MMA Preview – Alexander Romanov vs Blagoy Ivanov at UFC on ESPN 48
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ALEXANDER ROMANOV VS BLAGOY IVANOV FACTS
When is UFC on ESPN 48? Saturday 1st July, 2023 - 22:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC on ESPN 48? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ESPN 48? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC on ESPN 48 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC on ESPN 48? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
ALEXANDER ROMANOV VS BLAGOY IVANOV LOWDOWN
It took seven years for Alexander Romanov (16-2) to taste to defeat. Besides Juan Espino (2021 – split decision), he steamrolled through all of his UFC opponents submitting Roque Martinez (2020), Marocs Rogerio de Lima (2020) and Chase Sherman (2022) as well as knocking out Jared Vanderaa (2021). However, he is now coming off a majority decision loss to Marcin Tybura (2022) and TKO to Alexander Volkov (2023).
Blagoy Ivanov (19-5(1)) is now 3-4 in the UFC with all of those going the distance. He lost split decisions to Derrick Lewis (2019) and Augusto Sakai (2020) which could have gone either way. He responded with an inevitable unanimous decision over de Lima but is coming off a loss to Tybura back in February.
ALEXANDER ROMANOV VS BLAGOY IVANOV PREDICTION
This is a tough fight for Romanov coming off two disappointing losses. Ivanov is arguably the most durable fighter on the entire roster and should be able to withstand the onslaught until the Moldovan’s gas tank runs empty.
If the Romanov that fought Volkov turns up, Ivanov will absorb what he has to offer for the first round and then capitalize by holding position in the clinch and peppering him on the feet.
However, if pre-Tybura Romanov turns up, he has the speed and power to win the grappling exchanges and convince the judges with his damage and output. That said, this is a tough match-up for him and we feel Ivanov’s durability will force the favourite into dark waters again.
Prediction: Ivanov via Decision
Value bet: Ivanov via Decision
