MMA Match Preview: Keiichiro Nakamura (7-1) vs. Sebastian Szalay (10-1)
The Road to UFC Season 4 featherweight finale pits Japan’s Keiichiro Nakamura (7-1-0) against Australia’s Sebastian “Seb” Szalay (10-1-0) in a 3-round bout to determine the tournament champion and earn a UFC contract. Nakamura, a well-rounded fighter with strong grappling and finishing instincts, looks to cap his impressive bracket run by outworking the hometown favorite Szalay, who brings technical striking, durability, and crowd energy to secure his spot on the UFC roster. This matchup contrasts Nakamura’s experience and power against Szalay’s precision and home advantage, potentially leading to a decision in a tactical affair or a finish if either capitalizes on openings in what serves as a high-stakes prelim bout for UFC glory.
Venue Location
The fight will be held at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. This 21,000-capacity multi-purpose arena is a staple for UFC events in the region, known for its electric atmosphere and passionate local crowds.
Ring walks are scheduled for 5:00 PM ET (2:00 PM PT / 9:00 AM AEDT local time on February 1). Prelims follow at 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PT / 11:00 AM AEDT), and the main card at 9:00 PM ET (6:00 PM PT / 1:00 PM AEDT on February 1). As a prelim bout (Road to UFC finale), cage walks for Nakamura vs. Szalay are expected around 7:30-8:00 PM ET (4:30-5:00 PM PT / 11:30 AM-12:00 PM AEDT). The event streams live on Paramount+ worldwide.
Injury Report
No injuries have been reported for either fighter leading into UFC 325. Both advanced through their Road to UFC brackets without setbacks and completed full training camps. Nakamura has shown durability in his recent wins with no lingering issues, while Szalay enters healthy after a unanimous decision victory in his semifinal.
Fighter Matchups
This Road to UFC featherweight finale contrasts Nakamura’s well-rounded experience and power with Szalay’s technical precision and home advantage, creating a competitive clash at 145 pounds.
Keiichiro Nakamura (5’10”, orthodox, age 37): A veteran with strong grappling, Nakamura excels in takedowns, ground control, and transitions. His style suits opportunistic finishes, with solid cardio and striking to set up wrestling. Weaknesses include vulnerability to quicker strikers if kept at range.
Sebastian Szalay (5’7″, orthodox, age 31): A technical fighter with good footwork and counters, Szalay uses jabs and movement to outpoint aggressive foes. His experience in decisions shows durability, but he can be overwhelmed by relentless grapplers.
Key Stylistic Clash: Nakamura’s wrestling pressure and finishes vs. Szalay’s striking and defense. Nakamura must secure takedowns early; Szalay needs to keep it standing for counters.
Strengths/Weaknesses: Nakamura’s experience (8 fights) and finishing (second-round KO in quarterfinal) favor him in a grind; Szalay’s home advantage in Australia and unanimous decisions offer potential to outbox if he stuffs takedowns.
X-Factor: Szalay’s Australian roots and crowd support could energize him; if Nakamura exploits any debut-like nerves, his grappling shines.
Recent Form
Nakamura enters with momentum from his bracket, while Szalay has consistent decision wins.
Keiichiro Nakamura (Last 5: W-W-L-W-W):
August 22, 2025: Win vs. Kaiwen (Road to UFC semifinal).
Prior: Second-round knockout vs. Eoh Jin Park (quarterfinal).
Form Notes: 4 wins in last 5; strong finishing with grappling.
Sebastian Szalay (Last 5: W-W-W-W-W):
August 22, 2025: UD vs. Baergeng Jieleysi (Road to UFC semifinal).
Prior: Unanimous decision wins leading to finale.
Form Notes: Undefeated in last 5; durable with decisions.
| Fighter | Last 5 Record | Finish % | Avg. Rounds Last 5 | Key Stat |
| Keiichiro Nakamura | W-W-L-W-W | 50% | ~2.0 | Grappling finisher |
| Sebastian Szalay | W-W-W-W-W | 0% recent | ~3.0 | Decision durable |
Fight History
This is the first meeting between Nakamura and Szalay, as part of the Road to UFC Season 4 finale. No shared opponents; Nakamura’s Japanese path meets Szalay’s Australian run in a fresh featherweight matchup for a UFC contract.
FIGHT ODDS
Keiichiro Nakamura + 110
Sebastian Szalay – 120
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 30, 2026
