On Sunday, October 5th, Las Vegas will once again be all about the UFC. UFC 320 promises to be no ordinary event. With two title fights and several serious contenders on the card, this evening could be decisive for both the light heavyweight and bantamweight divisions.
Ankalaev vs Pereira 2: revenge or confirmation?
In the main event, Magomed Ankalaev faces Alex Pereira. Their first meeting, at UFC 313, ended in a narrow victory for Ankalaev, resulting in Pereira's title being stripped.
Since then, criticism has been mounting that Pereira fought too cautiously and didn't dare to unleash his punches enough. Ankalaev was not shy this week, calling Pereira "an old kickboxer."
Yet we know that the Brazilian will always remain dangerous; one left hook can make the difference.
But if Pereira loses again, this could well be his last title fight.
Dvalishvili vs. Sandhagen: Will the champion stick to his last?
Merab Dvalishvili is known for his endless pressure and takedowns. Yet, this week he promised that his bout against Cory Sandhagen will be "primarily a striking fight." Whether that's a smart move remains to be seen.
Sandhagen is at his best in stand-up, with creative footwork and precision. If Dvalishvili really decides to play Sandhagen's game, it could cost him his title.
But to be perfectly honest, I don't see anyone beating Dvalishvili right now. And if he really has to, he'll probably take Sandhagen down again and control him to secure the win.
Prochazka vs. Rountree Jr.: Who Advances?
Besides the title fights, there is another interesting matchup: Jiri Prochazka vs. Khalil Rountree Jr.
Prochazka remains an unpredictable fighter who always takes risks. Rountree, on the other hand, is in the best shape of his life, with hard Muay Thai and more composure in his game than ever. The winner of this fight will likely be in contention for a title fight.
Outlook & Predictions
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Ankalaev vs Pereira 2 → Pereira via KO (round 3) if he dares to let his punches go.
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Dvalishvili vs Sandhagen → Merab by decision, unless Cory gets a knockout.
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Prochazka vs. Rountree Jr. → Rountree Jr. via TKO, but with these two, you never know.
Conclusion
UFC 320 isn't just a night of great matchups, but one that will also say a lot about the future of two divisions.
But the question that haunts me: Can Pereira prove once again that he is the most dangerous fighter, or is it now Ankalaev's time.
Full main map:
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Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira
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Merab Dvalishvili vs. Cory Sandhagen
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Jiri Prochazka vs. Khalil Rountree Jr.
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Josh Emmett vs. Youssef Zalal
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Abus Magomedov vs. Joe Pyfer
How to watch:
In the Netherlands, UFC 320 can be followed live on HBO Max, with the main card kicking off at 4:00 AM on Sunday morning, October 5.
PS Want to follow the events in a full UFC outfit?