UFC Fight Night: Jung vs Ige- Aleksei Oleinik vs Sergey Spivak: Prediction and Analysis

The co-main event for UFC Vegas 29 sees a heavyweight clash between Aleksei Oleinik and Sergey Spivak. Both men are fringe top 15 contenders with Spivak placed just outside the rankings. A win over Oleinik would bring Spivak right at the illustrious top 15 positions of the UFC’s heavyweight division.

The weight class is as exciting as it’s ever been with Francis Ngannou at the helm as the newly minted champion. Furthermore, the entry of Jon Jones into the division has gone a long way in spicing things up. Both men are ways away from a spot in the title landscape, however, a win would go a long way.

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UFC Vegas 29: Aleksei Oleinik vs Sergey Spivak

Oleinik is on a downward spiral as of late and is coming into his fight against Spivak on a two-fight skid. He was violently stopped via strikes in both his recent defeats and his durability has come into question as of late. A defeat to a rising up and comer could spell the end for him in terms of making a run at the title.

Oleinik comes in with unorthodox striking that is mostly used to mask the takedown and grappling control strategy. He’s quite bullish with his TD attempts and can pull off submissions from virtually any position. ‘The Boa Constrictor’ has won 48 fights via submission and his ability to clamp up an Ezekiel choke is second to none in the UFC.

Sergey Spivak is on a two-fight win streak and won his last contest against Jared Vanderaa via TKO. ‘The Polar Bear’ has tremendous upper body strength and uses it effectively in both the striking and grappling departments. From neck cracks to triangle attempts against the cage, Sergey Spivak is a veteran grappler in his own fight.

However, he’ll look to take advantage of Aleksei Okeinik’s subpar striking skillset as the fight enters the latter stage. What’s more, Oleinik isn’t too defensively responsible, leaving plenty of room to set up traps. The fight will likely be contested at close range and the stronger man will probably dictate the pace.

Prediction: Aleksei Oleinik to claim a unanimous decision victory

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