Azamat Murzakanov vs Dominick Reyes Fight Week Breakdown and Prediction

Light Heavyweight· October 24, 2026
The Pick
Winner Azamat MurzakanovMethod KO/TKORound 172%High

FightIQ rating gap 16 points. Azamat Murzakanov rates 87 and Dominick Reyes rates 71.

Azamat Murzakanov secures the win against Dominick Reyes by way of a first round knockout. This matchup at UFC 333 showcases a dangerous southpaw who possesses the power to end the fight early.

The Numbers

Azamat Murzakanov carries a FightIQ rating of 87 and Dominick Reyes sits at 71, a gap of 16 points. The model win probability for Azamat Murzakanov stands at 72%, rated High confidence.

The Strategic Path Forward

Azamat Murzakanov must look to close the distance quickly while utilizing his superior striking accuracy of 57%. By maintaining high pressure he forces his opponent to react instead of setting the pace. Staying defensively sound behind his 61% strike defense will allow him to find the opening for his finishing blow.

Executing the Game Plan

Dominick Reyes has to use his experience from 10 UFC bouts to keep this fight on the outside. He needs to circle away from the power hand and rely on his 82% takedown defense to keep the action upright. If he allows the southpaw to dictate the striking exchanges his chances of reaching the second round diminish significantly.

The Deciding Tactical Factor

The primary factor in this bout is the ability to land clean power shots early in the opening frame. Murzakanov has the higher output of 4.93 significant strikes per minute which puts immense pressure on his adversary from the opening bell. Whoever establishes their rhythm first will likely see their opponent fade under the intensity.

Final Pick and Prediction

Our locked pick remains Azamat Murzakanov to win this contest by KO or TKO in round 1. His consistency in the octagon and overall offensive efficiency make him the clear choice for this light heavyweight collision. We anticipate an explosive start that leads to a definitive result for the southpaw fighter.

Weekly Newsletter

Get FightIQ picks in your inbox every week

Blog breakdowns and cashed slips, sent every Thursday morning.