UFC Fight Night: Font vs Garbrandt will see a lightweight clash between Rafael Alves and Damir Ismagulov in the lightweight division.
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The Brazilian, Alves, will make his promotional debut against Ismagulov. He previously fought in Dana White’s Contender Series.
The Russian, Ismagulov, will make his fourth walk to the Octagon when he fights Alves. He is undefeated in the UFC and is currently on a 17-fight winning streak in his career.
The former M-1 Global lightweight champion has earned 3 decision wins in his UFC career so far. Alex Gorgees, Joel Alvarez, and Thiago Moises have all fallen short to the Russian.
As for Alves, he is currently on a 5-fight winning streak in his career. He managed to get a guillotine choke in his appearance at the Dana White’s Contender Series.
The 30-year-old has an overall professional record of 19-9. 7 T/KO and 7 submission finishes rack up to his finishing tally of 14.
As for the 30-year-old Ismagulov, he has 13 finishes in his career so far. 12 T/KO and 1 submission win rack up those numbers for him. However, he hasn’t fought in almost 2 years. Ismagulov holds an outstanding professional record of 22-1.
Rafael Alves vs Damir Ismagulov: Analysis
Ismagulov is an exceptional talent. He has the potential to be a UFC lightweight champion. However, his long lay-off might have halted his progress a bit in the lightweight division of the UFC. He has defeated some really good opponents in his career unlike his opponent Alves.
Alves, on the other hand, is a former Titan FC world champion. But the opponents he has faced in his career are nowhere near the level to that of Ismagulov. And that might be a deciding factor in this contest.
It’s hard to imagine Alves finding a way to beat Ismagulov. The Russian should be able to outstrike his opponent through all 3 rounds.
Ismagulov should be able to get the better of ‘The Turn‘ in all 3 rounds and manage to get a 30-27 unanimous decision in his favor.
Final Prediction: Damir Ismagulov by unanimous decision.
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