The MMA world leader returns to pay-per-view this weekend with a rock-solid UFC 320 card that will feature a pair of championship matchups.
In the night’s headliner, UFC light heavyweight king Magomed Ankalaev defends his belt for the first time against the man he took it from in March, Alex Pereira. In the co-main event, UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili aims for a third straight successful defense of his gold when he takes on fan-favorite Cory Sandhagen.
Ahead of Saturday’s event, we offer up a round of bold UFC 320 picks for the top matchups this weekend.
Joe Pyfer (-250) vs. Abus Magomedov (+205)
Outside of a decision loss to skilled veteran Jack Hermansson last year, Joe Pyfer has had an impressive run inside the Octagon. Posting a 5-1 record in the promotion. It is why he is a solid favorite over former PFL fighter Abus Magomedov. However, this won’t be an easy fight on Saturday for the American.
After back-to-back losses to elite middleweights, the Russian has won three straight, including his most recent against Michel Pereira. Magomedov is a dangerous fighter with finishing abilities, but “Bodybagz” is bigger, younger, and has faced better competition during his career.
- Prediction: Pyfer by unanimous decision
Josh Emmett (+390) vs. Youssef Zalal (-520)
After winning seven-straight — in and outside the UFC — 23-fight veteran Youssef Zalal gets his biggest fight yet at UFC 320 when he takes on top-10 stalwart Josh Emmett. A few years ago, Emmett would have been a solid favorite, but at 40, having lost three of his last four, he enters the bout as one of the biggest underdogs on the main card.
“The Moroccan Devil” is hitting his prime at the right time at the right time while Emmett is on a steep decline. However, his strength is grappling, and his opponent will be hard to ground. Meaning Emmett will have chances to use his dangerous power. Look for Zalal to be cautious, look for well-timed takedowns, and grind out a decision.
- Prediction: Zalal by unanimous decision
Jiří Procházka (-198) vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. (+164)
The matchup a lot of fans are looking forward to at UFC 320 is the light heavyweight clash between former champion Jiri Prochazka and one-time title-challenger Khalil Rountree. Beyond being a clash of elite strikers, it is a pick-em because they both have clear advantages.
“BJP” has length, big power, and unpredictable striking. However, he can be hit, takes risks, and Rountree is the faster fighter. Prochazka is the bigger name, but the styles clash seems to fit better for a more technical fighter like Rountree.
- Prediction: Rountree by TKO, Round 2
Merab Dvalishvili (-410) vs. Cory Sandhagen (+320)
Dvalishvili has proven to be one of the UFC’s most dominant champions. In three title bouts, he has only been truly pushed in a few rounds. He doesn’t have amazing technique, but his striking is rock-solid, his wrestling is good, he is relentless, and he has the best gas tank in the UFC. That is why it is a tough matchup for Sandhagen.
Could “Sandman” score a win at UFC 320? For sure, he is a very skilled fighter. But he isn’t a strong wrestler, and Dvalishvili is not easy to submit. So Sandhagen can’t just lie on his back with the champ in his guard and give away rounds. Plus, Sandhagen’s great gas tank won’t be as useful late in the fight against a guy with the best cardio in the company. There is a reason the champ is a big favorite before the fight.
- Prediction: Dvalishvil by unanimous decision
Magomed Ankalaev (-265) vs. Alex Pereira (+215)
Most assumed that Ankalaev’s route to a win at UFC 313 would be with a lot of grappling. However, he scored no takedowns on Pereira in his win over the Brazilian in the spring. He stood up with one of the best strikers in the company and won. He could do the same again on Saturday night, or switch things up and use the high-level grappling he does have.
Rematches are always tougher for the loser because they have to figure out the right changes to achieve success the second time around. Furthermore, at 38, sooner or later Father Time will start sapping more from Pereira’s abilities. The former champion could win at UFC 320. However, it just seems unlikely.
Expect the champ to retain and Pereira to leave the division and move up to heavyweight if he doesn’t decide to retire.
- Prediction: Magomedov by submission, Round 3
Bonus UFC 320 Prediction: Patchy Mix (-325) vs. Jakub Wikłacz (+260)
The former Bellator stars who have made the jump to the UFC over the last year have gotten mixed results. Promotion icon Pitbull Freire has split his first two. Austin Vanderford got a good win in his debut in February, while Aaron Pico was brutally knocked out this summer. Patchy Mix also lost in his first UFC fight in June.
He has the pressure of getting a good win, but also proving the defunct promotion did have elite talent. Fortunately, he gets a favorable matchup at UFC 320. Jakub Wikłacz is a dangerous grappler, but Mix is the perfect blend of wrestling and jiu-jitsu. Or he could stuff his foes’ takedowns and turn things into a standup fight where he has an advantage. Expect a bounce-back win on Saturday.
- Prediction: Mix by unanimous decision
