Match Analysis: Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev vs Raffael Cerqueira – Prediction
Match Details
- Date: 2025-11-22
- Time: 5:30 PM UTC
- Location: ABHA Arena, Doha, Qatar
Game Overview
This light heavyweight MMA bout features undefeated debutant Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev (7-0) facing experienced but winless-in-UFC Raffael Cerqueira (11-3, 0-3 UFC). The fight is part of UFC Fight Night: Tsarukyan vs. Hooker, marking UFC's first event in Qatar. Yakhyaev is favored by bookmakers due to his undefeated record, discipline, cardio, and grappling superiority, while Cerqueira looks to redeem his UFC struggles.
Key Factors to Consider
- Yakhyaev enters with a perfect 7-0 record, demonstrating finishing ability with early round KOs, submissions, and strong grappling. Cerqueira has more professional fights (11-3) but has struggled in UFC bouts (0-3), indicating difficulty adapting at elite level. Yakhyaev’s versatility strikes and grappling are seen as superior.
- No prior matchups between Yakhyaev and Cerqueira exist, making this their first encounter.
- No reported injuries or fitness issues for either fighter prior to the bout.
- The fight takes place in Doha, Qatar, which is UFC’s debut event location, possibly favoring Yakhyaev’s conditioning and mental preparedness as he fights under expected peak shape and discipline.
- Yakhyaev is motivated to secure a strong UFC debut and maintain undefeated status, boosting his career trajectory. Cerqueira is driven to overcome his UFC losing streak and prove he belongs at this level.
Odds and Predictions
| Category | Odds | Prediction | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | home: -1350, away: 800 | Yakhyaev win | ★★★★☆ 85% |
| Spread | home: -7.5 -800, away: 7.5 450 | Yakhyaev to win by more than 7.5 points (dominant finish) | ★★★★☆ 80% |
| Over/under | over: 1.5 230, under: 1.5 -315 | Under 1.5 rounds (early finish expected) | ★★★★☆ 75% |
Top EV Betting Odds
Discover the best value bets based on our EV analysis.
| Market | EV Pick |
|---|---|
| Moneyline | Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev 737% |
| Spread | N/A |
| Over/Under | Under 1.5 -21% |
🔥 Best Value Pick: Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev at 737% EV | Suggested Bet Size: 92.1% (Kelly Criterion)
Predicted Outcome
Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev is predicted to win by early TKO or ground-and-pound dominance, likely in the first round, leveraging his superior cardio, discipline, and grappling to control and finish Cerqueira.
Predicted Score: Yakhyaev wins via TKO/KO Round 1