UFC Fight Night Preview: In-Depth Analysis and Predictions For June 22, 2024

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Welcome to our comprehensive breakdown of the upcoming UFC Fight Night. We’ve analyzed each matchup in detail, considering fighters’ stats, past performances, and styles. Our predictions are based on a careful assessment of each fight, aiming to provide you with insights and informed picks.

Main Card Breakdown

Robert Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov

Fighter Stats:

  • Robert Whittaker
  • Record: 24-6-0
  • Height: 6’0″
  • Reach: 73.5″
  • Striking Accuracy: 42%
  • Takedown Accuracy: 34%
  • Ikram Aliskerov
  • Record: 14-1-0
  • Height: 6’0″
  • Reach: 74″
  • Striking Accuracy: 48%
  • Takedown Accuracy: 50%

Analysis:
Robert Whittaker, the former middleweight champion, brings a wealth of experience and striking proficiency to this bout. His ability to blend striking with takedowns makes him a formidable opponent. Aliskerov is a rising star with a solid record, but he lacks the same level of competition exposure as Whittaker. Whittaker’s experience and versatile skill set give him a significant edge.

Prediction: Robert Whittaker by Decision


Sergei Pavlovich vs. Alexander Volkov

Fighter Stats:

  • Sergei Pavlovich
  • Record: 17-1-0
  • Height: 6’3″
  • Reach: 84″
  • Striking Accuracy: 55%
  • Takedown Defense: 73%
  • Alexander Volkov
  • Record: 35-10-0
  • Height: 6’7″
  • Reach: 80″
  • Striking Accuracy: 57%
  • Takedown Defense: 68%

Analysis:
Pavlovich’s aggressive style and knockout power are his primary weapons. Volkov, with his height and reach, poses a unique challenge. However, Pavlovich’s ability to close the distance and land powerful strikes could overwhelm Volkov, who has shown susceptibility to power punchers in the past.

Prediction: Sergei Pavlovich by KO/TKO


Kelvin Gastelum vs. Daniel Rodriguez

Fighter Stats:

  • Kelvin Gastelum
  • Record: 17-8-0
  • Height: 5’9″
  • Reach: 71.5″
  • Striking Accuracy: 43%
  • Takedown Accuracy: 37%
  • Daniel Rodriguez
  • Record: 17-3-0
  • Height: 6’1″
  • Reach: 74″
  • Striking Accuracy: 50%
  • Takedown Accuracy: 60%

Analysis:
Gastelum’s wrestling and experience against top-tier opponents give him a tactical advantage. Rodriguez is a strong striker, but Gastelum’s ability to mix takedowns with striking could neutralize Rodriguez’s offense. Gastelum’s resilience and versatility are likely to earn him a decision victory.

Prediction: Kelvin Gastelum by Decision


Shara Magomedov vs. Antonio Trocoli

Fighter Stats:

  • Shara Magomedov
  • Record: 8-0-0
  • Height: 6’2″
  • Reach: 77″
  • Striking Accuracy: 48%
  • Takedown Accuracy: 80%
  • Antonio Trocoli
  • Record: 12-4-0
  • Height: 6’5″
  • Reach: 78″
  • Striking Accuracy: 46%
  • Takedown Accuracy: 50%

Analysis:
Magomedov’s striking and finishing ability are his key strengths. Trocoli is durable but lacks the same level of technical striking. Magomedov’s precision and power are likely to secure a knockout victory.

Prediction: Shara Magomedov by KO/TKO


Johnny Walker vs. Volkan Oezdemir

Fighter Stats:

  • Johnny Walker
  • Record: 19-7-0
  • Height: 6’6″
  • Reach: 82″
  • Striking Accuracy: 44%
  • Takedown Accuracy: 100%
  • Volkan Oezdemir
  • Record: 18-6-0
  • Height: 6’2″
  • Reach: 75″
  • Striking Accuracy: 46%
  • Takedown Accuracy: 22%

Analysis:
Walker’s unpredictability and explosive power make him a dangerous opponent. Oezdemir, a seasoned striker, will need to be cautious. While both fighters have knockout power, Walker’s athleticism and reach could give him the upper hand in a striking battle.

Prediction: Johnny Walker by KO/TKO


Prelims Breakdown

Nasrat Haqparast vs. Jared Gordon

Fighter Stats:

  • Nasrat Haqparast
  • Record: 14-5-0
  • Height: 5’10”
  • Reach: 72″
  • Striking Accuracy: 45%
  • Takedown Accuracy: 17%
  • Jared Gordon
  • Record: 19-5-0
  • Height: 5’9″
  • Reach: 68″
  • Striking Accuracy: 50%
  • Takedown Accuracy: 40%

Analysis:
Haqparast’s technical striking and volume should enable him to outpoint Gordon, who is known for his durability and grit. Haqparast’s speed and precision will be crucial in securing a decision win.

Prediction: Nasrat Haqparast by Decision


Muhammad Naimov vs. Felipe Lima

Fighter Stats:

  • Muhammad Naimov
  • Record: 8-1-0
  • Height: 5’8″
  • Reach: 70″
  • Striking Accuracy: 50%
  • Takedown Accuracy: 33%
  • Felipe Lima
  • Record: 10-1-0
  • Height: 5’7″
  • Reach: 69″
  • Striking Accuracy: 54%
  • Takedown Accuracy: 45%

Analysis:
Lima’s ground game and submission skills could be the decisive factor against Naimov’s striking. While Naimov is a competent striker, Lima’s versatility and grappling ability may lead to a submission victory.

