Maheshate Hayisaer vs Viacheslav Borshchev 5/20/2023 Picks, Analysis and Previews
The second fight on the Main Card at UFC Fight Night 223 will see Maheshate take on Viacheslav Borshchev. The battle will be a fight in the UFC lightweight division. Maheshate comes into this fight with an MMA record of 9-2. He is 2-1 in the UFC, most recently losing to Rafa Garcia unanimously in December 2022. Maheshate is averaging 2.59 significant strikes per minute and has a striking accuracy of 25%. He is absorbing 3.33 strikes and has an impressive defense of 54%. He has no grappling ability and has a takedown defense of just 45%.
Maheshate, only 23, also earned his path to the UFC through a Dana White’s Contender Series win; Maheshate’s came via decision. Since then, Maheshate has fought two fighters, both named Garcia. He won his debut with a first-round knockout but dropped the next fight via unanimous decision.
Borshchev comes into this fight with an MMA record of 6-3. He is 2-2 in the UFC, most recently losing to Mike Davis unanimously in October 2022. Borshchev is averaging 3.36 significant strikes per minute and has a striking accuracy of 58%. He is absorbing 3.29 strikes and has an impressive defense of 50%. He will likely not be looking to grapple, having not landed a takedown in the UFC, and he only has a takedown defense of 31%.
Borshchev is a decent-sized favorite in this fight, but his inconsistencies in the UFC likely make him too risky to back outright. Borshchev has seen his last two fights go the distance, while Maheshate has seen 2 of his last 3 UFC fights do the same. Therefore, backing this fight to go the distance will be our play.
Maheshate Hayisaer vs Viacheslav Borshchev 5/20/2023 Picks, Analysis and Previews
Viacheslav “Slava” Borschev, 31, earned a UFC contract with a knockout win on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2021. Following that win, Borschev again won via impressive knockout in his debut a few months later in 2022. Continuing his momentum, Borchev fought another two times in 2022. However, he lost both fights via unanimous decisions.
Maheshate, only 23, also earned his path to the UFC through a Dana White’s Contender Series win; Maheshate’s came via decision. Since then, Maheshate has fought two fighters, both named Garcia. He won his debut with a first-round knockout but dropped the next fight via unanimous decision.
Maheshate Hayisaer vs. Viacheslav Borshchev. Maheshate is only 23 years old, so significant improvements from fight to fight are expected. He could show up with an improved jab, better footwork, and a toned-down game plan where he combines his natural power with more selectivity in his shots. Think Johnny Walker last week. However, don’t expect that to happen for a 23-year-old kid once they start to trade leather. Borschev has the experience and technique to cut angles, dictate space and pace, and counter the overzealous Maheshate for as long as the fight lasts. So long as Borschev doesn’t have a mental lapse at the wrong moment or come out cold to start the battle, “Slava” will get back in the win column with a fun fight.
The Pick: Viacheslav Borschev to win
Event: UFC Strawweight Fight Night 233
Date: Saturday, May 20, 2023
Time: 10:00 PM ET
Location: UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada
TV: ESPN+
