Ikram Aliskerov and Warlley Alves fight Saturday in UFC 294 at the Etihad Arena. Aliskerov enters this fight with a 14-1 record and has won 36 percent of his fights by knockout. Alves enters this fight with a 14-6 record and has won 43 percent of his fights by submission.

Ikram Aliskerov Betting Preview

Aliskerov has won each of his last 6 fights and is coming off a May win over Phil Hawes. Aliskerov is averaging 6.25 significant strikes per minute, with an accuracy percentage of 60 percent. Aliskerov is averaging 3.47 takedowns with an accuracy percentage of 33 percent. Aliskerov is coming off a knockout win at UFC 288. In the victory, Aliskerov landed 20 total strikes and ate 17 total strikes. It was Aliskerov’s fifth career knockout, and he’s 2-0 under the UFC banner. Aliskerov is a balanced fighter with a background in sambo, and he’s shown a little bit of everything through 15 fights. Aliskerov is an accurate striker with knockout pop, and he’s a volume takedown artist with 5 career submissions. Aliskerov also has a decent gas tank that’s helped him win all 4 of his decisions. Aliskerov’s only loss came more than four years ago. This will be Aliskerov’s first career fight in Abu Dhabi.

Warlley Alves Betting Preview

Alves has split his last 8 fights and is coming off a January loss to Nicolas Dalby. Alves is averaging 3.21 significant strikes per minute, with an accuracy percentage of 47 percent. Alves is averaging 1.37 takedowns with an accuracy percentage of 50 percent. Alves is coming off a decision loss at UFC 283 where he landed 75 total strikes and ate 167 total strikes. Alves is now 4-3 in career decisions, and he’s 8-6 under the UFC banner overall. Alves comes from a kickboxing background and is looking for his first win since UFC on ESPN 20. Alves is a quality defensive fighter with a high takedown defense percentage, and he’s been finished in 3 of his 6 losses. Alves is most comfortable on the canvas, but he has knockout potential and has some vicious finishes. Alves started his career with 5 straight submissions. This will be Alves’ second career fight in Abu Dhabi.

H2H History 

There’s no fight history between these 2 fighters.

Randy’s Free Pick

Alves and more than four times your money is intriguing, but the line is the line for a reason. Aliskerov is not only the more balanced fighter who is better with takedowns, more accurate with strikes, but he’s the bigger fighter with a longer reach and a tricky southpaw stance. Nearly everywhere you look, Aliskerov has the advantage. I just don’t see a part for Alves to win this fight. Give me Aliskerov to finish this fight to shave the price.