The Apex facility in Las Vegas is primed for a showdown at UFC 252 between Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier. The two fighters are on a collision course to potentially decide the best heavyweight in this promotion’s history. Additionally, the fight card is stacked with several critical match-ups that hold importance for their respective divisions going forward.

The main card opener will see a Bantamweight clash between John Dodson and Merab Dvalishvili. Both fighters are coming off impressive performances in the division and will be looking to stake their claim for gold. Moreover, the winner of the fight could possibly be on the right track to face off against newly minted champion, Petr Yan.

UFC 252: John Dodson vs Merab Dvalishvili

Former top contender John Dodson has faced some of the most elite fighters on the UFC roster throughout his tenure. Ever since signing with the promotion, he has faced off against only the best in the sport. He holds wins over T.J. Dillashaw, Eddie Wineland, and Pedro Munhoz, just to name a few.

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‘The Magician’ is famed for having some of the fastest hand-speed and movement in the UFC as a whole. He manages to keep a fast-paced ferocity until the final bell, coupled with significant durability. He will be particularly keen on being elusive while standing toe to toe with the Serra-Longo grappler.

Merab Dvalishvili most recently secured a decision victory over Gustavo Lopez on June 13. Chiefly, he smashed his own takedown record in the aforementioned bout by securing 13 overall takedowns. Moreover, his displays of dominance in the grappling department are points of concern for any fighter in his weight class.

Dvalishvili lives up to his moniker of ‘The Machine’ when the cage door closes, with his accuracy in close range. Additionally, he is no slouch in the striking department, being able to mix his offense effectively. He will enter the bout with a chip on his shoulder off the back of his stellar showing against Lopez.

If Merab Dvalishivli is able to land frequent leg kick on Dodson early in the fight, he should negate his movement. He will be able to unleash his varied arsenal as long as he can get into the range of the experienced veteran. A safe pick would be that the fight goes to the judges’ scorecards.

Prediction: Merab Dvalishvili to claim a unanimous decision victory.