UFC Vegas 31 Main Event Preview: Islam Makhachev vs. Thiago Moises

UFC Vegas 31 will be headlined by ranked lightweights Islam Makhachev and Thiago Moises. Coming into this main event, both fighters have a winning streak worthy of the spotlight. With the lightweight division lacking title contenders, the winner between Makhachev vs. Moises will be one step closer to their shot at UFC gold.

Before signing with the UFC, Makhachev was receiving recognition for being Khabib Nurmagomedov’s main training partner. With a pro record of 11-0, Makhachev began his UFC journey in 2015. Unfortunately, Makhachev ended up getting his first loss in only his second UFC fight. Despite the early loss, Makhachev remained focused on his quest to become a UFC champion.

Makhachev bounced back from his lone loss by winning seven straight fights. As a result of Makhachev’s win streak, the MMA world has continued to realize he is more than just Khabib’s training partner. Not only does Makhachev keep winning, but he is improving with every fight. After beating Drew Dober by third-round submission at UFC 259, Makhachev looks to make Moises his next victim.

On the contrary, Moises has the potential to not only beat Makhachev but also evolve into a champion. Training at the American Top Team MMA gym, Moises has always had world-class coaches and training partners. After building a 10-2 pro record, Moises earned his UFC contract by getting a first-round KO on the Dana White Contender Series. With the hopes of becoming a UFC champion, Moises faced adversity by losing two of his first three fights. All things considered, Moises found a way to turn his rough start around.

Despite being 1-2 in the UFC, Moises was showing massive improvements through those three fights. Suddenly everything started to click for Moises, winning his next three fights against Michael Johnson, Bobby Green, and Alexander Hernandez. Moises now finds himself with the need for a step up in competition. Beating Makhachev at UFC Vegas 31 would be the perfect way for Moises to put the entire division on notice.

UFC Vegas 31 Main Event: Islam Makhachev vs. Thiago Moises Breakdown and Prediction

Makhachev vs. Moises is a matchup between two fighters with different skills on the ground. Makhachev has adapted the Dagestani wrestling style that can smother anyone in the division. On the contrary, Moises has a BJJ background that will be intriguing to see if he ends up on his back. With that being said, both fighters have improved their striking to the point where they feel comfortable wherever the fight ends up.

In the past, Makhachev has used his relentless wrestling to dominate his opponents on the ground. Whether it be constant submissions attempts or vicious ground and pound, Makhachev is an absolute nightmare to grapple against. In contrast, Moises has faced several credentialed grapplers and will not panic if he ends up on his back due to his BJJ skills. All things considered, Makhachev vs. Moises is easily one of the hardest main events of 2021 to pick.

At the end of the day, Makhachev has the best chance to win the main event at UFC Vegas 31. His ability to finish the fight wherever it goes and maintain his cardio will ultimately be the difference-maker. Moises is extremely dangerous, but the step up in competition has come while Makhachev has begun to hit his prime. Make sure to set a reminder because this main event is a must-see fight.

Prediction: Makhachev by decision