The lightweight division is unquestionably one of the deepest, most-talent rich divisions in the sport, running in a three-horse race alongside the weight classes on either side of it — featherweight and welterweight. That depth and the constant ascent of new names and new contenders into the spotlight and towards the rankings make it easy for talented competitors to brushed aside by bigger names and prospects with more buzz.
Mustafaev is one of those talented competitors, as he enters his bout against Brad Riddell on Saturday with a 17-2 record overall, a 3-1 mark inside the Octagon, and coming off a brilliant first-round stoppage win over Rafael Fiziev last time out.
Part of the reason the skilled standout from Dagestan has fallen under the radar is that his last outing was his first appearance in more than two years, but after a Performance of the Night-winning turn in Saint Petersburg last April, he is certainly one to keep closer tabs on going forward, starting this weekend in Auckland.
An action fighter who has never been to a decision in his career, the 31-year-old earned a pair of quality wins before suffering his lone UFC to loss to perennial contender Kevin Lee, and following his blistering effort against Fiziev with a comparable performance against City Kickboxing’s Riddell would merit a significant step up in competition next time out.
While lightweight is always bristling with talent and competitors jockeying for position throughout its ranks, Mustafaev has previously exhibited top end potential and is definitely someone to watch this weekend and beyond.