Kyle Anthony

THE PLAY: Andrey Pulyaev +185

This matchup offers strong value on the underdog. Nursulton Ruziboev is a powerful, aggressive fighter who possesses strong finishing instincts. He enters with a pro record of 36-9, including 33 stoppage victories with the vast majority coming in the opening round. He aggressively pursues a finishes or seeking takedowns backed by legitimate wrestling ability. Since joining the UFC he has increasingly relied on his striking and securing several notable knockout wins in the process. While Pulyaev is a far less experienced striker with a 10-4 record that includes a 1-2 mark inside the UFC. Both of his Octagon losses came against high-caliber opponents: Christian Leroy Duncan, a technically high level striker and Ateba Gautier, a dangerous power puncher. In each of those contests, Pulyaev entered as a significant underdog. Despite the defeats, he demonstrated remarkable durability and mental toughness, absorbing heavy punishment yet continuing to press forward. That resilience is precisely what Pulyaev will need on Saturday. Ruziboev tends to start at a blistering pace but he slows down noticeably as fights extend. If the bout reaches the later rounds, Ruziboev often becomes wild and sloppy when trading in the pocket leaving openings for a more composed opponent. While he is a nightmare in round one, Ruziboev has struggled to win in extended fights. His record in decisions stands at just 3-7, showing he is not a good minute-winner and relies heavily on big moments to secure rounds or finish the fight. This dynamic creates a clear path for Pulyaev. If he can survive the initial storm the fight increasingly tilts in his favor as fatigue sets in for Ruziboev. Pulyaev’s recent performances suggest he can make bouts scrappy and competitive once the early pressure eases. In Ruziboev’s last outing, he endured a back-and-forth battle against the lower level Dustin Stoltzfus, with several close rounds and moments where Nursulton was visibly hurt. Of course, the primary risk remains an early finish. Ruziboev’s power makes a first round finish a genuine possibility. Yet Pulyaev has been stopped only once in his professional career, underscoring his ability to weather heavy shots. At nearly a 2 to 1 plus money price tag there's value on the dog to sprinkle a bet here. While the danger in round one cannot be ignored, Pulyaev’s proven toughness and the fight’s possible trajectory beyond the opening minutes make him a compelling play.