The UFC returns to Las Vegas on Saturday the 5th of October (early hours of Sunday the 4th in South Africa) with a blockbuster card featuring two title fights and a high stakes light heavyweight clash. The event takes place at the T-Mobile Arena, headlined by the rematch between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira for the light heavyweight championship. We take a closer look at the main event and two key supporting bouts on the Main Card from a betting perspective below.
Click here to bet on the full fight card
MAGOMED ANKALAEV vs ALEX PEREIRA
Light Heavyweight – Main Event – Title Fight
Magomed Ankalaev comes into this rematch as the reigning champion after dethroning Alex Pereira with a unanimous decision victory back in March at UFC 313. With a record of 12 wins, 1 loss, and 2 draws, the Russian has proven himself one of the most consistent and technically sound fighters in the division.
His striking fundamentals, defensive technique, and ability to dictate tempo make him a difficult puzzle to solve, while his wrestling threat adds an extra layer to his game. Notably Ankalaev has not lost a fight since 2018, and he will be determined to continue this run of form.
Alex Pereira, the former two-division champion, is still among the most dangerous strikers in the sport. The Brazilian knockout artist owns highlight-reel finishes over names like Israel Adesanya and Jiri Procházka, and despite the setback against Ankalaev earlier this year, he remains a constant trouble with his power and precision.
Pereira enters this contest motivated to reclaim the light heavyweight crown and prove that his aggressive style can overcome Ankalaev’s disciplined approach. It is important to note that prior to the title fight loss against Ankalaev he had defended the title 3 times.
BETTING – click here to bet
Ankalaev 1.37
Pereira 3.20
PREDICTION:
This rematch puts Pereira’s knockout power against Ankalaev’s patience and control. Although I feel Ankalaev will aim to repeat his showing at the first meeting, I think Pereira will come in aggressive and find a knockout victory.
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MERAB DVALISHVILI vs CORY SANDHAGEN
Bantamweight – Co-Main Event – Title Fight
Merab Dvalishvili has stormed his way to the top of the bantamweight division, currently holding the title with a remarkable 13-2 record. The Georgian fighter is renowned for his relentless pace, wrestling dominance, and seemingly endless gas tank.
With recent victories over Sean O’Malley and Umar Nurmagomedov where he defended his belt, Dvalishvili has cemented himself as the man to beat at 135lbs. His grinding style often leaves opponents exhausted and he will no doubt put in a huge performance this weekend.
Cory Sandhagen, representing the USA, is a slick, versatile striker with a proven ability to handle five-round wars. Possessing a 11-4 record, Sandhagen has beaten elite names such as Marlon Vera, Rob Font, and Frankie Edgar, while pushing the likes of Petr Yan and TJ Dillashaw to their limits.
His movement, creativity, and ability to adjust mid-fight make him a dangerous challenger, and he comes into this bout looking to shock the champion by keeping the fight standing and using volume striking, just as he did in his recent round 2 knockout triumph over Deiveson Figueiredo when they clashed in May.
BETTING – click here to bet
Dvalishvili 1.25
Sandhagen 4.00
PREDICTION:
Sandhagen’s footwork and striking versatility will give him windows of success, but the question remains whether he can stop the takedowns over five rounds. Dvalishvili’s relentless chain wrestling and cardio edge make him the clear favourite here. I am expecting the champion to grind out another hard-fought unanimous decision win.
JIŘÍ PROCHÁZKA vs KHALIL ROUNTREE JR.
Light Heavyweight – Main Card Bout
Jiří Procházka, the former champion from Czechia, enters this fight with a record of 5 wins and 2 losses under the institution. Known for his unorthodox striking, wild style, and durability, Procházka remains one of the most entertaining fighters in the division.
Since returning from injury, he has rebuilt momentum with decision wins over Aleksandar Rakić and he beat Jamahal Hill in the 3rd round via knockout in his latest fight which took place in January, he will be eager to position himself for another title shot with a statement victory here.
Khalil Rountree Jr, fighting out of the USA, brings a UFC record of 9 wins, 5 losses and a singular draw and has been on a career resurgence as of late. The powerful striker has won six of his last seven fights, including an impressive unanimous decision victory over Jamahal Hill in June when he last fought.
Rountree thrives on forward pressure and heavy kicks, and while his style is less diverse than Procházka’s, his knockout threat and durability cannot be ignored.
BETTING – click here to bet
Procházka 1.53
Rountree 2.63
PREDICTION:
This fight will be full of action. Rountree has the power to cause major problems, but Procházka’s unpredictability and ability to fight through chaos give him the edge. I expect a back-and-forth battle with Procházka eventually landing something decisive to score a stoppage win in the later rounds.
SUGGESTED BETS:
Ankalaev vs Pereira
Pereira by knockout at 3.50
Dvalishvili vs Sandhagen
Dvalishvili by decision at 1.53
Procházka vs Rountree
Procházka by knockout at 2.05
All 3 of my selections to land works out to 10.97
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but subject to change.
