The UFC heads to Las Vegas this weekend for the first pay-per-view since August, headlined by a rematch between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira for the light heavyweight throne. While in the co-main, Merab Dvalishvili faces arguably his biggest threat to his bantamweight title in Cory Sandhagen. We take a look at my best bets on the bumper card below, with odds thanks to Neds!
UFC320 Predictions & Tips
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira
Ankalaev and Pereira first went toe-to-toe in March, where the Brazilian was slightly favoured to get his hand raised. In the end, Ankalaev scored a narrow unanimous decision victory.
Now, just more than six months on, Ankalaev is a large favourite. That’s because despite not being able to get ‘Poatan’ down, he kept the Brazilian on the back foot and won a striking battle against one of the most feared strikers in the sport.
However, despite this, I am backing Pereira to get his belt back this weekend.
I believe the Brazilian was too hesitant to walk forward, given the threat of the takedown in their first fight. But after feeling Ankalaev out and seeing his unorthodox striking, I am confident he can make the necessary adjustments to win the rematch. Back Pereira to get another stoppage win this weekend.
Alex Pereira by KO/TKO
$3.90 (2 Units)
Merab Dvalishvili vs. Cory Sandhagen
The co-main is a cracking fight, being somewhat overlooked due to Dvalishvili’s recent domination. But the truth is, his opponent, Sandhagen poses the toughest challenge to the Georgian to date. Sandhagen is not a trash talker nor the most lethal knockout or submission threat, but he is uniquely dangerous due to the fact that he can finish a fight from anywhere.
Dvalishvili has two defences to his name this year alone, one over Umar Nurmagomedov and the other against former champ Sean O’Malley. However, this is stylistically his hardest by far.
His cardio and pressure were too much for his last two foes, but Sandhagen is as dangerous on the ground and in the clinch as he is in space and is also incredibly durable and fit.
Dvalishvili will be feeling invincible right now and understandably so, but one lapse in concentration this weekend will cost him his belt. And with great odds around for the ‘Sandman’, he is where the smart money should be going this weekend.
Cory Sandhagen to win
$4.00 (2 Units)
Abus Magomedov vs. Joe Pfyer
Rounding out the event full of cracking underdogs is Abus Magomedov, who faces the incredibly raw Joe Pyfer. Pyfer has great punching power and is an undoubted talent, but he still has so many holes in his game.
He beat Kelvin Gastelum last time out, but it was hardly impressive. And now he faces a Dagestani fighter capable of going with him on the feet and with an X-Factor submission game. Magomedov also has a reach advantage, which should help him control the action on the feet and always has his wrestling to fall back on if he needs to.
Abus Magomedov to win
$2.96 (3 Units)
