It’s time for another prediction and pick inside UFC Baku: Fiziev vs. Torres as we turn attention towards the Featured Prelim bout in the Welterweight (170) Division. Azerbaijan’s own Farman Hasanov will make his debut against Eric Nolan of the United States. Check our UFC odds series for the Hasanov-Nolan prediction and pick.
Farman Hasanov (5-0) is an undefeated prospect with a 3-0 record inside LFA before making this UFC debut. He won his last bout over Abdurankhman Fazilov via doctor’s stoppage, finishing all but one of his first five pro fights inside the distance. He comes in the betting favorite looking to deliver in front of his home country fans, standing six feet tall with a 74.5-inch reach.
Eric Nolan (8-4) is 0-1 inside the UFC following an unsuccessful debut against Baisangur Susurkaev where he fell via submission. Prior to that, he posted an 8-3 record inside Cage Fury and ultimately won their belt before departing for the UFC. He’ll search for that elusive first win as the underdog standing 6-foot-2 with a 74-inch reach.
UFC Baku Odds, courtesy of DraftKings.
UFC Baku Odds: Farman Hasanov-Eric Nolan Odds
Farman Hasanov: -185
Eric Nolan: +154
Over 2.5 rounds: +145
Under 2.5 rounds: -188
Why Farman Hasanov Will Win
- Last Fight: (W) Abdurakhman Fazilov – TKO (doctor’s stoppage, R1)
- Last 5: 5-0
- Finishes: 4 KO/TKO
Farman Hasanov will make his UFC debut in front of home Azerbaijan fans just five fights into his pro career. He fights behind a strong wrestling base, but he’s been extremely willing to stand and bang in the striking up to this point. While he has yet to see this level of competition, the dominance of his previous performances suggests he’s ready for the step-up and an opponent like Eric Nolan.
Hasanov remains extremely aggressive in his pressure and he’s usually lunging forward whether that be in the striking or initiating his grappling. His takedown defense is very strong and he’s keen on trapping opponents in the clinch and using his Judo techniques to throw them off balance. Hasanov is also very committed when shooting the double-leg takedown and should be able to bring Nolan down more than just once.
His defense hasn’t been tested much up to this point, but Hasanov proves to have a durable chin built to withstand his style of brawling. Watch for him to continuously grab at Eric Nolan in hopes of utilizing an inside arm drag to take his back on the feet. Also watch for his inside trips as he’s grown savvy in threatening with his hands to open opponents to sneaky takedowns.
Why Eric Nolan Will Win
- Last Fight: (L) Baisangur Susurkaev – SUB (rear naked choke, R2)
- Last 5: 4-1
- Finishes: 4 KO/TKO, 2 SUB
Eric Nolan was outmatched during his UFC debut and didn’t get much of a chance to showcase his full striking skill set. He’s typically able to hold his own in the grappling, but two of his last three losses have come by way of submission and it’s certainly something he’ll need to improve if he wants to see his first UFC win.
Eric Nolan will have to be reactionary during this fight as Hasanov will likely be pressing the action. Nolan will have to make a living with his counter-punching, hoping he can catch Hasanov on the way in and hurt him as a result. He displayed his knockout prowess and accurate punching power during his title ru with CFFC, so dialing in his hands will have to be a focus throughout camp and on fight night.
Patience will be the key to Nolan’s success as he won’t be able to rush much against his opponent. Instead, Nolan should look to allow Hasanov to make all the mistakes while capitalizing in the striking during the openings. It’ll only take him one clean shot to change the course of this fight and put his opponent on the ropes.
Final Farman Hasanov-Eric Nolan Prediction & Pick
This should be an exciting Featured Prelim as Farman Hasanov looks to excite his home Azerbaijan fans with a finish win. His berserker fighting style has all the qualifications of one day headlining a fight card, so expect all-out effort from Hasanov in searching for the finish.
Eric Nolan should be able to find success during this fight as Hasanov is bound to make minor mistakes given his reckless style. Nolan’s timing will have to be perfect, but he certainly stands to catch Hasanov clean with a punch if he’s able to find the chin.
Still, I expect Farman Hasanov to walk through anything Nolan throws at him as he’s far more committed to absorbing shots in order to close the distance. He’s extremely aggressive in the way he engages opponents and I expect the pressure to be too much for Nolan.
Final Farman Hasanov-Eric Nolan Prediction & Pick: Farman Hasanov (-185); UNDER 2.5 Rounds (-188)
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