On October 5th, at UFC 307 in Salt Lake City’s Delta Center, featherweights Movsar Evloev and Aljamain Sterling are set to clash in a highly anticipated bout.
Movsar Evloev
- Record: 18-0-0
- Background: Former M-1 bantamweight champion, UFC “Fight of the Night” recipient, Master of Sports in Greco-Roman wrestling.
Movsar Evloev is a name that’s becoming increasingly familiar to MMA fans. The undefeated Russian has bulldozed through a host of wrestlers and grapplers, making it clear that Sterling’s ground game won’t intimidate him. While Sterling’s wrestling might pose a challenge, Evloev’s takedown defense and ability to control the fight are key.
In this fight, expect Evloev to keep Sterling on his toes with quick one-twos. Should Sterling throw a wide overhand, Evloev will likely slip and shoot for a takedown. He’ll mix up jabs with low kicks to close the distance, setting up for powerful right hooks. Movsar is also preparing head kicks and front kicks aimed to knock out Sterling as he ducks in.
Evloev might start wrestling in the second round, looking to outscore Sterling early on. He has the potential to shake up Sterling with strikes, followed by a body lock to press him against the cage or take him down to the canvas. On the ground, Evloev will work relentlessly to gain favorable positions for ground-and-pound, aiming to rack up points.
Evloev’s Path to Victory
Evloev’s best shot at winning is by decision. He’s quicker with his hands but likely won’t opt for an overly aggressive approach. Landing a knockout punch on the elusive Sterling will be tough, but Evloev has the tools to outscore him, even if narrowly. His wrestling might not be as dominant as in previous fights, but he has the skill set to take Sterling down and return to his feet or secure advantageous positions.
Aljamain Sterling
- Record: 24-4-0
- Background: Former UFC, CFFC, and Ring of Combat bantamweight champion, UFC “Performance of the Night” recipient, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt.
Sterling made a successful debut at featherweight in the UFC, looking bigger and stronger than in his previous division. He comfortably won three rounds against Kattar and will come into this fight with even more confidence, knowing his skills translate well against larger opponents.
What to Expect from Sterling Against Evloev
Sterling will look to pepper Evloev with low kicks and long hooks to the body. He’ll follow up with heavy overhands, and if one lands, a left hook could follow. To keep the distance, he’ll use knee strikes and front kicks, keeping Evloev at bay. Sterling will try to distract Evloev with looping punches to the head while investing heavily in brutal mid-section kicks.
Sterling might throw an elbow or a flying knee if he senses Evloev is closing in. In clinch situations, Aljamain will aim to secure a side position to latch onto Evloev’s hips and quickly transition to his back, looking to drag him to the canvas.
Sterling’s Path to Victory
Sterling is an awkward opponent who excels at sudden level changes and taking the back from almost any position. With his wrestling experience and submission skills, Sterling could catch Evloev in a choke. He’ll likely aim for a finish, knowing that Evloev can sway judges in his favor. Sterling’s cautious fighting style will make it hard for Evloev to score easily in stand-up exchanges, testing the Russian’s patience throughout the fight.
Movsar Evloev vs. Aljamain Sterling Fight Prediction
Expect plenty of exchanges right from the first round, with Evloev likely edging out the early action. The stand-up battle could transition into a cage-side grind, where Sterling’s knack for grabbing a leg or landing elbows might give him the upper hand. This fight is close, but Evloev is the slight favorite due to his speed advantage.
Sterling may not be as sharp as he was in his bout against Yan, while Evloev is expected to be in top form. He’ll outwork Sterling in the stand-up and present a formidable challenge in grappling exchanges. Evloev’s adaptability mid-fight is crucial against Sterling’s unpredictable style. While Sterling could present problems on the ground, Evloev has proven he can escape tricky situations.