The UFC 187 event scheduled for Las Vegas on May 23 will feature a lightweight title bout between Donald Cerrone and Khabib Nurmagomedov that is almost certain to propel the winner into the next title fight.
Right now, the books have opened Nurmagomedov as (-230) favorite over “the Cowboy”, who returns at (+190). The over/under for this three rounder is at 2.5 rounds, with the over paying (-255) and the under at (+195).
Cerrone is one of the biggest stars the UFC has right now, as his no nonsense approach to fighting has seen him keep one of the UFC rosters busiest schedules. He is on a strong seven-fight winning streak that includes two wins this past January against Myles Jury and Benson Henderson. At the time he met the then 15-0 Jury, Cerrone put a screeching halt to Jury’s run.
Not to put Jury down, but Magomedov’s 22-0 undefeated streak includes a 6-0 UFC run that has left him on the cusp of a title shot. The Russian is a more advanced fighter at this time than Jury, and his agressiveness will match Cerrone’s, whereas Jury hung back and fought tentatively when faced with Cerrone.
Counting Cerrone out of this one may be a mistake. Nurmagomedov has won by submission and by KO, and he has the gas tank to keep a high pace throughout a fight and outwork his opponent to the finish. He is a strong wrestler who has a UFC record for most takedowns in a three round bout as he scored more than 20 takedowns against Abel Trujillo. On the ground however, Cerrone is capable of being offensive as well, and a scramble betyween the two men could wind up with a fast finish on the ground either way.
If at some point Cerrone is able to hold off enough takedowns to make this a stand up battle, then it will be a big advantage to Cerrone, who is a much more polished boxer and kickboxer. Nurmagomedov is tough and aggessive, but if the amtch extends itself on hthe feet, his weaker technique will be exposed by Cerrone.
