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Two undefeated prospects put their perfect records on the line when Bilal Hasan faces Nilson Rojas on the UFC Fight Night 286 main card Saturday at the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center in Shanghai, China.
Both fighters will make their UFC debuts, but Hasan enters the matchup as a massive betting favorite following his impressive performance on Dana White's Contender Series earlier this month.
Bilal Hasan vs. Nilson Rojas Preview
Bilal Hasan (9-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) arrives in the UFC with an unbeaten professional record and plenty of momentum.
Hasan earned his UFC opportunity with a contract-winning performance on Dana White's Contender Series just over two weeks ago. The quick turnaround means he will step back into competition almost immediately as he looks to make a successful Octagon debut.
Before earning his UFC contract, Hasan gained valuable experience competing on the regional scene, including appearances in CFFC, a promotion known for producing fighters who eventually make the jump to the UFC.
Nilson Rojas (9-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) is also undefeated and will be making his first UFC appearance.
The Peruvian prospect enters the fight after compiling three consecutive victories in Peru's Inka MMA promotion. Rojas has demonstrated considerable punching power during his rise and represents an intriguing addition to the UFC flyweight division.
However, the level of competition he has faced makes it difficult to determine exactly how his skills will translate against UFC-caliber opposition.
Bilal Hasan vs. Nilson Rojas Prediction
This is an unusually difficult matchup to assess considering both fighters are undefeated UFC newcomers and the fight was put together on relatively short notice.
Rojas appears to possess dangerous power and could make Hasan pay for any mistakes in the striking exchanges. His boxing-heavy approach gives him a clear route to causing problems if he can establish his range and force Hasan into prolonged exchanges.
Hasan, however, appears to have several advantages.
The undefeated prospect has already been tested against stronger regional competition and his southpaw stance could create significant problems for the more conventional boxing style of Rojas.
Hasan's ability to attack from different angles should also give him opportunities to target the body, particularly if Rojas becomes overly focused on defending punches upstairs.
There is still considerable uncertainty surrounding both fighters at UFC level, which makes this a potentially volatile matchup despite the lopsided betting odds.
Hasan nevertheless looks like the more polished and proven prospect entering Saturday's fight. Expect him to use his southpaw striking, movement and body attacks to gradually break Rojas down.
Prediction: Bilal Hasan to win by second-round TKO.
Bilal Hasan vs. Nilson Rojas Odds
Bilal Hasan enters UFC Fight Night 286 as an overwhelming betting favorite.
According to FanDuel, the odds are:
Bilal Hasan: -870
Nilson Rojas: +520
Those numbers make Hasan one of the strongest favorites on the card, with Rojas entering his UFC debut as a significant underdog.
Bilal Hasan vs. Nilson Rojas Start Time and How to Watch
Bilal Hasan vs. Nilson Rojas is scheduled to open the UFC Fight Night 286 main card at the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center.
The fighters are expected to make their walk to the Octagon at approximately 6:10 a.m. ET, although the exact timing will depend on the duration of the preliminary fights.
UFC Fight Night 286 will stream live on Paramount+.
