On Sunday, 5 October, Las Vegas is once again all about the UFC. UFC 320 promises to be no ordinary event. With two title fights and a number of serious contenders on the card, this evening could determine a lot for both the light heavyweight and bantamweight divisions.
Ankalaev vs Pereira 2: rematch or confirmation?
In the main event, Magomed Ankalaev faces Alex Pereira. Their first meeting, at UFC 313, ended in a narrow victory for Ankalaev, causing Pereira to lose his title.
Since then, criticism has mounted that Pereira fought too cautiously and didn't dare let his strikes loose. Ankalaev made his feelings known this week, calling Pereira "an old kickboxer."
Yet we know the Brazilian always remains dangerous; one left hook could make the difference.
But if Pereira loses again, this could well have been his last title fight.
Dvalishvili vs Sandhagen: does the champion stick to his game?
Merab Dvalishvili is known for his relentless pressure and takedowns. Yet this week he promised that his fight against Cory Sandhagen would be "mainly a striking fight." Whether that's a smart move is debatable.
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 honest, I don't see anyone beating Dvalishvili right now. And if it really comes down to it, he'll likely take Sandhagen down again and control him to secure the win.
Prochazka vs Rountree Jr.: who moves forward?
Alongside the title fights, there's another interesting matchup: Jiri Prochazka against Khalil Rountree Jr.
Prochazka remains an unpredictable fighter who always takes risks. Rountree is in the form of his life, with hard Muay Thai and more composure in his game than ever before. The winner of this bout will likely stake a claim to a title fight.
Preview & predictions
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Ankalaev vs Pereira 2 → Pereira via KO (round 3) if he dares to let his strikes loose.
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Dvalishvili vs Sandhagen → Merab via decision, unless Cory lands a knockout.
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Prochazka vs Rountree Jr. → Rountree Jr. via TKO, but with these two you really never know.
Conclusion
UFC 320 is not only an evening of great matchups, but also one that will say a lot about the future of two divisions.
But the question running through my head: Can Pereira prove one more time that he's the most dangerous fighter, or is it now Ankalaev's time?
Full main card:
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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 watched live on HBO Max, with the main card starting at 04:00 on Sunday morning, 5 October.
P.S. Want to follow the events in a complete UFC outfit?
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