As the UFC continues to deliver electrifying matchups, two upcoming battles have fans and analysts on the edge of their seats: Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev and Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev 2. Both of these fights promise to be a spectacle, and who better to break them down than UFC heavyweight Tom Aspinall, known for his sharp fight IQ and technical prowess. Aspinall, who’s quickly becoming one of the top contenders in the heavyweight division, shared his expert analysis on these highly anticipated bouts, offering fans a deeper understanding of what to expect in the Octagon.

Pereira vs. Ankalaev: A Clash of Styles

The first matchup that’s got everyone talking is the potential Pereira vs. Ankalaev showdown. Pereira, the former middleweight champion, has been training hard for his move up to the light-heavyweight division. The Brazilian knockout artist is best known for his incredible power, precision, and technical striking. Meanwhile, Ankalaev, a rising star in the division, is a patient and calculated fighter with a well-rounded game. For Aspinall, this is a matchup where style contrasts will play a huge role.

“Pereira’s power is undeniable,” Aspinall begins. “We’ve seen him knock out top fighters in the middleweight division, and now, moving up to light-heavyweight, that power could carry over. His striking, especially his left hook and his kick game, is lethal. Ankalaev, on the other hand, is a more composed, strategic fighter. He’s not going to go for broke like some of Pereira’s previous opponents. Ankalaev’s ability to control the distance, his footwork, and his patience will be key in this fight.”

Pereira’s Striking vs. Ankalaev’s Defense

Aspinall acknowledges that the fight will likely come down to Pereira’s ability to land clean shots and Ankalaev’s defense. The Russian is known for his elite striking defense and ability to maintain composure under pressure. However, Pereira’s unpredictability and explosiveness make him a wild card.

“Pereira’s biggest strength is his ability to close the distance quickly and land shots from angles you don’t see coming,” Aspinall explains. “He has a very unique rhythm that makes him difficult to predict. Ankalaev will have to maintain his composure and avoid getting into a slugfest. If he can stay calm and stick to his strategy, picking his shots, he has the edge in terms of technique.”

Aspinall also points out that Ankalaev’s grappling could be a game-changer. While Pereira has significantly improved his ground game, Ankalaev has a strong wrestling base, and this could be a key factor in winning the fight if he can take Pereira down and control him on the ground.

“If Ankalaev can mix in some grappling, it could throw Pereira off his rhythm,” says Aspinall. “But I do think this fight is going to be a striking battle for the most part, and in that realm, Pereira is always a danger.”

Gaethje vs. Fiziev 2: The Rematch We’ve Been Waiting For

The second fight that Aspinall breaks down is the rematch between Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev. Their first meeting was an absolute war, and fans are expecting nothing less in the sequel. Gaethje, the fan-favorite “Highlight”, is known for his all-action style, brutal knockout power, and unrelenting pressure. Fiziev, on the other hand, is one of the most technically gifted strikers in the division with a dazzling array of kicks and movement.

“Gaethje vs. Fiziev is an exciting matchup because it’s going to be all about who can impose their style on the other,” Aspinall explains. “Gaethje thrives when he’s in a brawl, when he’s getting hit and hitting back even harder. His leg kicks are incredibly heavy, and he’s always looking for that knockout punch. Fiziev is a different animal. He’s a more technical striker with incredible movement and feints that make him hard to hit. It’s going to be a battle of who can control the pace.”

The Gaethje Pressure vs. Fiziev’s Precision

Aspinall breaks down the key elements that will determine the outcome of this high-stakes rematch: Gaethje’s relentless pressure vs. Fiziev’s ability to counter.

“Gaethje’s pressure is second to none,” Aspinall says. “He’s going to try to walk Fiziev down, land those powerful hooks, and chop at the legs to slow Fiziev down. But Fiziev is so quick, and his movement is fluid. If Gaethje doesn’t close the distance effectively, Fiziev is going to light him up with his fast counters and devastating kicks.”

In the first fight, Fiziev was able to avoid a lot of the damage from Gaethje’s strikes, using his footwork to stay out of range. However, Gaethje’s grit and power were on full display, and he managed to land heavy shots that eventually wore Fiziev down.

“The key for Gaethje in this fight is to stay relentless,” Aspinall adds. “He can’t give Fiziev any space to breathe. He has to make it ugly, get in Fiziev’s face, and wear him down with his relentless style. If he does that, he’ll have a chance to land his knockout punch. But if Fiziev can maintain his distance, control the tempo, and use his superior striking to avoid damage, he’ll pick Gaethje apart.”

Fight Lab Prediction: A Close Call for Both Fights

Aspinall concludes his breakdown by acknowledging how close and exciting these matchups are. Both Pereira vs. Ankalaev and Gaethje vs. Fiziev 2 promise to be fascinating battles of strategy, skill, and willpower.

“Both of these fights are incredibly hard to call,” Aspinall says. “For Pereira vs. Ankalaev, I think it really depends on who can control the distance and who can impose their game plan. Pereira’s knockout power is always a threat, but Ankalaev has the skill set to neutralize that. As for Gaethje vs. Fiziev 2, I think it comes down to who can dictate the pace. Gaethje’s pressure is relentless, but if Fiziev can avoid the brawl, he’s got the advantage with his technique.”

As always, fans are in for a treat with these matchups, and Aspinall’s breakdown only makes the anticipation that much greater. Whether it’s the striking of Pereira, the calculated defense of Ankalaev, the relentless pressure of Gaethje, or the technical brilliance of Fiziev, these two fights are shaping up to be some of the most exciting battles in UFC history.

Final Thoughts

With both fights featuring fighters who are among the best strikers in the world, we can expect an action-packed showdown that could leave fans on the edge of their seats. Tom Aspinall’s breakdown sheds light on what each fighter needs to do in order to win, and it’s clear that these are must-see fights for any MMA fan.

No matter who wins, these bouts will have major implications for the UFC rankings and could set the stage for the next big championship showdown.