Nazim Sadykhov vs. Nikolas Motta Fight Prediction

The octagon is set to ignite as UFC makes its historic debut in Azerbaijan at Baku Crystal Hall on June 21, 2025, for UFC Fight Night: Hill vs. Rountree Jr. Among the main card’s fireworks, the lightweight clash between Nazim Sadykhov and Nikolas Motta promises a high-octane showdown. With both fighters packing serious knockout power and contrasting styles, this matchup is a goldmine for MMA fans and bettors alike. Let’s dive into the fighters’ profiles, break down their strengths, and map out how this scrap might unfold.

Nazim Sadykhov

Nazim Sadykhov, the “Black Wolf,” enters the cage with a 10-1-1 record (3-0-1 in the UFC), showcasing his versatility as a freestyle fighter. Hailing from Baku, the 31-year-old has a decorated background in kicboxing (two-time WKA U.S. champion), judo, and sambo, making him a multi-dimensional threat. His seven knockouts, including four in the first round, highlight his ability to end fights with a single strike, while his two submission wins via rear-naked choke reveal his grappling prowess. Sadykhov’s recent form is red-hot, with a first-round TKO over Ismael Bonfim in February 2025 and a submission victory against Terrance McKinney in July 2023. His only UFC blemish is a majority draw against Viacheslav Borshchev in 2023, which earned Fight of the Night honors, proving he can hang with elite strikers.

Sadykhov’s mental game is rock-solid, especially fighting in his hometown, where the crowd’s energy will fuel his relentless pressure. His ability to dictate the pace in the stand-up and seamlessly transition to ground work gives him an edge against one-dimensional foes. However, his draw against Borshchev exposed a potential weakness against high-volume strikers who can match his pace. With recent activity and a chip on his shoulder to shine in Baku, Sadykhov is primed to bring the heat.

Nikolas Motta

Nikolas Motta, the “Iron” Brazilian, steps into the octagon with a 15-5 record (3-2 in the UFC, 1 no contest). At 32, the former Cage Fury FC lightweight champion is a purebred striker with a knack for early finishes—10 of his wins come via knockout, eight in the opening round. His recent performances include a blistering 63-second TKO of Tom Nolan in January 2024 and a unanimous decision over Maheshate Hayisaer in November 2024, showing he’s hitting his stride. Motta’s crisp boxing and devastating power make him a constant threat in the pocket, where he thrives on chaos.

Despite his striking credentials, Motta’s Achilles’ heel is his vulnerability to knockouts, having been stopped by Jim Miller (2022) and Manuel Torres (2023) in the UFC. His ground game lags behind, with no submission wins and a shaky defense against takedowns, which could spell trouble against grapplers. Mentally, Motta seems resilient, bouncing back from losses with back-to-back wins, but fighting in Sadykhov’s backyard might rattle his composure. With less recent cage time than his opponent, Motta will need to lean heavily on his stand-up to pull off the upset.

Predicting the Fight: Nazim Sadykhov vs. Nikolas Motta

This lightweight showdown is a classic striker vs. hybrid fighter matchup, with Sadykhov’s well-rounded arsenal pitted against Motta’s explosive stand-up. In the opening round, expect Motta to come out swinging, leveraging his quick hands and knockout power to catch Sadykhov early. His history of first-round finishes (eight of 10 KOs) suggests he’ll push for a quick stoppage, likely targeting Sadykhov’s chin with tight combinations or a vicious hook. Sadykhov, however, is no slouch in the striking department. His kicboxing pedigree and roundhouse kicks could keep Motta at bay, while his ability to mix in clinch work and level changes will test the Brazilian’s takedown defense, which has been exposed in past fights. If Sadykhov weathers Motta’s early storm, his superior cardio and grappling could shift the momentum by the second round. Look for Sadykhov to drag the fight to the mat, where his judo and sambo skills could lead to a ground-and-pound barrage or a slick submission like his signature rear-naked choke. Motta’s lack of submission wins and history of being controlled on the ground (e.g., losses to Torres and Miller) make this a likely path for Sadykhov to dominate. That said, Motta’s knockout threat remains live, especially if Sadykhov gets reckless in the stand-up. An interesting angle is Sadykhov’s emotional edge—fighting in Baku for UFC’s first event in Azerbaijan adds a layer of motivation, as he’s called this a “homecoming” moment. If the fight goes the distance, Sadykhov’s relentless pressure and control could sway the judges, especially with the hometown crowd roaring. While a Motta knockout is possible, Sadykhov’s ability to mix striking with grappling gives him multiple avenues to victory.

Our Prediction: Nazim Sadykhov wins via submission in the second round.

• Sadykhov by Decision (+200): If Sadykhov opts for control over finish, his grappling and pressure could lead to a unanimous decision.
• Fight Goes Over 1.5 Rounds (-150): Both fighters have shown durability, and Sadykhov may need time to set up his ground game.
• Motta by KO/TKO (+450): A high-risk, high-reward bet for those banking on Motta’s early knockout power.

Владимир Сапаров

Большой поклонник бокса: занимаюсь и слежу за ним более 20 лет. Также, интересуюсь крупными событиями в мире мма и кулачных боев.