UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs Volkov- Timur Valiev vs Martin Day: Prediction and Analysis

Martin day takes on Timur Valiev in a featherweight bout at UFC Vegas 18. The bout between the two men will be the second fight on the preliminary card this weekend. 

Both men are currently unranked in the featherweight division, which is perhaps one of the most, if not the most talent stacked divisions in the UFC. The fight is an excellent opportunity for both men to take a step forward in getting a rank in the division. Whilst Day is coming off a loss in his recent fight, Valiev is coming off a no-contest in his last bout.

Leading up to the fight, we take a closer look at the strengths and weaknesses of both fighters and the possible route to victory for both as they prepare to battle each other. 

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Timur Valiev vs Martin Day is a must-watch fight at UFC Vegas 18

Timur Valiev made his UFC debut in August last year against Trevin Jones. The bout was a no contest. Prior to that, Valiev was on a six-fight win streak. He will be aiming to secure his maiden UFC win this weekend against a tough opponent in Martin Day.

 Martin Day made his UFC debut in November 2018 against Pingyuan Liu, a fight he lost via split decision. Now, he is on a three-fight skid and risks being cut from the promotion. Therefore, he will have a point to prove this weekend against a tough adversary. 

‘Lucky’ has secured most of his wins via decision (56%). The striker and has averaged 9.45 significant strikes in his UFC career, albeit he has fought only once. He has been pretty solid defensively and has absorbed just 3.72 significant strikes in return. 

‘The Spartan’ has won an equal number of his fights via division and T/KOs (38%). He is a lethal striker and has averaged 5.06 significant strikes per minute in the UFC. However, he has absorbed 3.83 significant strikes per minute, which can be his downfall this weekend. He also averages 1 takedown per 15 minutes. 

Given recent performances and form, Valiev should be able to secure his maiden UFC win this weekend against Martin Day. 

Prediction: Timur Valiev via Decision