The Octagon’s return to Sweden is starting to shape up. UFC Fight Night 152 occurs June 1 at Ericsson Globe Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, along with the subsequent four bouts are added to the card that is expected to be headlined by Alexander Gustafsson vs. Anthony Smith.
Volkan Oezdemir vs. Ilir Latifi, UFC Fight Night 152
An intriguing light heavyweight bout between Volkan Oezdemir and Ilir Latifi is the most notable of the new spells added to UFC Fight Night 152. ESPN’s Brett Okamoto broke the news. Oezdemir (15-4) is 3-3 in the UFC but is currently mired in a three-fight losing skid including a split decision loss to Dominick Reyes in UFC London just over a week ago. Certainly, he needs to get back in there and put that close loss . Latifi (14-6, 1 NC) is 7-4 in the UFC and many recently dropped a choice to Corey Anderson. Both guys are just below the elite level of the greatest light heavyweights but are far better than gatekeepers, making this a close one to call. Despite his losing slip I slightly lean towards Oezdemir, but Latifi fighting in the home in Sweden would be the difference in this struggle and that I anticipate a very close gaming lineup.
Jimi Manuwa vs. Aleksandar Rakic, UFC Fight Night 152
Another intriguing light heavyweight bout will see Jimi Manuwa take on Aleksandar Rakic. Manuwa (17-5) is 6-5 from the UFC and is currently riding a three-fight losing skid. He was among the most dangerous light heavyweights in the world at the same time, but the game seems to have passed him by and at age 39 he seems to be about the downside of his career, even though he can still surprise with a barbarous knockout. Rakic (11-1) is 3-0 in the UFC and is coming from a huge knockout win over Devin Clark. Just 27, Rakic looks just like a force at 205lbs for a long time ahead, and I’d expect hm for a big favorite to win this particular battle.
Makwan Amirkhani vs. Chris Fishgold, UFC Fight Night 152
Featherweights Makwan Amirkhani and Chris Fishgold are set to clash, and the UFC has made the bout official. Amirkhani (14-3) is 4-1 overall in the Octagon and is coming from a split decision win over Jason Knight. At one time he seemed just like a future featherweight contender, but injuries and lengthy layoffs have halted his career. Fishgold (18-2, 1 NC) has been finished by Calvin Kattar in his UFC debut but rebounded with a submission win over Daniel Teymur his last time out. I expect Amirkhani to be favored as he is a popular fighter, but I provide Fishgold a good chance of winning this bout.
Nick Hein vs. Luigi Vendramini, UFC Fight Night 152
Nick Hein takes on Luigi Vendramini in a lightweight bout. Combate broke the news. Hein (14-4, 1 NC) is 4-3 overall from the UFC but has lost back-to-back conflicts to Damir Hadzovic and Davi Ramos. Vendramini (8-1) was undefeated with all of his wins coming by stoppage before getting knocked out by top contender Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos in his UFC debut. Moving down a weight class and getting a complete camp should be beneficial to Vendramini, who should be a small favorite here.
Bea Malecki vs. Duda Santana, UFC Fight Night 152
And finally, women’s featherweights Bea Malecki and Duda Santana match. Malecki (2-0) is a Sweden indigenous who appeared on TUF but didn’t fare well on the show as she dropped. Santana (3-0) has won three of her ace bouts but has not fought since 2017. Flip a coin for this one as both girls have plenty of question marks .
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