Match Analysis: Nicolas Dalby vs Saygid Izagakhmaev – Prediction
Match Details
- Date: November 22, 2025
- Time: 3:45 PM UTC
- Location: ABHA Arena, Doha, Qatar
Game Overview
This welterweight bout features Nicolas Dalby, an experienced Danish veteran with 23 professional wins, facing Saygid Izagakhmaev, a highly-touted Russian prospect making his UFC debut. Dalby brings 7 UFC fights and established name recognition, while Izagakhmaev arrives as an undefeated newcomer with an impressive 22-2 record from other promotions. The matchmaking appears designed to test Izagakhmaev's mettle against established UFC competition, with oddsmakers heavily favoring the debutant.
Key Factors to Consider
- Nicolas Dalby (23-6-1, 2 NC; UFC 7-5-1, 1 NC) has experienced mixed results in the UFC, most recently suffering a stoppage loss to Randy Brown via KO in Round 2 at UFC Kansas City (April 2025). His notable wins include Muslim Salikhov, Gabriel Bonfim, and Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos. Dalby has earned 2x Fight of the Night bonuses, indicating competitive, exciting performances. Saygid Izagakhmaev (22-2) enters with an impressive record featuring notable victories over James Nakashima, Shinya Aoki, and Nikolay Aleksakhin. His only losses come outside the UFC, suggesting he has faced elite competition and overcame adversity.
- No previous meetings exist between these fighters. This represents Izagakhmaev's UFC debut, making direct statistical comparison difficult. However, Izagakhmaev's record against higher-level opposition (Nakashima, Aoki) suggests he has faced comparable or superior competition to Dalby's recent opponents.
- No injury information is available from the provided search results. Both fighters appear to be healthy and scheduled to compete.
- Izagakhmaev competes as a newcomer to the UFC, which typically involves adjustment challenges including cage familiarity, opponent scouting quality, and promotion-specific rule variations. However, his pedigree and previous high-level competition suggest he is well-prepared. Dalby fights in front of his loss, potentially creating additional motivation or psychological factors. The fight is scheduled as a preliminary bout on the UFC Qatar card headlined by Tsarukyan vs. Hooker.
- Dalby seeks redemption after his recent knockout loss and fights to maintain his UFC roster spot. Izagakhmaev enters with perfect UFC ambitions intact and an opportunity to make an immediate statement against an established opponent. For Dalby, this represents a crucial fight to demonstrate he remains competitive; for Izagakhmaev, this is a platform to validate his elite prospect status and earn respect in the UFC's welterweight division.
Odds and Predictions
| Category | Odds | Prediction | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Dalby +270 | Izagakhmaev -340 | Saygid Izagakhmaev | ★★★★☆ 75% |
| Spread | Dalby +3.5 (125) | Izagakhmaev -3.5 (-170) | Izagakhmaev -3.5 | ★★★★☆ 72% |
| Over/under | Over 2.5 (-145) | Under 2.5 (114) | Under 2.5 Rounds | ★★★☆☆ 68% |
Top EV Betting Odds
Discover the best value bets based on our EV analysis.
| Market | EV Pick |
|---|---|
| Moneyline | Saygid Izagakhmaev -4% |
| Spread | N/A |
| Over/Under | Over 2.5 27% |
🔥 Best Value Pick: Over 2.5 at 27% EV | Suggested Bet Size: 23.4% (Kelly Criterion)
Predicted Outcome
Saygid Izagakhmaev is predicted to win this matchup via decision or submission. His undefeated record, impressive victories against elite competition (Aoki, Nakashima), and superior striking/grappling combination should prove too much for a declining Nicolas Dalby. While Dalby's experience provides value, his recent knockout loss and inconsistent UFC results position him as the vulnerable underdog. Izagakhmaev's technical superiority and youth advantage are decisive factors.
Predicted Score: Saygid Izagakhmaev wins via Submission (Round 2, 3:45) or Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)