Dlo’s Prediction Record 8-2
Fight 1: RDA (-170) vs. Felder (+150)
I expect this one to be a boring scrap. Both fighters like to apply exhausting pressure on the feet, so it will be interesting to see who is able to take control, in that aspect. If RDA can stay the aggressor, Felder could be in for a long night as RDA’s size and pressure can zap the gas tank of a short notice Felder. I expect RDA to utilize his hard jab and low calf kicks to keep Fleder on his back foot. RDA can pretty much march forward at will in this one without any fear of a takedown from Felder. I also expect RDA to use his high volume striking to set up some offensive wrestling. Keeping Felder guessing and off balance with the threat of the takedown.
There is a path to victory for the gritty Felder if he can find away to get RDA backing up he can do some real damage with his great kicks to the body and powerful overhand right. RDA struggles to take the correct angles oftentimes, backing straight up leaving him open to kicks, and combinations alike, as we saw against Covington and Usman. Felder is not either of those men… so while I see a way for Felder to win this fight it’s not a way I envision happening. While I commend Felder for stepping up to save the event, I think this fight belongs to RDA. I do believe it goes the distances as both men are extremely durable, I just do not see Felders gas tank holding up all 5 rounds. Look for RDA to reassert himself in the lightweight division that he once was the king of.
RDA by Unanimous Decision
Fight 2: Julian Marquez (-300) vs. Saparbek Safarov (+230)
**(FIGHT CANCELLED)** Safrov Missed Weight
This seems like the typical UFC booking of someone off Dana White’s Contender Series. A showcase fight if you will. Marquez, who looked great in earning his UFC contract and as well as choking out an established vet like Darren Stewart, is coming off a letdown in his last fight against a mediocre Alessio Di Chirico. It was a fight that many thought he won but a disappointing effort none the less. As he was taken down 4 times as well as eating more than his fair share of big shots. It will be interesting to see if he has learned to be more patient with his striking or if he continues to fall into wild brawls. This is a fight the UFC will use to remind people of what an exciting fighter Marquez is. He loves to constantly come forward and let his hands fly. Marquez leaves himself open to return fire and takedowns often, but I do not believe Safarov has the power or ground game to really make Maquez pay.
Look for Marquez to walk Safarov down before putting him down with some big shots. I just do not see any path to victory for Sararov as the betting line indicates.
Marquez by KO round 2
Fight 3: Abdul Razak Alhassan(-245) vs. Khaos Williams (+200)
This is the fight that I am most excited about, and it has the potential to be fight of the night. The line for Williams has great value as this fight is much closer than this line shows. Alhassanhas been looked at as a future title challenger but was completely out classed on the feet in his last fight. While Khaos Williams comes in off of a great performance with a first round knockout (over long time UFC vet Alex Morono). Alhassan likes to come out swinging for the fence and has absolute dynamite in his hands. All 10 of his professional wins have come by way of 1st round finish. At the same time every single fight he has had that has gotten out of the first round he has lost. If Khaos can survive the first-round barrage this will make for an excellent fight. Khaos is known to be a bit erratic on the feet falling in love with brawling to much at times and is not the most technical fighter. If he connects though it can be lights out as he has a great right hook. If he can use his reach advantage and low kicks to try and keep Alhassan off him in the 1st I see a very good path to victory in this one. My head is telling me this doesn’t get out of the first, but I love the line for Khaos Williams here. I see why the Alhassan is the favorite as he is the more technical striker of the 2 but coming off a disappointing fight there will be a lot of pressure on him to perform. I think Khaosweathers the early storm and takes over in the later rounds. I could be completely wrong but this is my dog pick for the night.
Khaos by TKO (No clue on the round)
Picks Recap:
- RDA by Decision
- Marquez by KO/TKO **(FIGHT CANCELLED)** Safrov Missed Weight
- Khaos by KO/TKO