Sean O'Malley - Eiemann Zahabi: Betting Tip (cf 2.00) and bets on the fight

Current form

Sean O'Malley is, after all, one of the most media-savvy fighters in the division. It's easy to imagine him in any high—profile poster - and it's no surprise that he's back in the spotlight. The connection with Donald Trump's family only fuels interest in his performances, and the very fact of participating in such a tournament makes him almost the main face of the card. He is the favorite fighter of Barron Trump, the president's son. 

But behind the beautiful picture there is a completely understandable sports reality. The former bantamweight champion recently returned to the winning track, defeating Song Yadong by unanimous decision. Before that, there was an unpleasant series with Merab Dvalishvili, who took him apart twice with pace, pressure and wrestling — the very style that is really uncomfortable for O'Malley.

And here it is important to understand: Sean is about distance, timing and explosive hits. He's long, technical, and knows how to hold his opponent at the end of his punches. He has decent protection — about 60 percent, and this allows him to look neat even in difficult episodes. But if you deprive him of space, the fight turns into a viscous chess game, where every step is expensive.

The American's statistics speak for themselves: 19 wins (12 by knockout, six by decision, one by submission) and three defeats. The base is striking, but with noticeable progress in the stalls. The brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu is not a formality, but a real tool that he sometimes turns on when a fight doesn't go according to the script.

Current form

Eyemann Zahabi is a fighter of a different caliber and a different rhythm. You can't call him a cover star, but in the octagon he knows how to do things that are often underestimated: win on points, endure and methodically destroy the opponent's pace. The last fight against Marlon Vera turned out to be as tight as possible — a split decision, where each round hung on a fine line. And before that, a resounding victory over Jose Aldo in Montreal, in a fight that looked more like a survival fight than a classic duel. Back then, many argued with the judges' verdict, but the fact remains that the result was in his favor.

Zahabi now has a seven—win streak in a row, and this is no longer an accident, but a system. His main trump card is protection from blows. The 69 percent figure makes him the best in the UFC in this parameter. He knows how to do minimal damage and force the opponent to make mistakes.

However, it does not look bright. His style can be called even slightly not particularly spectacular: minimum risk, maximum control, constant pressure through jab and position. But it is precisely such fighters who often break the favorites if they start to get nervous and lose their rhythm. Statistics of the Canadian: 15 wins (five by knockout, six by decision, four by submission) and two defeats. A black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu adds versatility, but the key lies precisely in perseverance and the ability to survive difficult moments.