- Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev vs Rafael Cerquiera Preview
- UFC Qatar Showdown
- Location: ABHA Arena, Doha, Qatar
- Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
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On Saturday, November 22, 2025, Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev will take on Rafael Cerquiera in the Octagon at UFC Qatar. The initial betting odds feature Yakhyaev at -1200, while Cerquiera is listed at +750.
Abdul “Hunter” Rakhman Yakhyaev boasts an undefeated record of 7-0-0. At 24 years old, he competes at 205 lbs, standing 6’2″ tall with a reach of 78″. His opponent, Rafael “The Lion” Cerquiera, stands slightly taller at 6’3″ and also weighs in at 205 lbs. Cerquiera, at 35 years old, aims to improve his record of 11-3-0 and possesses an arm span of 76″. In terms of striking, Yakhyaev lands an impressive 32.00 significant strikes per minute, compared to Cerquiera’s 1.61. Yakhyaev has an accuracy rate of 88% for his strikes, while Cerquiera manages to land only 44%. Defensively, “Hunter” absorbs 2.00 significant strikes per minute, while “The Lion” takes 4.88. Yakhyaev defends against 66% of incoming strikes, whereas Cerquiera stops 36%.
| UFC Qatar Match-Up | Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev | Rafael Cerquiera |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Odds | -1200 | +750 |
| Fight Record | 7-0-0 | 11-3-0 |
| Average Fight Duration | 0:30 | 6:01 |
| Height | 6’2″ | 6’3″ |
| Weight Class | 205 lbs | 205 lbs |
| Reach | 78″ | 76″ |
| Strikes Landed per Minute | 32.00 | 1.61 |
| Striking Precision | 88% | 44% |
On the wrestling front, Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev is less proficient, executing takedowns at a rate of just 0.40 times per three rounds. He manages to take an opponent down 15% of the time and successfully defends against 85% of incoming takedown attempts. Cerquiera shares a similar takedown rate, with a success rate of 15% while defending against 40% of takedowns attempted against him. In submission attempts, Yakhyaev averages 0.3 submissions per three rounds, while Cerquiera attempts 0.6 submissions every 15 minutes.
In his last Octagon appearance, Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev faced off against Alik Lorenz, securing a victory with a punch delivered while on the ground in the first round. Lorenz connected on 1 out of 3 total strikes during that match, while Yakhyaev landed an impressive 16 out of 18 strikes. In terms of significant strikes, Lorenz hit 1 out of 3 (33% accuracy), failing to land any significant strikes to the head. Statistically, Yakhyaev showcased outstanding striking, landing 88% of his significant attempts with 13 out of 14 strikes to the head being successful. Notably, both fighters had 100% of their successful strikes thrown from a distance.
Rafael Cerquiera’s last bout was against Julius Walker, where he unfortunately lost via unanimous decision after three rounds. Walker demonstrated an accuracy of 40% in his significant strikes at a distance, while Cerquiera landed all significant strikes he attempted from that range. Cerquiera ended with 45% accuracy, landing 19 of his 42 strikes, including 15 to the head. Walker, on the other hand, landed 44 out of 62 strikes. In terms of head accuracy, Walker’s figure stood at 26 out of 43 strikes, while Cerquiera connected on 30 out of 54 total strikes he attempted during the fight.
An exciting matchup to keep an eye on is Tagir Ulanbekov versus Kyoji Horiguchi. Ulanbekov holds a record of 17-2-0, weighing 125 lbs and standing 5’7″. Ulanbekov has a southpaw stance and a reach of 70″. Horiguchi, also at 125 lbs, stands 5’5″ and carries a record of 34-5-0 (1 NC) with a reach of 66″. In takedowns, Ulanbekov averages 2.94 takedowns per three rounds, while Horiguchi manages 2.00 per 15 minutes. Striking-wise, Ulanbekov successfully lands 3.37 strikes per minute at a 49% accuracy rate. Horiguchi, in contrast, connects 45% of his strikes while landing 3.60 strikes per minute.
Additionally, Aleksandre Topuria is set to clash with Bekzat Almakhan. Almakhan enters with a record of 12-2-0, weighing 135 lbs and standing 5’7″. He adopts an orthodox stance with a reach of 68″. Topuria, also at 135 lbs and standing 5’7″, possesses a record of 6-1-0. In the takedown department, Almakhan stops 15% of attempted takedowns while succeeding 15% in his own attempts. Meanwhile, Topuria manages to execute takedowns at a success rate of 50% and defends against 85% of takedowns. Striking statistics show Almakhan absorbing 4.29 strikes per minute while only delivering 0.68 strikes. Conversely, Topuria takes 2.53 strikes per minute and lands 2.73 strikes per minute.
Who will triumph in tonight’s UFC matchup against the spread?
Prediction: Favor Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev (-1200)
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