The UFC is set to bring the heat to Saudi Arabia with an electrifying Fight Night event at Riyadh’s prestigious ANB Arena on February 1, 2025. This historic occasion marks the promotion’s growing global reach, delivering world-class mixed martial arts to the heart of the Middle East. Headlined by former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya and rising star Nassourdine Imavov, the card promises unforgettable action.

Another fight that has caught the attention of many is the clash between Muhammad Naimov and Kaan Ofli. Both fighters are highly skillful but have lost their last two fights. In this article, we try to analyze their head-to-head records to find out who holds the upper hand in the clash.

Naimov vs. Ofli head-to-head record and stats comparison

Featherweights Muhammad Naimov and Kaan Ofli are set to clash in a compelling matchup. Both fighters hold identical professional records of 11 wins and 3 losses, but their fighting styles and career trajectories offer intriguing contrasts. Muhammad Naimov, 30, stands at 5’9″ (175 cm) with a reach of 70 inches (178 cm). He has secured 6 of his 11 victories by knockout, reflecting a knockout rate of approximately 55%. His striking prowess is complemented by 2 submission wins, accounting for an 18% submission rate. Naimov’s UFC tenure began in 2023, and he has since compiled a promotional record of 3 wins and 1 loss.

Kaan Ofli, 31, measures 5’6″ (168 cm), giving up a 3-inch height advantage to Naimov. Ofli has achieved 2 of his 11 wins by knockout, resulting in an 18% knockout rate, and boasts 6 submission victories, equating to a 55% submission rate. His professional journey commenced in 2014, providing him with a decade of experience leading up to this bout. Ofli made his UFC debut in 2024 and is seeking his first promotional victory. Statistically, Naimov holds a significant edge in striking power, while Ofli’s strengths lie in his grappling and submission capabilities. Naimov’s taekwondo and kickboxing background suggests he will aim to keep the fight standing, utilizing his reach and striking to dictate the pace.

Conversely, Ofli, with a solid foundation in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and boxing, may look to close the distance, employ clinch work, and bring the fight to the ground, where he can capitalize on his submission skills. This matchup presents a classic striker versus grappler scenario, with Naimov’s striking acumen pitted against Ofli’s grappling expertise. The outcome may hinge on which fighter can implement their game plan more effectively, making this a highly anticipated contest for MMA enthusiasts. Let us now take a look at the predictions.

Muhammad Naimov vs. Kaan Ofli prediction

Muhammad Naimov is a striking specialist who thrives on his dynamic taekwondo and kickboxing background. Known for his explosive power, he has finished over half of his victories via knockout. ‘Hillman’ excels in maintaining range which helps him to land precise strikes and punishing opponents with powerful kicks and punches. His ability to mix up combinations and utilize head movement makes him a dangerous competitor in the stand-up game. Naimov is also adept at creating pressure, often forcing his opponents to engage in exchanges where he can capitalize on their mistakes. However, his ground game remains less proven, and he tends to rely heavily on his striking to dictate the pace of the fight.

Kaan Ofli, on the other hand, brings a grappling-heavy approach to the cage, rooted in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. With nearly half of his wins coming via submission, ‘Genghis’ is most comfortable when the fight hits the mat. Olfi is skilled at closing the distance, utilizing his boxing to set up clinch positions and takedowns. Once on the ground, Ofli’s control and ability to transition to dominant positions are impressive. He looks to outwork his opponents with relentless grappling pressure, locking in submissions when the opportunity arises. While his striking is serviceable, Ofli’s real strength lies in his ability to neutralize opponents and turn fights into grappling battles.

This stylistic contrast sets the stage for an intriguing contest. Naimov’s striking edge and UFC experience may give him the upper hand, but Ofli’s grappling presents a real threat. Will Muhammad Naimov’s striking prowess prevail, or will Kaan Ofli’s grappling and submissions tip the scales? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.