Ikram Aliskerov vs Warlley Alves Prediction: Quick Win for World Champ

The highly anticipated UFC 294 tournament will take place on October 21st in Abu Dhabi at a convenient time for Russians and Europeans. Ikram Aliskerov will meet Brazilian Warlley Alves in one of the main card fights. The bout will take place in the middleweight division.

Ikram Aliskerov is the World and European Champion in combat sambo. In professional mixed martial arts, he has made a name for himself in foreign promotions. Ikram defeated everyone in the Brave CF except Khamzat Chimaev. After that, he finished off his opponent in the first round of the Contender Series and did the same in his UFC debut. There is an opinion that Aliskerov was invited to get a rematch with Chimaev, and that opinion is quite popular.

I've thought about it a lot. I believe the management wants me to have a rematch with Chimaev, among other things. When I was signed, Dana White said this kid only has one loss - to Hamzat. That was a good point.

Ikram Aliskerov

Warlley Alves has been in the UFC for a long time (since 2014), but lately, he has performed without much success - three defeats in his last four fights. The Brazilian missed the previous year, returned in January 2023, and lost by a split decision to Nicolas Dalby.

I wasn't nervous or stressed about changing opponents. I didn't have to change anything. You have to consider some moments, and there are always nuances. Same date on the calendar. Same hard work and preparation. Go into the fight to end it early. That's it. That goal [to win in the first round] is set in every fight, no matter who the bout is against - not to fight to the end. But having said that, I must be ready for all three rounds.

Ikram Aliskerov

Alves seems to be traveling from the event and his high-profile wins (e.g. over Colby Covington in 2015) are no longer worth remembering. Warlley is still good in the standing - he was once an elite kickboxer, after all - and can catch opponents in submissions. But the Brazilian can no longer sustain a tight, fast-paced fight, gets lost under pressure, and cannot return a punch. Suppose he suddenly decides to save himself in the parterre. In that case, he will only aggravate his unenviable position - Aliskerov will once again prove the advantages of combat sambo over Brazilian jiu-jitsu.