MMA Preview – Rafael Alves vs Nurullo Aliev at UFC Vegas 70
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RAFAEL ALVES VS NURULLO ALIEV FACTS
When is UFC Fight Night 220? Saturday 25th February, 2023 - 22:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 220? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 220? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC Fight Night 220 on? BT Sport 2
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 220? 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!
RAFAEL ALVES VS NURULLO ALIEV LOWDOWN
Rafael Alves (20-11) is 1-2 in the UFC but his losses were to Damir Ismagulov (2021) who he took to a decision and Drew Dober (2022) who he lasted three rounds with until a piercing shot to the body ended his night. That experience will only make him a better fighter and with a submission over Marc Diakiese in the bank, we know he is capable of a lot more in the UFC.
Now, he has been tasked with welcoming Nurullo Aliev (8-0) to the octagon. After a successful amateur career, the Tajikistani compiled seven wins before appearing on the Contender Series in September last year. He met Josh Wick and could not of had a better night, mauling and TKOing him in the first round.
RAFAEL ALVES VS NURULLO ALIEV PREDICTION
This is another incredibly tough fight for Alves and he does not even have much to gain as Aliev is not as well known as his previous opponents. That said, when you get compared to Khabib Nurmagomedov, you know you are a top prospect.
Alves is a quality fighter. He is an aggressive striker from a Muay Thai background and a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. However, the great equalizer to these skills is elite wrestling. If Aliev can weather the early storm, he has the ability to subdue the Brazilian and drain the gas tank.
A first round knockout for Alves is worth a punt considering the odds but we are backing Aliev despite being unproven against top competition. We expect his wrestling to earn a decision at least and depending how much he can fatigue Alves, he can pound his way to a TKO.
Prediction: Aliev via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value bet: Alves via KO/TKO
