Unbeaten Russian Azamat Murzakanov will hope to continue his climb up the light heavyweight rankings when he collides with streaking Brazilian Brendson Ribeiro in the prelims of UFC 316 this Saturday in New Jersey. The Russian is 4-0 in the UFC, but if anyone can stop the Murzakanov train, it may be Ribeiro. As a slight underdog last January, the Brazilian defeated unbeaten prospect Diyar Nurgozhay, submitting the Kazakh. Ribeiro comes into this fight as a huge underdog against Murzakanov, who is 14-0 professionally.
Bet on Azamat Murzakanov vs. Brendson Ribeiro with Bet365
- MMA: Azamat Murzakanov vs. Brendson Ribeiro, UFC Light Heavyweight
- Where to watch: ESPN, DAZN, Supersport, Disney+, ESPN+
- Venue: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey, USA
- Date: 07.06.2025, 20:00 ET
Azamat Murzakanov
The 36-year-old southpaw has dominated his opponents since joining the UFC. A Dana White Contender Series alum, Azamat Murzakanov has won two performance bonuses in his four fights, securing three knockouts and one decision victory. His UFC resume includes wins over household names like Tafon Nchukwi, Devin Clark, Dustin Jacoby, and Alonzo Menifield. The former Brave Openweight Tournament Champion has not fought since beating Menifield last August after being suspended for six months following a positive test for a banned substance. “The Professional” was slated to face Johnny Walker last May, but an injury to his opponent led to a rescheduling with Ribeiro at UFC 316.
Tale of the Tape
- Age - 36
- Height - 5'10”
- Reach - 71"
- Weight - 205 lbs (93 kg)
- Record - 14-0
Brendson Ribeiro
After losing his first two fights in the UFC, Brazil's Brendson Ribeiro is getting more comfortable and confident. The 28-year-old, who debuted in the company last year, fought and won a close split decision over Caio Machado last November to round off a busy 2024, before opening his account this year by handing Nurgozhay his first professional loss. A seasoned competitor in the Brazilian circuit, Ribeiro made it to the UFC via the Contender Series route. “The Gorilla” will have a considerable reach advantage over his opponent when the pair clash in the octagon this weekend.
Tale of the Tape
- Age - 28
- Height - 6'3"
- Reach - 81"
- Weight - 205 lbs (93 kg)
- Record - 17-7
Betting odds
Brendson Ribeiro is a 4.50 underdog on Betway, which has Azamat Murzakanov by decision at 7.40 odds. Over 2.5 is 3.70 on 1xBet, which has under 1.5 rounds at 1.6 odds. Bet365 lists fight to go the distance at 5.50 and an Azamat Murzakanov victory in round one at 2.20 odds. Read more here.
Bet on Azamat Murzakanov vs. Brendson Ribeiro with Bet365
