Mansur Abdul-Malik and Dusko Todorovic meet Saturday in the main card opener of UFC Fight Night 247 at UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom. 

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Mansur Abdul-Malik vs. Dusko Todorovic UFC Fight Night 247 preview

Undefeated Abdul-Malik (6-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) makes his UFC debut in a main card opening slot. The 27-year-old Dana White’s Contender Series signee brings his unblemished record filled with finishes to the world’s premier MMA organization. Through six pro fights, Abdul-Malik has finished five opponents in the opening round, only reaching the second frame once. … Todorovic (12-4 MMA, 3-4 UFC) will look to return to .500 in the UFC while rebounding from a loss in his last outing. The 30-year-old has traded wins and losses since 2021, struggling to build momentum.

Mansur Abdul-Malik vs. Dusko Todorovic UFC Fight Night 247 expert pick, prediction

Despite having bantamweight action fights like Da’Mon Blackshear vs. Cody Stamann on the prelims, the UFC matchmakers decided to kick off the main card with a middleweight matchup between Abdul-Malik and Todorovic.

In the matchmakers’ defense, whenever they disrespectfully go against Joe Silva’s tried and true method of booking lighter-weight men’s divisions to set proper entertainment tones, they at least pick welterweight or middleweight fights that have a high potential for finishes.

And when looking at this fight between Abdul-Malik and Todorovic, it’s hard not to see a high probability of violence.

Although Abdul-Malik is still a bit green on paper, it’s not hard to see the potential that I and many others are high on. He made my prospects column in 2023 for a reason.

Todorovic will have the submission edge as the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, but I’m not sure his wrestling is good enough to secure top positions or ensure that he doesn’t end up on bottom – which could be problematic given the American’s vicious ground striking.

Add in Todorovic’s porous defense on the feet, and I can’t help but side with Abdul-Malik to force a stoppage via strikes in Round 1.

Mansur Abdul-Malik vs. Dusko Todorovic UFC Fight Night 247 odds

The oddsmakers and the public heavily favor the American fighter, listing Abdul-Malik -500 and Todorovic +360 via FanDuel.

Mansur Abdul-Malik vs. Dusko Todorovic UFC Fight Night 247 start time, how to watch

As the main card opener, Abdul-Malik and Todorovic are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 7:05 p.m. ET (4:05 p.m. PT). The fight will stream on ESPN+.

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