UFC Fight Night 136 takes place tomorrow night in Moscow, Russia and you can see our predictions for all the fights below.
Main Card
Mark Hunt vs. Alexei Oleinik
Two opposing gameplans are sure to be in place here, with both of these heavyweights being deadly in different aspects of the sport.
Of course Hunt’s fistic firepower is world renowned and he has decent takedown defense, which will be needed against Oleinik, who doesn’t have the same name value as his opponent, but his record speaks for itself with a staggering 46 submissions throughout his long career providing ample evidence that he’ll be looking to engage ‘The Super Samoan’ on the mat.
The problem for Oleinik is that he’s also been stopped by strikes numerous times throughout his career, and Hunt will be hurling heavy leather at him at every opportunity as he tries to close the distance, and I think that’s going to lead to a knockout for the New Zealander inside of the first five minutes.
Mark Hunt to win by KO in Rd1.
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Nikita Krylov vs. Jan Blachowicz
After leaving the UFC for lucrative fight opportunities in Russia, Krylov now returns with four wins under his belt and immediately goes up against an in-form Blachowicz, who has compiled a trio of wins inside the Octagon.
Krylov is an all-offense fighter with an excellent finishing record, with his high output on the feet having led to numerous stoppage victories, while he actually has even more finishes on the mat by submission.
Blachowicz is a more controlled, slower paced fighter, but he’s starting to come out of his shell a little more with his striking and he has good wrestling too. Nonetheless, I feel it’s Krylov’s pace, pressure and volume that’s going to be the difference here, and though it’s possible Blachowicz’s durability will enable him to hear the final bell, I’m going for a second round TKO stoppage.
Nikita Krylov to win by TKO in Rd2.
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Andrei Arlovski vs. Shamil Abdurakhimov
Arlovski is now 39-years-old, but despite all the wars he’s been through his passion for fighting still remains and so despite a setback last time out he’s returning to the Octagon yet again, and this is a bout he has a solid chance of getting back to winning ways in.
Abdurakhimov is no spring chicken himself, but he’s fairly well-rounded for a heavyweight, with solid kickboxing and grappling being the main hallmarks of his game.
He’s not an especially hard-hitter though, which is good news for Arlovski’s somewhat questionable chin, and so ‘The Pitbull’ should have the power as well as the speed advantage here, and I think that, coupled with his superior technique should help him outstrike his opponent to earn a decision victory.
Andrei Arlovski to win by decision.
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Thiago Alves vs. Alexey Kunchenko
Alves appearances in the Octagon have been sporadic over the past few years and his form has been just as patchy, with the former title contender just not appearing to be quite the offensive force he once was, nor as durable either.
That’s a concern heading into this fight, as though Kunchenko is a UFC newcomer, he holds an 18-0 record and is a dangerous muay thai striker in his own right with a string of stoppage victories to his name.
Several years ago when Alves was in his prime this may have been a different fight, but as things stand Kunchenko is the fresher, hungrier, more dangerous fighter here and I think he will prove it with a TKO stoppage inside of the first ten minutes.
Alexey Kunchenko to win by TKO in Rd2.
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Prelims
C.B. Dollaway vs. Khalid Murtazaliev
Petr Yan vs. Jin Soo Son
Kajan Johnson vs. Rustam Khabilov
Desmond Green vs. Mairbek Taisumov
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Marcin Prachnio
Jordan Johnson vs. Adam Yandiev
Ramazan Emeev vs. Stefan Sekulic
Merab Dvalishvili vs. Terrion Ware
