Murzakanov vs. Reyes Tops the UFC 333 Prelims

The UFC returns to Abu Dhabi for UFC 333 with nine preliminary bouts and a large group of fighters from Russia and other former Soviet republics. At the top of the prelims, light heavyweight Dominick Reyes (16-5) tries to hand Azamat Murzakanov (16-1) a second straight loss. Earlier on the card, Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev faces Nikita Krylov, Tajik wrestler Nurullo Aliev meets Grant Dawson, and Asaf Chopurov makes his UFC debut.

Reyes' career so far

Murzakanov is a -225 favorite, with Reyes at +185. Reyes, a former college football player who once chased an NFL career, reached the UFC quickly, and according to the preview his aggression and athleticism carried him to a string of wins. That run earned him a title shot against Jon Jones in February 2020, which the judges awarded to Jones; the preview said Reyes appeared capable of beating him. Jones later vacated the belt, but that loss started a four-fight skid that included defeats to Jan Blachowicz, Jiri Prochazka and Ryan Spann, the last three by knockout.

After a layoff that included serious medical problems, Reyes returned in 2024 with a knockout of Dustin Jacoby, the first of three straight wins that also included stoppages of Anthony Smith and Nikita Krylov. Another knockout loss, this time to Carlos Ulberg, halted that momentum, and he then won a decision over Johnny Walker.

Murzakanov's case

Murzakanov's path to the UFC took several years. He first signed in 2017, and Reyes replaced him in a debut scheduled for that June. A positive drug test later that year led to a two-year suspension, and he finally earned another contract through the Contender Series in 2021. He fights infrequently. According to the preview, he throws little volume, but his speed and accuracy make him dangerous even in the feeling-out stage, and he can strike suddenly after long periods of reading an opponent.

Paulo Costa stopped him in April, handing him the first loss of his career. The preview noted that at 37 Murzakanov has limited time to recover his momentum, and that Reyes remains dangerous but is vulnerable to clean power shots, which makes this a favorable spot for the Russian. Its pick: Murzakanov by first-round knockout, even if it takes him a while to find the opening.