The UFC on ABC 9 main card in Abu Dhabi features a pivotal flyweight contest between Kazakhstan’s Asu Almabayev and surging newcomer Jose Ochoa. For Almabayev, it’s a bounce-back opportunity against an aggressive, power-punching prospect making his second UFC appearance.
Asu Almabayev
Asu Almabayev (21–3) enters as the #9 ranked flyweight, bringing elite grappling and a smothering top game. A former M-1 Global interim champ, he racked up five straight UFC wins before a TKO loss to Manel Kape in March. Almabayev excels in positional control, chain wrestling, and suffocating ground pressure, with 9 career submission wins and a strong gas tank.
He’s methodical and calculated, rarely reckless, but lacks finishing power on the feet. His success depends on takedowns and neutralizing his opponents’ offense. His decision wins over C.J. Vergara, Matheus Nicolau, and Jose Johnson showcased his ability to dominate rounds with grappling-heavy control.
Asu Almabayev – Last 5 Fights:
Loss vs. Manel Kape – TKO (Retirement) – UFC FN: Kape vs. Almabayev, Mar 1, 2025
Win vs. Matheus Nicolau – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC FN: Hernandez vs. Pereira, Oct 19, 2024
Win vs. Jose Johnson – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC on ESPN, Jun 15, 2024
Win vs. C.J. Vergara – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 299, Mar 9, 2024
Win vs. Ode' Osbourne – Submission (RNC) – UFC on ESPN, Aug 5, 2023
Jose Ochoa
Jose “Kalzifer” Ochoa (8–1, 1 NC) made waves in June with a shocking 11-second knockout over Cody Durden. The 24-year-old Peruvian has seven knockouts in eight wins and brings a ferocious, fast-twitch striking style. Trained under Chute Boxe Diego Lima, Ochoa combines explosive hands with killer instinct, often overwhelming opponents early.
While his ground game remains largely untested at the UFC level, his lone loss, a decision to Lone’er Kavanagh, revealed a need for composure in prolonged grappling sequences. Still, his raw power and finishing instincts make him a threat from the opening bell.
Jose Ochoa – Last 5 Fights:
Win vs. Cody Durden – KO (Punches) – UFC on ESPN 69, Jun 14, 2025
Loss vs. Lone’er Kavanagh – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC FN: Yan vs. Figueiredo, Nov 23, 2024
Win vs. Juscelino Pantoja – Submission (Anaconda Choke) – LFA 171, Nov 3, 2023
Win vs. Jeferson Pereira – KO (Punch) – Bison Kombat 3, Sep 30, 2023
NC vs. Jhoao Ruiz – No Contest (Illegal Knee) – UWC 29, Oct 1, 2021
This fight boils down to whether Almabayev can impose his grappling before Ochoa uncorks a bomb. Ochoa’s early explosiveness is a major danger, but Almabayev is the more seasoned fighter with a deep grappling toolkit. If he avoids the early KO threat, expect him to grind Ochoa down with relentless takedowns and control.
Prediction:
Asu Almabayev def. Jose Ochoa via Decision (Unanimous) – 3 Rounds