Abus Magomedov and Michel Pereira meet Saturday on the main card of UFC on ESPN 66 at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.

Last event: 3-2

UFC main cards, 2025: 35-29-1

Abus Magomedov vs. Michel Pereira UFC on ESPN 66 preview

Magomedov (27-6-1 MMA, 3-2 UFC) aims to make it three straight. The Russian middleweight enters on the heels of a perfect 2024 campaign where he defeated Warlley Alves and Brunno Ferreira. In just his second UFC appearance, Magomedov competed in a main event against former champion Sean Strickland. Although he didn't get his hand raised, Magomedov took home a Fight of the Night award, which was his second consecutive bonus. … Pereira (31-12 MMA, 9-3 UFC) experienced a streak-snapping loss in his last appearance. In a main event against Anthony Hernandez in October, Pereira was stopped in the fifth round. The result ended an impressive eight-fight winning streak which included three stoppages and four bonus-earning performances.

Abus Magomedov vs. Michel Pereira UFC on ESPN 66 expert pick, prediction

Filling out the main card is another middleweight matchup between two potential movers in the division. Perhaps it's because Pereira possesses a nickname that sounds like a malt liquor that would rival Steel Reserve, but "The Demolidor" has proven to pack some serious power since moving back up to his more natural weight class.

Pereira is coming off a tough loss to the underrated Anthony Hernandez in what was ultimately a tough stylistic matchup for the Brazilian. However, even in defeat, Pereira was able to show some solid takedown defense and getups – skills that will likely serve him well against Abus Magomedov.

Although Magomedov has some kicks that deserve respect standing, his one-at-a-time striking style has not really progressed as much as I'd like, leaving the Russian-born German vulnerable against skilled strikers.

Not only does Pereira have the skills and power to put his opponent away, but he also has the speed that has proven to be problematic for Magomedov in the past. Add in the Brazilian's underrated guillotine and Magomedov's propensity to shoot, and I suspect that Pereira scores a club-and-sub win in Round 1.

Abus Magomedov vs. Michel Pereira UFC on ESPN 66 odds

The oddsmakers and the public favor the Brazilian fighter, listing Pereira -148 and Magomedov +120 via FanDuel.

Abus Magomedov vs. Michel Pereira UFC on ESPN 66 start time, how to watch

Magomedov and Pereira are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 10:10 p.m. ET. The fight broadcasts on ESPN 2 and streams on ESPN+.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Abus Magomedov vs. Michel Pereira pick, start time for UFC Kansas City

MMA Mixed Martial Arts News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos