Nick Klein vs Andrey Pulyaev: Odds, Analysis & AI Pick

Nick Klein vs Andrey Pulyaev fight analysis

Introduction

The middleweight showdown between Nick Klein and Andrey Pulyaev is set to ignite the Preliminary Card of UFC Fight Night: Albazi vs Taira on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the UFC APEX facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. This pivotal clash is scheduled to kick off at 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT (22:00 UTC) and will be broadcast live across major pay-per-view platforms and UFC’s digital channels. Both men will be looking to bounce back from tough debuts under the UFC banner, making this a must-watch encounter for fight fans and bettors alike.

Entering the Octagon, Andrey Pulyaev (9-3-0) arrives from Chita, Russia, carrying a perfect blend of power and precision in his striking arsenal. Pulyaev impressed early on with his 58% significant striking accuracy and a deadly finish rate—5 of his 9 wins have come in the very first round, showcasing his ability to end fights quickly. After dropping a unanimous decision to Christian Leroy Duncan in his promotional debut this past March, Pulyaev is determined to restore momentum and prove that his elite 86% takedown defense can keep the fight standing on his terms.

On the other side stands Nick Klein (6-2-0), a rising American prospect out of Plymouth, Massachusetts, known for his relentless pace and grappling pedigree. Klein stormed through regional circuits with 4 first-round finishes before arriving in the UFC, where he suffered a second-round TKO loss to Mansur Abdul Malik in February. Despite that setback, he still boasts a respectable 60% striking accuracy complemented by a 20% takedown success rate, and has demonstrated an exceptional ability to control opponents on the mat when the fight hits the canvas. At 29 years old, Klein is entering his prime and is determined to bounce back on home soil.

The betting lines reflect just how evenly matched this bout has become. At BetOnline.ag, Pulyaev holds a slight edge as the -112 favorite, while Klein trails closely at -108, making this one of the tightest middleweight matchups on the entire card. Oddsmakers have seen their lines shift marginally over the past 24 hours—Pulyaev’s price has eased from -125 to -112, whereas Klein has swung from +105 to -108, signaling substantial action on both sides.

With contrasting fighting styles—Pulyaev’s explosive early offense versus Klein’s measured grappling approach—this bout promises a captivating chess match for three hard-fought rounds. Will the Russian knockout specialist strike early, or will the American wrestler impose his will and grind out a decision victory? Strap in, because Nick Klein vs. Andrey Pulyaev is poised to deliver fireworks and set the tone for an electrifying night of UFC action.

Live odds

Live and historic odds as well as more fighter statistics and insights for Nick Klein vs Andrey Pulyaev can be found on the fighter matchup page. All the fighter matchups and live odds for Taira vs Park can be found on the Taira vs Park event page.

Matchup & Fighter Profiles

Andrey Pulyaev Profile

Age: 27
Country: Russia
Fighting Style: MMA striker with high-level takedown defense

Recent Form

Pulyaev (9-3-0) made his UFC debut on March 22, 2025, dropping a unanimous decision to Christian Leroy Duncan after three competitive rounds. Prior to that setback, he rode a six-fight win streak on the regional circuit, finishing all six opponents—five in the first round. His last five outings:

• Win – 1st-round TKO (regional)
• Win – 1st-round submission (regional)
• Win – 2nd-round KO (regional)
• Win – 1st-round KO (regional)
• Loss – March 2025 vs. Duncan (decision)

Strengths

• Finishing Power: 5 first-round stoppages in 9 wins (56% early finish rate).
• Striking Accuracy: Lands significant strikes at 58%, one of the highest in the division.
• Takedown Defense: Stellar 86% success in keeping fights standing, neutralizing grapplers.
• Experience Under Pressure: Solid composure in deep waters despite limited UFC mileage.

Weaknesses

• Takedown Offense: Just 17% success on his own takedowns, making him vulnerable if out-wrestled.
• Cardio Questions: Average fight time is 15:00, indicating he often gasps in later rounds.
• Defensive Lapses: Allows opponents to land 48% of their significant strikes, which can accumulate over three rounds.

---

Nick Klein Profile

Age: 29
Country: United States
Fighting Style: Freestyle wrestler with evolving striking

Recent Form

Klein (6-2-0) earned four first-round finishes while storming through the North American circuit. In his UFC debut on February 22, 2025, he was stopped by Mansur Abdul Malik via 2nd-round TKO. His last five outings:

• Win – 1st-round submission (regional)
• Win – 1st-round TKO (regional)
• Loss – Feb 2025 vs. Abdul Malik (TKO, R2)
• Win – 1st-round KO (regional)
• Win – 1st-round submission (regional)

Strengths

• Grappling Control: 20% takedown accuracy coupled with a relentless pace; once he’s on you, he stays there.
• Finish Instinct: 4 of 6 wins via first-round stoppage, showcasing killer instinct early.
• Striking Precision: 60% significant strike accuracy, the highest output among rising middleweights.
• Explosive Offense: Average fight time of just 4:31, indicating he brings a fast start every time.

Weaknesses

• Takedown Defense: Defends only 67% of takedown attempts—Pulyaev’s wrestling prowess could exploit this.
• Durability Concerns: Absorbs 53% of significant strikes (47% defense), and was tagged repeatedly before the finish in his last bout.
• Experience Gap: Only one UFC appearance leaves questions about his ability to adjust mid-fight at the highest level.

---

This clash pits Pulyaev’s explosive striking and tenacious takedown defense against Klein’s grappling aggression and precise offense. Each fighter’s key strengths aim to target the other’s vulnerabilities, setting the stage for a dynamic, three-round middleweight battle.

Fight Odds & Line Movement

Current Betting Odds

As of the latest update, the middleweight matchup between Andrey Pulyaev and Nick Klein is one of the tightest lines on the card. At BetOnline.ag, Pulyaev sits as the -112 favorite, while Klein is pegged at -108. The slim four-point gap underscores just how evenly matched oddsmakers view these two prospects.

• Favorite: Andrey Pulyaev (–112)
• Underdog: Nick Klein (–108)
• Best Sportsbook: BetOnline.ag currently offers the sharpest lines for this bout, with consistently updated odds and competitive juice.

Line Movement & Odds History

Early action on this fight saw dramatic shifts on both sides, suggesting heavy money and changing perceptions among sharp bettors:

Andrey Pulyaev (BetOnline.ag)

• Opening (2025-07-23 19:29 ET): +145
• 2025-07-23 19:40 ET: –105
• 2025-07-24 03:01 ET: –125
• Latest (2025-07-24 07:49 ET): –112

Nick Klein (BetOnline.ag)

• Opening (2025-07-23 19:29 ET): –170
• 2025-07-23 19:40 ET: –115
• 2025-07-24 03:01 ET: +105
• Latest (2025-07-24 07:49 ET): –108

Key Takeaways:

• Pulyaev opened as a +145 underdog, quickly attracting sharp bets that flipped him to favorite status within hours.
• Klein began as a solid –170 favorite, only to see money pour in on Pulyaev, pushing Klein’s line all the way to plus-money (+105) before settling at –108.
• These swings point to large wagers and possible insider confidence in Pulyaev’s game plan, despite his 0-1 UFC record.

Betting Payouts & Implied Probabilities

For a hypothetical $1,000 wager at these lines, here’s what you’d collect if your pick hits:

• Bet on Pulyaev (–112):
  • Profit: $893
  • Total Payout: $1,893
  • Implied Win Probability: ~52.8%

• Bet on Klein (–108):
  • Profit: $926
  • Total Payout: $1,926
  • Implied Win Probability: ~51.9%

Despite being labeled the favorite, Pulyaev’s payout is slightly lower due to shorter juice; yet Klein’s near-even line still offers a marginally higher return. The negligible difference in implied probabilities emphasizes just how razor-thin this contest is in the eyes of bookmakers.

---

Overall, the line movement suggests respect for Pulyaev’s finishing ability and defensive prowess, while Klein’s fluctuating status indicates uncertainty about his adaptability at the UFC level. Whether you lean toward the powerful Russian striker or the relentless American grappler, BetOnline.ag’s current lines remain the most attractive avenue for punters looking to get value on both sides.