The UFC matchmakers are busy sending out contracts. In today’s MMA odds and ends I’ll give my thoughts on two fresh spells for UFC 237, such as a possible No. 1 contender struggle from the featherweight division, plus my initial reactions to two new bouts struggles for UFC Russia.
Jose Aldo vs. Alexander Volkanovski, UFC 237
Featherweight contenders Jose Aldo and Alexander Volkanovski are set to battle at UFC 237 in a potential title eliminator. The card happens May 11 in Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and information of this bout was initially revealed by MMA journalist Farah Hannoun. Aldo (28-4) is 10-3 in the UFC and is coming off of back-to-back knockout wins over Renato Moicano and Jeremy Stephens. Following a rough stretch which saw him get knocked out three times in four fights, Aldo appears better than ever and is making a late-career run for the belt that he once held for several years. Volkanovski (19-1) is 6-0 at the UFC and in his last bout brutally knocked out Chad Mendes. Many consider him a prospective featherweight champion, and this battle should tell us a lot about that. This is a tremendous fight, rather than an easy one to call. Aldo will likely be favored because of his title worth and Octagon experience, but Volkanovski has appeared incredible from the UFC and should be a live puppy in this bout.
Thiago Alves vs. Laureano Staropoli, UFC 237
Experienced welterweight Thiago Alves yields at UFC 237 when he takes on potential Laureano Staropoli. MMAFighting.com broke the information. Alves (23-13) is 15-10 complete from the UFC and most recently won a controversial split decision over Max Griffin. Staropoli (8-1) is riding a six-fight win series and in his UFC debut won a»Fight of the Night» bonus because of his decision win over Hector Aldana. Now you have to fade Alves and I’d favor the 26-year-old Staropoli to win this bout. But considering he’s an unknown, it’s possible he will be an underdog in this bout, so keep your eye out for him.
Sultan Aliev vs. Keita Nakamura, UFC Fight Night 149
Welterweights Sultan Aliev and Keita Nakamura are set to clash at UFC Fight Night 149, occurring April 20 at Yubileyny Sports Palace at St. Petersburg, Russia. Nakamura replaced the injured Emil Weber Meek on relatively short notice with this bout. Aliev (14-3) is just 1-2 in the UFC and most recently was finished by Warlley Alves. Nakamura (34-9-2, 1 NC) is 4-6 overall from the UFC, including a 4-3 mark in his next stint within the Octagon. In his last fight, he edged out a split decision over Salim Touahri. Both guys are going to be on the chopping block with a reduction, and this fight looks like a close one. I’d favor Nakamura slightly just because of his durability, but it could go either way.
Abdul-Kerim Edilov vs. Devin Clark, UFC Fight Night 149
A light heavyweight bout between Abdul Kerim-Edilov and Devin Clark can be slated for UFC Fight Night 149. Edilov (17-4) hasn’t fought since a September 2017 knockout win over Bojan Mihaljovic and has only 1 fight since 2015. However, he’s only 27-years-old and is now riding an 11-fight win streak dating back to 2013. He is a small wild card in 205lbs, but overall looks like a promising prospect if he could stay healthy and stay out of trouble with USADA. Clark (9-3) is 3-3 at the UFC and is coming from a barbarous TKO loss to Aleksandar Rakic. At this point it’s simply very difficult to trust that the chin of Clark, and a hard-hitter like Edilov will be favored to beat him in this battle.
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