Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

From the outset of his UFC career, Nasdaq ‘Dat Haqsaw’ Haqparastelum looked like a fighter destined for big things in MMA. Some of this was due to his prodigious pedigree, coming from Tri-Star, but packing the firepower and aesthetics of a Cordeiro product. Throughout his regional career, he netted eight consecutive KOs before earning his shot in the big league against the perennial underachieving (yet quite experienced) Marcin Held. Haqparast was expected to lose quite handily, but instead of simply being taken down and tapped, he tooled the Polish native on the feet, dropped him, and lost a contentious decision by being held(!) down. Despite not getting the nod, the trajectory of the two fighters couldn’t have looked more different. From there, he’s dominated or dusted everyone he’s faced. The scary thing is how complete Haqparast’s game is, despite his age and relative inexperience.

This is another roadblock for the German prospect, and a far more significant one than anything he has faced thus far. Dober isn’t elite, but he is a willing southpaw puncher who is comfortable in exchanges. Those few characteristics alone make this a thrilling contest. As the betting favorite, a lot of the stakes here are dependent less on outcome, and more on method for Haqparast.

The Better Gastelum

Nasrat Haqparast came to the UFC resembling middleweight contender Kelvin Gastelum, but at this point in time, such a comparison is insulting to the German. The broad strokes of their games are similar, in terms of being powerful southpaw boxers who lean heavily on the rear hand. However, Haqparast has shown a much deeper offensive arsenal, more defensive awareness, and a threatening, if nascent, understanding of frames and positioning in the clinch. Nasrat’s ability to float in and out of boxing range, move laterally, and then quickly counter opponents coming in means that he is surprisingly difficult to set a distance against.