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We proceed our predictions and picks for the UFC Baku Major Card with this next bout going down within the Middleweight (185) Division. Russia’s Ikram Aliskerov will tackle Brazil’s Brunno Ferreira in a can’t-miss scrap with a possible rating on the road. Check our UFC odds series for the Aliskerov-Ferreira prediction and pick.
Ikram Aliskerov (17-2) is 4-1 contained in the UFC since 2023, most recently beating JunYong Park via unanimous decision his last day out. He’s now notched back-to-back wins since falling to former champ Robert Whittaker in 2024, attempting to string together wins and rebuild himself for a title run. Aliskerov stands six feet tall with a 76-inch reach.
Brunno Ferreira (15-3) comes into his tenth UFC fight since 2023 with a 6-3 record. After notching three-straight victories highlighted by a unanimous win over Marvin Vettori, he fell to Gregory Rodrigues in the primary round of his most up-to-date bout. Now, Ferreira looks to ascertain momentum once more as he searches for an underdog win. He stands 5-foot-10 with a 72-inch reach.
UFC Baku Odds, courtesy of DraftKings.
UFC Baku Odds: Ikram Aliskerov-Brunno Ferreira Odds
Ikram Aliskerov: -305
Brunno Ferreira: +245
Over 1.5 rounds: -110
Under 1.5 rounds: -120
Why Ikram Aliskerov Will Win
- Last Fight: (W) JunYong Park – U DEC
- Last 5: 4-1
- Finishes: 7 KO/TKO, 5 SUB
Ikram Aliskerov took a step back after his loss to Robert Whittaker, nevertheless it’s price noting that was just the third fight of his UFC stint as a former Contender Series product. Clearly, it’s taken a while for Aliskerov to properly come into his own as he’s since taken care of Andre Muniz and JunYong Park in dominant fashion. If he can notch a couple of more wins under his belt, Aliskerov might be more dangerous in facing ranked opposition this second time around.
Aliskerov is dangerous anywhere the fight takes place and his calm, regular demeanor could be very deceptive once he starting shooting for takedowns and letting his hands fly. He’s greater than comfortable in a three-round stand-up striking fight, but he could see added success if he’s in a position to offensively wrestle Ferreira right down to the bottom. Aliskerov’s ground-and-pound is a few of the most effective on this division, so do not be surprised if he’s in a position to finish the fight from there after hurting Ferreira.
Either way, Aliskerov can have to have a way of urgency as Ferreira will likely be bringing the motion to him. Aliskerov should look to stay disciplined defensively as Ferreira will likely be drawing him to take part in a brawl. If Aliskerov takes his time and picks his shots methodically, he should prove to be the rather more expert fighter.
Why Brunno Ferreira Will Win
- Last Fight: (L) Gregory Rodrigues – KO (straight right, R1)
- Last 5: 3-2
- Finishes: 9 KO/TKO, 5 SUB
Brunno Ferreira has all his momentum halted by Gregory Rodrigues in his last fight as he couldn’t escape the primary round on a count of Rodrigues’ aggressive striking. The loss broke a three-fight winning streak for Ferreira, the longest of his UFC tenure as he was on the cusp of breaking through into the top-15 rankings. A win here would bode greatly for his confidence and will put erase the blunder against Rodrigues that got here right down to one clean punch.
Brunno Ferreira is a devastating striker in his own right and has wasted no time in closing the space and meet opponents head-on along with his power striking. He’s actually not afraid to resist damage and have interaction in a brawl, but his last knockout loss could bring a few more conservative approach for him heading into this one. Aliskerov also doesn’t push an incredible pace, so Ferreira could easily settle right into a striking rhythm where he’s most dangerous.
Ferreira can even be a threat on the bottom and while Aliskerov is dominant along with his 60% takedown accuracy and 100% takedown defense, Ferreira could threaten with the guillotine choke if Aliskerov is not careful in covering his head. Either way, Ferreira must have a dangerous answer for every part Aliskerov throws at him.
Final Ikram Aliskerov-Brunno Ferreira Prediction & Pick
Ikram Aliskerov is the rightful favorite on this bout and his ability to bounce back from the Robert Whittaker loss has shown great maturity and a willingness to evolve his skill set. He’s facing a dangerous striker in Ferreira, but Aliskerov must have all of the answers on the feet and in top position if he’s in a position to find it.
Still, Brunno Ferreira can change the course of a fight with one punch and Aliskerov’s margin for error will likely be razor-thin throughout this whole fight. On the bottom, Ferreira will likely be a dangerous threat along with his jiu jitsu from the underside, so do not be surprised if we see one other armbar attempt as he’s been successful with it previously.
Still, we’ll roll with Ikram Aliskerov to win this fight handily within the later rounds or on the judges scorecards. Ferreira must be competitive enough to push him into the third round as each mean may take time feeling things out within the striking.
Final Ikram Aliskerov-Brunno Ferreira Prediction & Pick: Ikram Aliskerov (-305); OVER 1.5 Rounds (-110)
We proceed our predictions and picks for the UFC Baku Major Card with this next bout going down within the Middleweight (185) Division. Russia’s Ikram Aliskerov will tackle Brazil’s Brunno Ferreira in a can’t-miss scrap with a possible rating on the road. Check our UFC odds series for the Aliskerov-Ferreira prediction and pick.