UFC 276 Preview: Will we See Another All-Time Great Fall?
- Buzzer Beater Sports
- Aug 20, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 20, 2022
Bantamweights
ODDS: Dvalishvili (-125), Aldo (+105)
Fight Preview
When a UFC legend, and the third ranked contender in Jose Aldo, is an underdog, there must be good reason. “The Machine” Merab Dvalishvili, currently on a winning streak of 7, is that reason. With Aldo being a former champion, and Merab looking as dangerous as anyone at the bantamweight level right now, this fight is certainly one to highlight on tonight’s main card.
Against Jose Aldo, Merab will have the chance to take down a UFC legend. After dropping his first 2 UFC fights, Merab has won 7 straight. Merab has looked stellar during his winning streak, with probably his best performance coming against Cody Stamann in May of 2021.
In Aldo’s last fight he put on an impressive performance against Rob Font. Aldo is currently on a 3 fight win streak against some impressive opponents. The most impressive of these three victories came against Marlon Vera at UFC Fight Night 183.
Prediction and Analysis
Merab has 63 takedowns landed in the UFC and 50 in the bantamweight division, which is an all-time record for this weight class. With this impressive record in mind, it is important to note that Merab is not a one-dimensional fighter, and he has proven his multitude of abilities during this win streak.
It is going to be interesting to see if Aldo will attempt to take Merab to the ground. Aldo’s strength is his best asset against Merab, so if Aldo tries to take Merab to the ground, he takes away one of his best ways to win the fight. Aldo, at the 135 weight, has the power and strength to knock down almost anyone in this division. Merab had some difficulty dealing with the power of Marlon Morales in his last fight, so if Aldo is able to land some heavy shots, he may be able to get Merab into trouble.
Jose Aldo has a 90% takedown defence throughout his career, but it is no question that he is out of his prime. With a win, there are few that would question giving the former 145-pound champion a title fight. For Merab, a win against one of UFC’s all-time greats will certainly put his name in the mix of title contenders in the bantamweight division.
A finish does not seem very likely in this bantamweight bout. Merab has 6 victories by unanimous decision on the current streak he is on. The last time Aldo knocked out one of his opponents was in 2019 against Renato Carneiro, and was in the featherweight division.
Prediction
Merab Dvalishvili to win by points.
By: Anthony Ametrano
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