UFC Fight Night 130 Liverpool is less tham one week out. Headlined by an important showdown in the welterweight division by Darren Till and Stephen Thompson. However, another exciting fight on the card is a featherweight showdown between Jason Knight (20-4) and Makwan Amirkhani (13-3).
For both men, this is their first bouts of 2018. Knight had a great start to 2017 with wins over Alex Caceres and Chas Skelly. With the victories placing Knight in the UFC rankings. However, he ended 2017 with two defeats. The first coming from former title-contender Ricardo Lamas, and the second defeat coming courtesy of Gabriel Benitez. Consequently losing his place in the ranking.
Knight is known for the intensity that he brings. Describing his own style in the octagon as ‘crap-talking’. This intensity is apparent in the 25-year-old right through fight week. From the weigh-in and through until the end of his fight. Evidence of Knight’s demeanour was apparent in his last bout against Benitez. As Knight was deducted 1 point for illegally biting his opponent.
However, the unpredictability and attitude of Knight make him exciting to watch. Its part of Knight’s gameplay to get into his opponents head. Whilst Knight’s skill set is also something his opponents must be wary of. Out of 20 victories, Knight has been able to finish 16 of his opponents. With 13 of these victories coming by way of submission.
Amirkhani, otherwise known as ‘Mr Finland’ last competed over a year ago in London. Losing a split-decision to Arnold Allen, who will also be competing in Liverpool next weekend. The loss to Allen was his first in the UFC. Armirkhani who trains out of Straight Blast Gym will be looking to get back in the win column next weekend. Amirkhani comes from an amateur wrestling background. Winning numerous championships in both Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling before his transition over to mixed martial arts.
Amirkhani, like Knight, is also known for his submission victories. In 13 professional MMA wins for Amirkhani, 9 have come by way of submission. Between the pair, they share 22 victories via submission wins. From these stats, there is good indication that the fight will a war on the ground. For fans of grappling this is a must-watch bout in Liverpool. There would be no surprise if either of the two men is able to obtain performance bonuses next weekend.
Who will get back into the win column? Find out next weekend in Liverpool.
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