UFC Fight Night: Shevchenko Vs. Carmouche 2 Predictions

4. Volkan Oezdemir Vs. Ilir Latifi

What do you get when you've got two light heavyweights with devastating knockout power battling for relevancy within their division? Hopefully fireworks, as heavy handed 205lbers Volkan Oezdemir and Ilir Latifi do battle. This is a fight that has fallen apart at the last minute a number of times, but we're finally going to see which one of these gentlemen can extend their stay in the top 15 of their weight class.

Oezdemir has the most to prove out of the two, as the Swiss kickboxer is currently on a three-fight skid. His striking has always been exceptional and he can knockout most fighters at 205lb if given the chance. However, his weaknesses continue to be extremely evident. His lack of grappling defense and poor cardio seem to be his achilles heel and it could prove to be his undoing against Latifi.

Although Latifi has the power to knock Oezdemir out, the smart idea would be for the Swede to utilise his wrestling and wear him out. It's been proven that Oezdemir loses a large amount of his power and explosiveness after one round, so Latifi will most likely use his strong wrestling base to control Oezdemir and take away his ability to strike with him.

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Contributor

Co-host of The Ill-Informed Podcast, jiu-jitsu fiend, MMA lover, movie fan, anime nerd, music snob.