Devin Clark vs. Azamat Murzakanov is scheduled for 3 rounds in the light heavyweight division as a featured undercard attraction for tonight's edition of UFC Fight Night from the Pechanga Arena in San Diego. Both Clark and Murzakanov are jockeying for position in the bustling division, but only one fighter will take the next step forward to face the best the weight class has to offer.
The undefeated Murzakanov is facing his most accomplished foe to date and comes in as a narrow UFC odds favorite at -150 favorite. Clark, who recently competed at heavyweight, is coming down to meet the challenge as a +130 underdog.
Check out our full fight predictions for Clark vs. Murzakanov on Saturday, August 13.
Clark vs Murzakanov fight odds
Live odds courtesy of the Covers Line, comprised of odds from multiple sportsbooks.
Clark vs Murzakanov method of victory odds
| Method of Victory | Devin Clark | Azamat Murzakanov |
|---|---|---|
| To win by KO/TKO | +500 | +155 |
| To win by Points | +300 | +460 |
| To win by Submission | +1,100 | +900 |
| Draw | +5,000 | +5,000 |
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook on August 13, 2022.
Clark vs Murzakanov picks
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.
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Clark vs Murzakanov betting preview
Devin Clark is moving down from heavyweight after a brief stop resulted in a win against William Knight last April. The TKO win snapped a two-fight losing streak, though he’s gone 3-3 since 2019. A grappler worthy of the moniker “Brown Bear,” Clark has come up short against the division’s best fighters, but has been perpetually on the cusp of a breakthrough before he takes a loss.
In addition to physical advantages in height and reach, Clark lands 3.08 significant strikes per minute at 57% accuracy and scores 2.48 takedowns per fight. His game plan revolves heavily around ground control and doesn’t seem to possess the knockout striking power or formidable submission skills found among the top tier at light heavyweight.
Azamat Murzakanov snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with a debilitating flying knee knockout of Tafon Nchukwi last March. The incredible shot preserved the Russian’s undefeated record, but he’ll need to be on his game against the more experienced Clark. Boasting tremendous striking power and ability to make on-the-fly adjustments, the 33-year-old can explode forward with quick hands and bad intentions.
In his two official bouts for the promotion, Murzakanov has landed 2.69 significant strikes per minute at 43% accuracy and averages 1.09 takedowns per fight. Of his 11 wins, eight have come by way of knockout and his average fight time in the octagon clocks in at slightly over two rounds at 6:52. His standout feature though is his impressive hand speed, which serves to set up his offense and smother his opponents at any given moment.
The big question here is how ready Murzakanov really is against a solid, proven gatekeeper. While Clark has the credentials to be a tough out on paper, he’s been finished in all but one of his six losses and will be put on the defensive due to Muzakanov’s pressure. All things considered, both of these fighters will avoid being taken down as calamity will be sure to follow.
Clark vs Murzakanov tale of the tape
| Devin Clark | Azamat Murzakanov | |
|---|---|---|
| 32 | Age | 35 |
| 6-feet | Height | 5-foot-11 |
| 223 lbs | Weight | 205 lbs |
| 75 inches | Reach | 71 inches |
| 13-6 (4 KOs) | Record | 11-0 (8 KOs) |
Clark vs Murzakanov UFC prediction and best bet
Our prediction is compiled from the analysis of the fighters and is an indication of who we are leaning with to win this bout.
Our best bet is the play that we like the most for this fight or where the most value lies, and is where we would put some of our bankroll behind.
Prediction: Murzakanov
Call it an awkward style match or lingering jitters, but we don’t see Murzakanov having the same struggles against a less dynamic opponent. It’s no oversight that Clark is seen as a gatekeeper of sorts: He doesn’t have the chin or viable ground defense when things go south for him.
In most scenarios of how this fight plays out, it just seems inevitable that Murzakanov overwhelms him up top and prevents the fight from hitting the mat.
It is a step up for Murzakanov mainly due to Clark’s resume. All of those big names though? He floundered against them. Without the risk of a one-hit KO and Clark perhaps avoiding the ground altogether, the Russian can outwork his opponent by setting up a tempo he can’t follow.
I like Murzakanov to put together a stronger performance here than he did against Nchukhi, and feel confident that he’ll pick up the victory.
Prediction: Murzakanov moneyline (-145 at DraftKings)
Best bet: Murzakanov to win by KO/TKO/DQ in Round 1
We’re expecting Murzakanov to be the stronger, faster, and more energetic fighter when these two hit the octagon. With his hand speed and apparent advantages in strength and striking power, it won’t take him long to close the distance and put some hands on the American.
As Clark is known to have issues with his durability — and more often than not crumbles under pressure — we’re banking on Murzakanov to roll in and roll out in short order. Our call for the fight is “The Professional” living up to his moniker and taking Clark out with strikes in Round 1 for +300.
Pick: Murzakanov to win by KO/TKO/DQ in Round 1 (+300 at DraftKings)
