The Octagon heads to Yubileyny Sports Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia on April 20 for UFC Fight Night 149, along with the card is finally starting to shape up.
Though the UFC has not officially announced the following bouts, various media sources have reported themand it’s expected the UFC makes them official shortly. Here are my ideas on the initial three famous struggles for UFC St. Petersburg.
Alistair Overeem vs. Alexander Volkov, UFC Fight Night 149
The main event of UFC Fight Night 149 is scheduled to be a five-round heavyweight bout between Alistair Overeem and Alexander Volkov. Denis Geyko broke the news. Overeem (44-17, 1 NC) is 9-6 overall at the UFC and is coming from a TKO win over Sergey Pavlovich. Volkov (30-7) is 4-1 at the UFC and is coming off of a shocking last-second KO loss to Derrick Lewis. Prior to this he was on a six-fight win streak and was nearing title contention. Had Volkov lasted just 10 more seconds against Lewis he probably would have been fighting for a title by now. I am hoping people forget just how close Volkov was to winning this struggle, and maybe he’ll be the dog here against Overeem since he is coming off of a knockout win. I just don’t believe Overeem’s chin could be reliable contrary to a long, skinny and powerful striker such as Volkov, and that I lean towards the Russian within this one.
Sergey Pavlovich vs. Marcelo Golm, UFC Fight Night 149
An enjoyable heavyweight fight between Sergey Pavlovich and Marcelo Golm may also occur with this card. Via MMADNL, Igor Lazorin broke the news. Pavlovich (12-1) was undefeated as a pro with most of his wins coming by knockout before he was knocked out by Overeem in his UFC debut. That has been too much of a step up for Pavlovich and the UFC is finally offering him a more favorable matchup in his home nation. Golm (6-2) finished Christian Colombo in his Octagon introduction but has since lost decisions to Arjan Bhullar and Tim Johnson. Golm just hasn’t been notable in the UFC whatsoever and although Pavlovich did not look great against Overeem he has several advantages in this fight. I anticipate the Russian for a pretty big favorite to receive his hands raised as a result.
Roxanne Modafferi vs. Antonina Shevchenko, UFC Fight Night 149
And lastly, women’s flyweights Roxanne Modafferi and Antonina are set to battle at this event. MyMMANews.com broke the fight first. Modafferi (22-15) is 1-3 complete from the UFC and is coming off of a decision loss to Sijara Eubanks. She’s had a tiny career revival since moving to flyweight, but is obviously at an athletic disadvantage in this matchup. Shevchenko (7-0) is the sister of UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko and she is so far 1-0 from the Octagon with a decision win over Ji Yeon Kim. This is a very favorable matchup for Shevchenko over somebody who can’t match her in the striking and that I expect her to win a very clear decision in this one. Look for her to be a large favorite to collect the win.
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