UFC Vegas 124: Cortes-Acosta vs. Walker continues on the prelims with a featherweight fight between unbeaten prospect Murtazali Magomedov and Jose Delano. Check out our UFC Vegas 124 odds series for our Delano-Magomedov prediction and pick.
Jose Delano (17-3) steps into the Octagon riding a five-fight winning streak after a unanimous decision over Robert Ruchala in his UFC debut. The former LFA champion has gone 11-1 over his last 12 fights as he comes into his fight this weekend against Murtazali Magomedov.
Murtazali Magomedov (11-0) made a striking UFC debut with a first-round Scottish twister of Melsik Baghdasaryan. That win followed a first-round knockout on Contender Series and gave him 11 straight finishes to start his career as he comes into his fight this weekend against Jose Delano.
UFC Vegas 124 Odds, courtesy of DraftKings
UFC Vegas 124 Odds: Jose Delano-Murtazali Magomedov Odds
Jose Delano: -118
Murtazali Magomedov: -102
Over 2.5 rounds: -105
Under 2.5 rounds: -125
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)Why Jose Delano Will Win
Jose Delano has the experience and rhythm to beat an unbeaten but less-tested opponent. His quirky style and sharp counterstriking can make Magomedov uncomfortable.
Delano has won five straight and is 11-1 over his last 12. That consistency shows he can adjust and win in different ways.
Magomedov's wild submission win was impressive, but it came against a lower-level opponent. Delano is the more complete striker and can punish mistakes.
He can use distance to land kicks and movement to avoid the takedown. If Magomedov overcommits, Delano can score counters.
The Brazilian should stay composed and avoid scrambles. Expect Delano to win a decision with cleaner striking.
Why Murtazali Magomedov Will Win
Murtazali Magomedov brings a dangerous grappling game and a perfect finishing record. His twister win showed he can find submissions from awkward positions.
He is also coming off a hype-building debut and carries momentum. The unbeaten record and the Contender Series knockout prove he is more than a grappler.
Delano is a good striker, but he can be pulled into grappling exchanges. Magomedov can use the mat to avoid a pure kickboxing fight.
The Dagestani-style grappling base gives him a strong takedown and top control. Once on top, he can pass guard and attack the neck.
Article Continues BelowMagomedov should keep the pace high and not give Delano time to settle. Expect him to grind and submit the Brazilian in the second round.
Final Delano-Magomedov Prediction & Pick
Murtazali Magomedov is the slight pick because his grappling offers the most dependable route to victory. He is unbeaten with a finishing rate that stands out among prospects.
Delano is a smart opponent with experience, and he should have moments on the feet. If he keeps range, he can land enough to make it competitive.
The risk for Magomedov is a long striking exchange that exposes his defensive gaps. Still, he can close the distance and make the fight grapple-heavy.
Expect a competitive fight that Magomedov wins by controlling position and eventually submitting Delano or taking a narrow decision. The line is nearly even, so the matchup is a true toss-up.
Final Jose Delano-Murtazali Magomedov Prediction & Pick: Murtazali Magomedov (-102), OVER 2.5 rounds (-105)