Gadzhiyasulov vs. Lopes: Light Heavyweight Showdown at UFC Vegas 101

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — UFC Vegas 101 continues with a highly anticipated light heavyweight bout between undefeated Magomed Gadzhiyasulov and Bruno Lopes on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2025. The fight, part of the prelims, features two Dana White‘s Contender Series alumni looking to make their mark in the UFC.

Magomed Gadzhiyasulov (9-0) enters the octagon with an unblemished record, showcasing a well-rounded skillset that includes five knockouts and six first-round finishes. His UFC debut saw him defeat Brendson Ribeiro, another Contender Series graduate, solidifying his reputation as a rising star. Gadzhiyasulov’s striking accuracy of 50% and combat sambo background make him a formidable opponent.

Bruno Lopes (13-1), on the other hand, seeks redemption after a knockout loss to Ribeiro in his first Contender Series appearance. Lopes rebounded with a second-round TKO victory in his second attempt, earning a UFC contract. Known for his power and Jiu-Jitsu skills, Lopes has six knockouts and five submissions to his name, making him a dangerous challenger.

According to DraftKings, Gadzhiyasulov is the favorite at -235, while Lopes stands at +195. The odds for over 2.5 rounds are +114, and under 2.5 rounds are -145. Analysts predict Gadzhiyasulov’s grappling and striking will give him the edge, but Lopes’ resilience and fight IQ could make for an unpredictable matchup.

Gadzhiyasulov’s recent performances highlight his ability to control fights, particularly on the ground. His victory over Ribeiro demonstrated his grappling prowess, which could pose challenges for Lopes. Meanwhile, Lopes’ adaptability and striking power, showcased in his Contender Series win over Mikheil Sazhiniani, make him a threat if the fight remains standing.

This clash of styles promises to deliver an exciting contest, with both fighters aiming to climb the light heavyweight rankings. Fans can expect a strategic battle as Gadzhiyasulov looks to maintain his undefeated streak, while Lopes seeks to prove his worth in the UFC.