Preview: UFC Des Moines Prelims

Middleweights

Azamat Bekoev (19-3, 1-0 UFC) vs. Ryan Loder (7-1, 1-0 UFC)

ODDS: Bekoev (-395), Loder (+310)

Loder gets his first post-reality show test here. The 2024 middleweight winner, Loder follows in the tradition of wrestlers finding success on “The Ultimate Fighter.” A collegiate wrestler who pivoted to mixed martial arts at age 30, Loder had a quick and clean rise through the ranks that culminated in a stoppage win over Robert Valentin to earn his UFC contract in August. Loder has some knockout power in his back pocket, so he has the solid base to make a bit of a run despite his age. Bekoev makes for a solid first benchmark to see exactly where Loder stands. Bekoev is an interesting fighter, as despite nearly a decade of experience and a highly successful regional career, he’s not quite the wrecking machine that you would expect. Bekoev can run through the occasional opponent—such as Zachary Reese in his UFC debut in January—but as an undersized fireplug, his fights can often devolve into his mashing into his opponent with inconsistent success. To his credit, Bekoev is absolutely dogged, even when things aren’t going well, so this should wind up as a tough fight for each man. However, the read is that Loder has enough physicality to come out ahead in a fight that could involve a whole lot of wrestling. The pick is Loder via decision.

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