Alex Pereira is currently on an incredible winning streak, but in MMA, fortunes can change quickly. Pereira will defend his light heavyweight title in the main event, marking his third time headlining in Las Vegas. His previous Vegas fights saw impressive knockouts against Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill. Now, he faces Magomed Ankalaev, the top contender in the division.
Ankalaev boasts a 13-fight unbeaten run. Despite some setbacks early in his UFC career, he is considered a deserving title challenger. Pereira, ranked No. 2 in pound-for-pound rankings, has been successful in multiple divisions. This fight is crucial for both fighters, with Pereira’s title and legacy on the line.
Will Ankalaev disrupt Pereira’s reign?
In other featured fights, Justin Gaethje will rematch Rafael Fiziev in a lightweight bout. The card also includes a matchup between lightweights Jalin Turner and Ignacio Bahamondes, strawweights Amanda Lemos facing Iasmin Lucindo, and King Green against Mauricio Ruffy in a lightweight opener.
Alex Pereira’s title reign has been exciting, making it difficult to bet against him.
While it would be exciting to see Pereira move up to heavyweight for a chance at a third division title, Magomed Ankalaev is expected to win this fight. Although many anticipate a wrestling-heavy approach from Ankalaev, relying solely on takedowns might not work against Pereira’s improved ground defense. Simply taking Pereira down won’t guarantee control.
The threat of Ankalaev’s takedown attempts will be key to his striking success. By establishing the takedown early, Ankalaev can make Pereira consider the ground game, opening opportunities for strikes. While Ankalaev is sometimes criticized for a lack of aggression in striking, he is effective at finishing when he sees an opening.
Pereira’s path to victory is clear: keep the fight standing and utilize his striking power. Every exchange on the feet puts Ankalaev at risk of a knockout. If Pereira finds his striking rhythm, Ankalaev may resort to desperate takedown attempts.
If Pereira’s title reign ends, it is predicted to be a dramatic fight. After potentially losing the initial rounds to Ankalaev’s strategy, Pereira might increase his aggression in the later rounds, only to be finished by a knockout in the fourth round.
Prediction: Ankalaev to win by knockout.
The Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev rematch is a high-level lightweight striking contest. Their first fight was very close and entertaining, and the rematch is expected to be another exciting battle between Gaethje’s direct style and Fiziev’s more varied approach. A five-round fight would have been even more anticipated.
Fiziev was considered to have won their first fight slightly, and this time, a Fiziev victory is predicted again. While a loss in a rematch might be a setback for Gaethje, Fiziev is expected to make a strong comeback.
Prediction: Fiziev to win by decision.
Jalin Turner and Ignacio Bahamondes, both large lightweights, will face each other. It’s notable that they both cut weight to face an opponent of similar size. Turner, despite recent losses, has shown potential in fights against top opponents. He has faced higher-level competition than Bahamondes so far.
Bahamondes is at a similar point in his career as Turner was previously, stepping up in competition. Turner’s superior striking and finishing ability are expected to give him an edge, leading to a first-round finish.
Prediction: Turner to win by finish.
Iasmin Lucindo’s last fight wasn’t her best performance, against a tough opponent in Marina Rodriguez. However, she showed resilience with her grappling. She is still developing, but facing Amanda Lemos will be another significant challenge. Lemos is strong both on the feet and on the ground and will not allow many mistakes.
Lemos is expected to hurt Lucindo with strikes, leading Lucindo to grapple. Lemos will be comfortable grappling and is predicted to gain an advantage and secure a submission victory.
Prediction: Lemos to win by submission.
King Green vs. Mauricio Ruffy is an exciting matchup to start the main card. Both fighters are known for their dynamic striking, and the fight is expected to be unpredictable. Ruffy’s cardio is a question mark. Can Green withstand Ruffy’s early aggression and potentially take over later in the fight, or will age be a factor for Green? Green’s recent losses have all been finishes.
Despite Green’s experience, Ruffy’s speed and athleticism are expected to be decisive factors in this matchup.
Prediction: Ruffy to win by knockout.
Preliminary Card Results:
Joshua Van defeated Rei Tsuruya
Brunno Ferreira defeated Armen Petrosyan
Carlos Leal defeated Alex Morono
Mairon Santos defeated Francis Marshall
Djorden Santos defeated Ozzy Diaz
