10 Major Predictions For UFC 225: Whittaker Vs. Romero 2
4. Andrei Arlovski Vs. Tai Tuivasa
Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski recovered from a five-fight losing streak to defeat Junior Albini in November 2017, and followed up with a decision win over Stefan Struve at UFC this past March. If he overcomes Tai Tuivasa, he'll claim sole ownership of the all-time UFC heavyweight wins record he currently shares with Frank Mir, but while moving to American Top Team has helped the ageing Arlovski develop a smarter fighting style, this will be a tall order.
Tuivasa is young, hard-hitting, and charismatic. A potential star in the Heavyweight division, he has made a flying start to his UFC career, putting Cyril Asker and Rashad Coulter to sleep in his first two fights. Arlovski is a step up, but the Australian has never gone out of the first round. It's his fight to lose.
Grappling provides Andrei's most obvious pathway to victory. If he can take Tuivasa down and seize top control early, perhaps he'll stand a chance. His chances are slim, though. If Tai touches that chin, 'The Pitbull' is in deep, deep trouble...
Prediction: Tai Tuivasa via first-round TKO.