JUMP TO PICKS
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
Matchup | Predicted Winner | Confidence in Winner | Predicted Method of Outcome | Confidence in Method | Fight Goes the Distance | Confidence in Distance | Summary/Rationale |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Robert Whittaker vs Ikram Aliskerov | Robert Whittaker | High (80%) | Decision | Medium (65%) | Yes | High (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 Volkov | Sergei Pavlovich | Medium (70%) | KO/TKO | Medium (60%) | No | High (80%) | Pavlovich’s power and aggressive style may overwhelm Volkov, despite Volkov’s height and reach advantage. |
Kelvin Gastelum vs Daniel Rodriguez | Kelvin Gastelum | Medium (65%) | Decision | Medium (60%) | Yes | High (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 Trocoli | Shara Magomedov | High (85%) | KO/TKO | High (75%) | No | High (80%) | Magomedov’s striking prowess and finishing ability are superior. Trocoli is durable but outmatched in skill. |
Johnny Walker vs Volkan Oezdemir | Johnny Walker | Low (55%) | KO/TKO | Medium (60%) | No | Medium (55%) | Walker’s unpredictability and explosive power could catch Oezdemir off guard, but both fighters have vulnerabilities. |
Nasrat Haqparast vs Jared Gordon | Nasrat Haqparast | Medium (70%) | Decision | Medium (65%) | Yes | High (75%) | Haqparast’s technical striking and volume should earn him a decision against the durable and gritty Gordon. |
Muhammad Naimov vs Felipe Lima | Felipe Lima | Medium (60%) | Submission | Medium (60%) | No | Medium (55%) | Lima’s ground game and submission skills are likely to be the difference against Naimov’s striking. |
Rinat Fakhretdinov vs Nicolas Dalby | Rinat Fakhretdinov | High (85%) | Decision | Medium (65%) | Yes | High (75%) | Fakhretdinov’s wrestling and control should neutralize Dalby’s striking and movement. |
Kyung Ho Kang vs Muin Gafurov | Muin Gafurov | Medium (65%) | Decision | Medium (60%) | Yes | Medium (60%) | Gafurov’s aggression and grappling may edge out a decision against the well-rounded and experienced Kang. |
Magomed Gadzhiyasulov vs Brendson Ribeiro | Magomed Gadzhiyasulov | High (80%) | KO/TKO | High (75%) | No | High (70%) | Gadzhiyasulov’s power and striking accuracy should secure a finish against Ribeiro. |
Xiao Long vs ChangHo Lee | ChangHo Lee | Medium (60%) | Decision | Medium (55%) | Yes | Medium (65%) | Lee’s striking and footwork should outpoint Xiao Long in a closely contested fight. |