Prediction: Felipe Lima by Submission


Rinat Fakhretdinov vs. Nicolas Dalby

Fighter Stats:

  • Rinat Fakhretdinov
  • Record: 20-2-0
  • Height: 6’0″
  • Reach: 75″
  • Striking Accuracy: 52%
  • Takedown Accuracy: 40%
  • Nicolas Dalby
  • Record: 20-4-1
  • Height: 5’11”
  • Reach: 74″
  • Striking Accuracy: 43%
  • Takedown Accuracy: 36%

Analysis:
Fakhretdinov’s wrestling and control should neutralize Dalby’s striking. Dalby is known for his movement and striking, but Fakhretdinov’s ability to dictate the pace with his wrestling should earn him a decision win.

Prediction: Rinat Fakhretdinov by Decision


Kyung Ho Kang vs. Muin Gafurov

Fighter Stats:

  • Kyung Ho Kang
  • Record: 17-9-0
  • Height: 5’9″
  • Reach: 73″
  • Striking Accuracy: 40%
  • Takedown Accuracy: 58%
  • Muin Gafurov
  • Record: 17-4-0
  • Height: 5’7″
  • Reach: 68″
  • Striking Accuracy: 43%
  • Takedown Accuracy: 50%

Analysis:
Gafurov’s aggression and grappling skills may give him the edge against the experienced Kang. While Kang is well-rounded, Gafurov’s pace and wrestling could secure a decision victory.

Prediction: Muin Gafurov by Decision


Magomed Gadzhiyasulov vs. Brendson Ribeiro

Fighter Stats:

  • Magomed Gadzhiyasulov
  • Record: 9-0-0
  • Height: 6’3″
  • Reach: 80″
  • Striking Accuracy: 50%
  • Takedown Accuracy: 45%
  • Brendson Ribeiro
  • Record: 13-3-0
  • Height: 6’2″
  • Reach: 78″
  • Striking Accuracy: 47%
  • Takedown Accuracy: 40%

Analysis:
Gadzhiyasulov’s power and striking accuracy should secure a finish against Ribeiro, who is a durable but less technical fighter. Gadzhiyasulov’s aggressive style and precision will be key.

Prediction: Magomed Gadzhiyasulov by KO/TKO


Xiao Long vs. ChangHo Lee

Fighter Stats:

  • Xiao Long
  • Record: 5-2-0
  • Height: 5

‘8″

  • Reach: 69″
  • Striking Accuracy: 45%
  • Takedown Accuracy: 30%
  • ChangHo Lee
  • Record: 6-1-0
  • Height: 5’7″
  • Reach: 68″
  • Striking Accuracy: 50%
  • Takedown Accuracy: 35%

Analysis:
Lee’s striking and footwork should help him outpoint Long in a closely contested fight. Both fighters are skilled, but Lee’s technical striking and movement may give him a slight advantage.

Prediction: ChangHo Lee by Decision


Picks Summary

MatchupPredicted WinnerConfidence in WinnerPredicted Method of OutcomeConfidence in MethodFight Goes the DistanceConfidence in DistanceSummary/Rationale
Robert Whittaker vs Ikram AliskerovRobert WhittakerHigh (80%)DecisionMedium (65%)YesHigh (75%)Whittaker’s experience and striking skills give him an edge. Aliskerov is tough but lacks the same level of competition exposure.
Sergei Pavlovich vs Alexander VolkovSergei PavlovichMedium (70%)KO/TKOMedium (60%)NoHigh (80%)Pavlovich’s power and aggressive style may overwhelm Volkov, despite Volkov’s height and reach advantage.
Kelvin Gastelum vs Daniel RodriguezKelvin GastelumMedium (65%)DecisionMedium (60%)YesHigh (70%)Gastelum’s wrestling and experience at a high level should help him control Rodriguez, who is a strong striker but less versatile.
Shara Magomedov vs Antonio TrocoliShara MagomedovHigh (85%)KO/TKOHigh (75%)NoHigh (80%)Magomedov’s striking prowess and finishing ability are superior. Trocoli is durable but outmatched in skill.
Johnny Walker vs Volkan OezdemirJohnny WalkerLow (55%)KO/TKOMedium (60%)NoMedium (55%)Walker’s unpredictability and explosive power could catch Oezdemir off guard, but both fighters have vulnerabilities.
Nasrat Haqparast vs Jared GordonNasrat HaqparastMedium (70%)DecisionMedium (65%)YesHigh (75%)Haqparast’s technical striking and volume should earn him a decision against the durable and gritty Gordon.
Muhammad Naimov vs Felipe LimaFelipe LimaMedium (60%)SubmissionMedium (60%)NoMedium (55%)Lima’s ground game and submission skills are likely to be the difference against Naimov’s striking.
Rinat Fakhretdinov vs Nicolas DalbyRinat FakhretdinovHigh (85%)DecisionMedium (65%)YesHigh (75%)Fakhretdinov’s wrestling and control should neutralize Dalby’s striking and movement.
Kyung Ho Kang vs Muin GafurovMuin GafurovMedium (65%)DecisionMedium (60%)YesMedium (60%)Gafurov’s aggression and grappling may edge out a decision against the well-rounded and experienced Kang.
Magomed Gadzhiyasulov vs Brendson RibeiroMagomed GadzhiyasulovHigh (80%)KO/TKOHigh (75%)NoHigh (70%)Gadzhiyasulov’s power and striking accuracy should secure a finish against Ribeiro.
Xiao Long vs ChangHo LeeChangHo LeeMedium (60%)DecisionMedium (55%)YesMedium (65%)Lee’s striking and footwork should outpoint Xiao Long in a closely contested fight.