UFC Fight Night: MacMally’s Whittaker vs Khamzat Preview
It wouldn’t be an upcoming UFC event without MacMally providing a preview for Bodog Sportsbook. So here we go…
Alright, let’s break down these UFC Saudi Arabia fights. Obviously, we would have preferred to have Whittaker vs Khamzat but let’s skip past that and talk because it’s not all doom and gloom. We have Robert Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov. This fight is a classic clash of experience versus potential. Whittaker, a former (rightful HOFer) UFC Middleweight Champion, is known for his well-rounded skills and ability to adapt to his opponents. On the other hand, Aliskerov is a rising star with a near perfect record, looking to make a name for himself at the expense of the seasoned veteran.
Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov
Whittaker’s key to victory will be his experience and ability to control the pace of the fight. He needs to use his superior striking and footwork to keep Aliskerov guessing and prevent him from finding a rhythm. Which more times than not, Bobby Knuckles is great at. If he can frustrate the young fighter early on, he might be able to wear him down and secure a late stoppage or a decision victory. Aliskerov, however, has youth and hunger on his side. He needs to use his speed and power to keep Whittaker on the backfoot and not give him a chance to settle into his game plan. If he can land a big shot early, he might be able to put the former champion away and make a statement to the rest of the division.
My pick? BOBBY KNUCKLES by 4th round stoppage.
Sergei Pavlovich vs. Alexander Volkov
Next, we have Sergei Pavlovich vs. Alexander Volkov. This heavyweight bout promises fireworks, as both fighters are known for their striking prowess and finishing ability. Pavlovich is a rising star in the division, with a string of impressive knockouts to his name. Volkov, on the other hand, is a seasoned veteran with a wealth of experience and a well-rounded skill set. He’s recently packed on a lot of muscle too. Pavlovich’s key to victory will be his power and aggression. He needs to come out swinging and put pressure on Volkov from the opening bell. If he can land a big shot early, he might be able to put the veteran away and continue his ascent up the top of the heavyweight rankings. Volkov, however, has the experience and the technical skills to weather the storm and come out on top as we’ve seen time and time again. He needs to use his reach advantage to keep Pavlovich at bay and land his own strikes when the opportunity presents itself. If he can avoid getting caught early, he might be able to wear Pavlovich down and secure a late stoppage or a decision victory. Look, this one is simple. Either Sergei hits the nuclear red button early or Volkov does what Volkov does and wins either by TKO or coasts to a Decision after Sergei spends the gas.
With that said, YOLO, I’m taking a Sergei dub by detonation.
Kelvin Gastelum vs. Daniel Rodriguez
Lastly, we have Kelvin Gastelum vs. Daniel Rodriguez. This welterweight bout is a battle of two fighters looking to get back into the win column and make a statement in the division. Gastelum is a former title challenger with a well-rounded skill set and piston of a left hand. Rodriguez is a division standout known for his striking and finishing ability. Gastelum’s key to victory will be his wrestling and ground game. For some reason, I doubt we see that though. I do a podcast with Mike Perry and Mike told me during his fight with D-Rod that his ground game and defense is better than people realize. I trust Platinum. With that said, he needs to use his takedowns to control Rodriguez on the ground and avoid getting into a striking battle with the dangerous striker. If he can land takedowns and control the pace of the fight, he might be able to secure a decision victory or even a late stoppage. Rodriguez, however, has the striking advantage and the power to put Gastelum away. He needs to use his footwork and head movement to avoid getting taken down and land his own strikes when the opportunity presents itself. If he can keep the fight standing and land a big shot, he might be able to put Gastelum away and make a statement in the division. In conclusion, UFC Saudi Arabia promises to be an exciting event, with these three fights showcasing a mix of experience, potential, and hunger. Each fighter has a unique path to victory, and it will be interesting to see how the fights play out.
All things considered, I see D-Rod using his range to keep the dangerous left hand and takedowns away and squeaking out a decision victory against Kelvin Gastelum.
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