LAS VEGAS, NV – FEBRUARY 17: Khusein Askhabov weighs in ahead of their UFC Vegas 69 bout at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, NV on February 17, 2023. (Photo by Amy Kaplan/Icon Sportswire)
UFC Vegas 69 : Who is Khusein Askhabov?
The UFC returns to its home base this weekend at the UFC Apex for a fight night that’s headlined by the former champion and battle-tested, Jessica Andrade, who faces the rising flyweight prospect, Erin Blanchfield. Much earlier in the card, an undefeated newcomer is going to prove he belongs in the big show when Khusein Askhabov (23-0) challenges Jamall Emmers (18-6) to win his UFC debut.
Askhabov is from Chechnya, Russia, and trains out of two gyms- Tiger Muay Thai and American Top Team. He has a finishing streak that reaches four and last stepped into combat in early 2020. Askhabov’s record contains an impressive 16 finishes (10 submissions, six KOs) against formidable opponents, and has sights on adding one more to his list.
Askhabov’s fighting style is well-rounded with respectable striking that focuses on lethal leg kicks and combinations that are set up to engage in a clinch to transition into takedowns. The tape of his fights shows that he’s very well-versed in wrestling and invites his opponents to shoot at him so he can just reverse the position.
Jamall Emmers has been previously finished four times
Ashkabov’s three-year layoff plays a significant part in this fight, considering his debut was delayed for several months and a lot of mystery surrounds whether he can beat a top-notch opponent. Emmers is looking to back into the win column after losing via heel hook against Pat Sabatini in 2021 and a win on Saturday would earn him his second victory in the UFC.
Emmers is primarily a striker, but if necessary will engage to grapple if the fight heads that direction. In this matchup, Emmers has a 2-inch height advantage and a 5-inch reach advantage.
According to WynnBet, Ashkabov is a close favorite at (-155), meanwhile, the UFC veteran is listed at odds of (+135).
UFC Vegas 69: Jessica Andrade vs. Erin Blanchfield takes place on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, live from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, NV. Follow along with FanSided MMA for all your news and highlights.
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