At the time of the upcoming fight, the Kyrgyz fighter is in excellent shape, having achieved two consecutive finishes. His latest victory was against Azerbaijani Tofik Musaev, where he used a kimura submission, and he also knocked out Swede Jack Hermansson. Previously, in one of his bouts, the 27-year-old fighter suffered a setback, losing by split decision to Polish fighter Mateusz Rebecki.
Chris Curtis managed to secure a victory over Max Griffin in his last fight, thus ending a two-fight losing streak he experienced against Brendan Allen and Roman Kopylov.
Last year, Oralbai uulu decided to move up to the welterweight division (77 kg) from lightweight (70 kg). Curtis is also having his second fight in this new weight class, having dropped down from middleweight (84 kg).
Strengths of Myktybek Oralbai uulu
One of the key advantages of the Kyrgyz fighter is his powerful striking. Oralbai uulu has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to knock out opponents, including his recent victory over Hermansson. His strikes have also previously sent Brazilian Elves Brenner to the canvas.
Another strong point of the fighter is his aggressive fighting style. Myktybek actively pressures his opponents, utilizing low kicks and jabs, and at the right moments, he adds strong right-hand strikes. This approach allows him to control the pace of the fight.
Moreover, versatility is an important aspect of his style. Oralbai uulu is capable of effectively operating both on the feet and on the ground, offering his opponents a variety of fighting options.
His endurance is also noteworthy. In the fight against Rebecki, despite sustaining injuries and heavy bleeding, he continued to fight actively. Coach Tynchtykbek Omurzakov emphasized that Oralbai stood out with good physical condition even in the early stages of preparation.
Additionally, age may also play in favor of the Kyrgyz fighter. Oralbai uulu is 28 years old and at the peak of his career, while Curtis is already 38, which could give the Kyrgyz an advantage in speed and endurance.
Potential difficulties for the Kyrgyz fighter
The difference in stances may become one of the factors complicating the fight for Myktybek. The Kyrgyz fighter fights in an orthodox stance, while Curtis is a southpaw. Fights against southpaws often present challenges for orthodox fighters, as such opponents are encountered much less frequently in training. Interestingly, Rebecki, whom Oralbai lost to, is also a southpaw.
Furthermore, the Kyrgyz sometimes gets hit in striking exchanges, preferring to evade rather than block his opponent's attacks. Nevertheless, he is capable of taking powerful strikes, and knocking him out is not an easy task.
There is also a size difference. Oralbai previously competed in lightweight, while Curtis has fought for a long time in the middleweight division. The fighters are the same height—178 cm—but Curtis has a reach of 193 cm, while the Kyrgyz has a reach of 188 cm. This may help the American control the distance and play a role in quick exchanges of strikes. However, Myktybek has already defeated opponents with longer reaches, such as Hermansson (197 cm).
It should also be noted that after the official weigh-in, Curtis may weigh significantly more than his opponent.
Expected fight scenario
Curtis is not the toughest opponent in Oralbai uulu's career. The weight advantage may slightly complicate grappling for the Kyrgyz if the fight goes to the ground.
However, Myktybek's technical skills give hope for successful actions in grappling—he may attempt to finish the fight with a submission or choke.
On the feet, the advantage in speed and power of strikes will be with the Kyrgyz, but straightforward attacks may be risky due to Curtis's southpaw stance and his ability to counter effectively.
Fight outcome prediction
Considering age, endurance, and tactical flexibility, Oralbai uulu has a high chance of success. Myktybek will need to maintain high concentration throughout the fight.
The most likely outcome is a victory for Myktybek Oralbai uulu by unanimous decision. Bookmakers also rate the Kyrgyz as the favorite: the odds for his victory are approximately 1.3, while for Curtis's victory, they are 3.7.
