abu Dhabi features a middleweight matchup between Shara Magomedov and Michal Oleksiejczuk.

From the Dagestani jawline beard to the James Bond villain flair, Magomedov appears to be making everyone, from the pundits to Gen Pop alike, tumescent with anticipation for his fights.

Magomedov has done his job as far as winning goes, but we will get yet another look at the Russian fighter this Saturday when he takes on UFC staple Oleksiejczuk.

Oleksiejczuk is also making a quick turnaround for this booking and will be attempting to stop the bleeding of a two-fight skid.

Tale of the Tape

Despite Magomedov and Oleksiejczuk having completely different styles, both men prefer to sort things out on their feet.

A Master of Sport in multiple striking arts, Magomedov makes no secret as to where he likes the fight to take place.

Typically skirting along the outside, Magomedov liked to prod and punish his opposition's legs, eventually working his way up the body.

Although Magomedov's flashier offense tends to get the most attention, it's the Russian's leg and bodywork that arguably make most of his money standing.

Despite not having a massive boxing presence, Magomedov will get more comfortable as fights wear on, displaying more jabs and occasionally extending combinations.

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That said, Magomedov has shown to be available to counters while kicking and will need to respect what's coming back at him.

Oleksiejczuk may not be someone who comes to mind as a counterstriker, but the Pole has always done a decent job of allowing his pressure to open opportunities for him to return fire.

Typically countering in combination, Oleksiejczuk loves to double up with his left hand, traditionally targeting the body with impunity.

Oleksiejczuk is not afraid to crash into closed quarters and can get off some decent strikes whether he is working from the clinch or is on top of his opponent.

However, with bodywork appearing to be a potent two-way street, Oleksiejczuk will need to be mindful of his defenses this weekend.

Magomedov vs. Oleksiejczuk Pick

The oddsmakers and the public are siding with the Russian fighter, listing Magomedov -250 and Oleksiejczuk +195 as of this writing.

Despite Oleksiejczuk being the more proven product who can pressure from a southpaw stance, I can't help but acknowledge the intangibles of Magomedov being the clear promotional darling who will be fighting in a territory that is self-regulated as far as any oversight from actual athletic commissions goes.

But tinfoil hat theories aside, it's hard to ignore that Oleksiejczuk has traditionally struggled with kick defense – particularly to the body.

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Add in the fact that Oleksiejczuk appears to be getting hurt more easily and at a higher rate, and I suspect we see Magomedov's patent midsection attacks pay dividends sooner than later today.

If you're feeling greedy and your house offers it, then I suggest looking out for method and round combo props like "Magomedov by round 1 KO," which is currently going off at +265 via BetRivers.

But if you can find plus or even money on Magomedov to win by KO/TKO/DQ, then I suggest just kicking for coverage there since this is a classic do-or-die showcase spot where the hyped prospect is being set up for success.

The Pick: Shara Magomedov By KO/TKO/DQ (+106 at BetRivers)