Shara Magomedov vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk prediction, pick, start time, odds for UFC on ABC 7

Shara Magomedov and Michal Oleksiejczuk meet Saturday on the main card of UFC on ABC 7 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.

Last event: 3-2

UFC main cards, 2024: 64-56-3

Shara Magomedov vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk UFC on ABC 7 preview

Undefeated Magomedov (13-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) has a chance to make a statement in a co-headlining spot after winning his first two UFC appearances. “Bullet” defeated Bruno Silva by unanimous decision last October before coming back to finish Antonio Trócoli in June. … leksiejczuk (19-8 MMA, 7-6 UFC) enters the fight on back-to-back losses and defeats in three of his past four.

Shara Magomedov vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk UFC on ABC 7 expert pick, prediction

Despite being more known for his dubious actions outside the cage than inside of it, Magomedov is being rewarded with a co-main event slot in just his third UFC showing. Stepping up for the matchmakers on the other side of what is an obvious showcase spot is Oleksiejczuk.

Oleksiejczuk is a staple action fighter for the promotion, but the Pole has been on a clear skid, losing 3 of his last 4 fights.

Although Oleksiejczuk’s southpaw pressure could produce some real problems for the one-and-done kicking stylings of Magomedov, I can’t help but suspect that “Shara Bullet” is being set up to succeed in this spot.

So, between seeing people like Paddy Pimblett pull through last week to all the suspect behavior during the UFC’s prior show in the Middle East, I’ll be following suit this Saturday and sticking with the locally connected hyped product to come up large.

The pick is Magomedov by first-round knockout.

Shara Magomedov vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk UFC on ABC 7 odds

The oddsmakers and the public continue to grow tumescent over the fighter who looks like he’s a villain straight out of a James Bond film, listing Magomedov -265 and Oleksiejczuk +210 via FanDuel.

Shara Magomedov vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk UFC on ABC 7 start time, how to watch

Magomedov and Oleksiejczuk are expected to walk out to the cage at approximately 5 p.m. ET. The fight will air on ABC and stream on ESPN+.