Both Romanov and Ivanov are ranked heavyweight fighters who have contending aspirations. In this bout, a win will re-enter themselves into the top 10 status, but with a loss, they face the threat of getting cut given the perpetual defeat. This high-stakes affair for ranked fighters is unique and will certainly result in an entertaining affair.

If you’re looking to place a bet on the fights this weekend, head on over to BetUS using our special link and you’ll be eligible for a special $2,500 sign-up bonus.

Betting Odds

The commonality of styles accompanied by each having similar levels of success rationalizes the -110 price tag in each direction.

• Alexander Romanov: -140 (BetUS)
• Blagoy Ivanov: +110 (BetUS)

Special Offer: Sign up to BetUS today and get an exclusive sign-up offer worth up to $2,500

Fight Breakdown

Alexander Romanov was, not too long ago, touted as one of the most exciting heavyweight prospects on the roster. Beyond having an undefeated record, the style and dominance in the octagon of Romanov excited many fans, particularly because his style is the antithesis of so many, that is, wrestling over all else.

When Romanov is fighting his best, he shoots a tackle-like takedown early in the fight, controls his opponent, and inflicts devastating ground and pound. This style, of using a blitz, tackle tactic suits him coming in as heavy as possible come fight night, but, he has experimented with coming in light and agile in the past, and this experiment has cost him. So, I expect him to be heavy, but in shape, and if Romanov is that, then he can fight in his high-end prospect ways. If done, I do believe he will rinse and repeat the style of tackling his opponent and finishing it on the mat, but if he fails to secure an early takedown, he may need to strike to set up an angle for a shot, and the longer he strikes, the more susceptible he is with wearing damage and falling behind in the fight.

Placing importance in the grappling department is certainly important for Blagoy Ivanov as well. The difference though between him and Romanov is that where Romanov relies on athletic ability and natural strength to secure a blitz takedown, Ivanov prefers to grind his way to the ground. He does so often by pressuring his opponent the best he can, and then, getting the fight against the cage where he can slowly work his way to the ground. On paper, a pressure striker who prefers to grapple in the subpar grappling division that is the heavyweight division is highly successful, but the issue for Ivanov is that while he wants to pressure to close distance, he needs to do so through a hyper-cautious way given he is less than agile coupled with him not having the severe power threat his opponents often possess, thus making him have a cautious-pressure approach which is certainly an oxymoron.

In this fight, Ivanov will have a key advantage if he can pass the initial test of Romanov. That advantage is the ability to patiently and methodically land strikes on the feet and perform well against the cage. While the case, Ivanov will need to show the ability to stuff the unique takedowns of Romanov, and while Ivanov does have strong grappling defense, if he is tripped up and put on his back, the top game of Romanov will likely prove too much for him.

Prediction and Betting Guide

The way in which this fight will start will be largely dependent on how heavy Romanov comes into this fight. If light, I expect Romanov to strike from the outside, and then, Ivanov close distance and make this a fight against the cage. If heavy, I expect Romanov to blitz Ivanov with a tackle-like takedown. Trusting Romanov will come in heavy, I believe Romanov will indeed blitz Ivanov, and given the slow nature of Ivanov coupled with Romanov having good takedown offense early, I expect Romanov to get this fight to the mat and quickly inflict damage, which will either end the fight or allow him to find success later through a damaged Ivanov.

Pick: Romanov to win (-140 odds at BetUS)

Special Offer: Sign up to BetUS today and get an exclusive sign-up offer worth up to $2,500

The post Alexander Romanov vs. Blagoy Ivanov prediction | UFC on ESPN 48 appeared first on The Body Lock.

Chase “The Vanilla Gorilla” Sherman was recently cut from the UFC but is returning to step in, on less than a week’s notice, for this fight. Professionally, he is 15-9 with 14 knockout wins and 4 knockout losses.

Betting Odds

Romanov is a massive favorite over the late replacement, Sherman.

• Romanov: -1400
• Sherman: +850

Breakdown

Romanov is a UFC heavyweight with a style, skillset, and personality that will make him a household name if he isn’t already. Despite being listed at an average height, 6’2, and standard weight, 260, Romanov appears massive in the octagon. He uses his immense size effectively and entertainingly. On the feet, “King Kong” is serviceable; but, he has yet to face a true UFC striker. His movement is linear, often a bull-rush forward for a takedown. And his on-the-feet striking is essentially a jab that he uses to crash distance for a takedown. Put simply, in the octagon, Romanov is a wrestler who knows his path to victory is to secure the takedown and punch until the ref pushes him off or the submission opening appears. Once he gets the fight down, which he does typically with power throws and violent spear-like double legs, Romanov is as intelligent as he is dangerous. He is adept at laying heavily on his opponent, often in side control. He controls his opponent with heavy pressure so they become a stationary target. Then, more quickly than a 260-pound mammoth of a man should be able to move, Romanov often transitions into full mount. From here, he earns his “King Kong” nickname by throwing consecutive hammer fists, over and over. His opponent’s only defense is to cover up or give their back. If they cover up, Romanov implements one of my personal favorite chokes- a forearm choke. He thrusts his enormous forearm into the Adam’s Apple of his opponent, pushes his body weight into them, and crushes their windpipe. If he gets this choke, which he has 3 times in his career, the fight often ends soon after. Then, after the fight, Romanov will celebrate by throwing his coach around like a toddler throws an action figure.

Sherman is courageous for taking this fight. Even while still in the UFC and with a full training camp, this fight seems incredibly lopsided. Now, Sherman is coming off the street and only has a few days to prepare. Sherman’s biggest issues, and the reasons for his 3-fight losing streak that led him to be cut, are Romanov’s strengths. Sherman has good length but rarely fights behind a jab; instead, he foregoes his reach advantage and looks for a brawl in the pocket. Further, Sherman’s chin has not held up to UFC heavyweight power and he’s been finished by knockout 4 times. Lastly, despite weighing in around 250 pounds, Sherman is a lean heavyweight who often looks undersized in the division. The old cliché, a “puncher’s chance,” is all Sherman has going for him here. Sherman does have a heavy right hand; and, if he can land it on the chin, has shown an ability to finish fights. With his lack of distance control, size, and training camp, it’s unlikely we get to see that right hand land.

Prediction

Romanov should maul Sherman. Sherman earns a lot of props for taking this fight on short notice and it might earn him another contract; but, it will likely end violently and quickly. Look for Romanov to rush Sherman immediately, throw him down, and finish him soon after. The only question is whether it will be a “King Kong” knockout or submission.

Prediction: Romanov to win in round 1

The post UFC Fight Night 205: Alexander Romanov vs. Chase Sherman prediction, betting odds, preview appeared first on The Body Lock.