We continue our predictions and picks for the UFC Baku Main Card with this next bout taking place in the Middleweight (185) Division. Russia’s Ikram Aliskerov will take on Brazil’s Brunno Ferreira in a can’t-miss scrap with a potential ranking on the line. Check our UFC odds series for the Aliskerov-Ferreira prediction and pick.
Ikram Aliskerov (17-2) is 4-1 inside the UFC since 2023, most recently beating JunYong Park via unanimous decision his last time out. He’s now notched back-to-back wins since falling to former champ Robert Whittaker in 2024, trying to string together wins and rebuild himself for a title run. Aliskerov stands six feet tall with a 76-inch reach.
Brunno Ferreira (15-3) comes into his 10th UFC fight since 2023 with a 6-3 record. After notching three-straight victories highlighted by a unanimous win over Marvin Vettori, he fell to Gregory Rodrigues in the first round of his most recent bout. Now, Ferreira looks to establish momentum once again as he searches for an underdog win. He stands 5-foot-10 with a 72-inch reach.
UFC Baku Odds, courtesy of DraftKings.
UFC Baku Odds: Ikram Aliskerov-Brunno Ferreira Odds
Ikram Aliskerov: -305
Brunno Ferreira: +245
Over 1.5 rounds: -110
Under 1.5 rounds: -120
Why Ikram Aliskerov Will Win
- Last Fight: (W) JunYong Park – U DEC
- Last 5: 4-1
- Finishes: 7 KO/TKO, 5 SUB
Ikram Aliskerov took a step back after his loss to Robert Whittaker, but it’s worth noting that was just the third fight of his UFC stint as a former Contender Series product. Clearly, it’s taken some time for Aliskerov to properly come into his own as he’s since taken care of Andre Muniz and JunYong Park in dominant fashion. If he can notch a few more wins under his belt, Aliskerov could be more dangerous in facing ranked opposition this second time around.
Aliskerov is dangerous anywhere the fight takes place and his calm, steady demeanor is very deceptive once he starting shooting for takedowns and letting his hands fly. He’s more than comfortable in a three-round stand-up striking fight, but he could see added success if he’s able to offensively wrestle Ferreira down to the ground. Aliskerov’s ground-and-pound is some of the best in this division, so don’t be surprised if he’s able to finish the fight from there after hurting Ferreira.
Either way, Aliskerov will have to have a sense of urgency as Ferreira will be bringing the action to him. Aliskerov should look to remain disciplined defensively as Ferreira will be drawing him to participate in a brawl. If Aliskerov takes his time and picks his shots methodically, he should prove to be the much more skilled fighter.
Why Brunno Ferreira Will Win
- Last Fight: (L) Gregory Rodrigues – KO (straight right, R1)
- Last 5: 3-2
- Finishes: 9 KO/TKO, 5 SUB
Brunno Ferreira has all his momentum halted by Gregory Rodrigues in his last fight as he couldn’t escape the first round on a count of Rodrigues’ aggressive striking. The loss broke a three-fight winning streak for Ferreira, the longest of his UFC tenure as he was on the cusp of breaking through into the top-15 rankings. A win here would bode greatly for his confidence and could put erase the blunder against Rodrigues that came down to one clean punch.
Brunno Ferreira is a devastating striker in his own right and has wasted no time in closing the distance and meet opponents head-on with his power striking. He’s certainly not afraid to withstand damage and engage in a brawl, but his last knockout loss could bring about a more conservative approach for him heading into this one. Aliskerov also doesn’t push a tremendous pace, so Ferreira could easily settle into a striking rhythm where he’s most dangerous.
Ferreira will also be a threat on the ground and while Aliskerov is dominant with his 60% takedown accuracy and 100% takedown defense, Ferreira could threaten with the guillotine choke if Aliskerov isn’t careful in covering his head. Either way, Ferreira should have a dangerous answer for everything Aliskerov throws at him.
Final Ikram Aliskerov-Brunno Ferreira Prediction & Pick
Ikram Aliskerov is the rightful favorite in this bout and his ability to bounce back from the Robert Whittaker loss has shown great maturity and a willingness to evolve his skill set. He’s facing a dangerous striker in Ferreira, but Aliskerov should have all the answers on the feet and in top position if he’s able to find it.
Still, Brunno Ferreira can change the course of a fight with one punch and Aliskerov’s margin for error will be razor-thin throughout this whole fight. On the ground, Ferreira will be a dangerous threat with his jiu jitsu from the bottom, so don’t be surprised if we see another armbar attempt as he’s been successful with it in the past.
Still, we’ll roll with Ikram Aliskerov to win this fight handily in the later rounds or on the judges scorecards. Ferreira should be competitive enough to push him into the third round as both mean may take time feeling things out in the striking.
Final Ikram Aliskerov-Brunno Ferreira Prediction & Pick: Ikram Aliskerov (-305); OVER 1.5 Rounds (-110)
The post Ikram Aliskerov vs. Brunno Ferreira prediction, odds, pick for UFC Baku appeared first on ClutchPoints.
