UFC Fight Night 176: Michel Pereira vs Zelim Imadaev-Prediction and Analysis

Welterweight fighters Michel Pereira and Zelim Imadaev will fight in the third match on UFC Fight Night 176. The duo is coming off consecutive losses and will be desperate for a massive turnaround in the 25-foot octagon. Imadaev and Pereira had an altercation at the faceoff and one can be sure that there will be bad blood once they get the all-clear to fight.

Michel Pereira has resorted to a unique training method ahead of his match against Zelim Imadaev. ‘Demolidor‘ revealed he tried to take down cows and run with horses “to work on different strategies.”

The idea is bizarre, but Pereira desperately needed a turnaround following his recent slump. His last five wins have come via T/KOs and the fighter will look to use his new strategies to help him get a twenty-fourth career victory. 

Zelim Imadaev has not had an auspicious start in the UFC. He debuted at UFC 236 as an undefeated fighter and lost to Max Griffin. Later, he fought at UFC Fight Night 163 and suffered a KO defeat to Danny Roberts. 

One can argue that the level of competition in the UFC is higher, but Imadaev will want to justify the company’s faith in getting him on board. He will look to showcase his KO power and earn a ninth career win and open his UFC account. 

UFC Fight Night 176 Prediction

‘Demolidor’ landed 3.04 significant strikes per minute with a 51% accuracy in his short UFC career. He absorbed 3.04 strikes and defends more than half the strikes thrown by his opponents. Pereira is yet to suffer a takedown in the UFC and has a 57% accuracy.

This would not bode well for Imadaev as he prefers to fight using strikes and is averse to grappling. He landed 3.69% of his strikes at 41% accuracy in two UFC fights. The stat gives fans a sign that he swings with disdain to take his opponent out. 

Imadaev has a takedown defense of 63% and hit the ground six times in his UFC debut. Hence, the blueprint is clear for Pereira. He needs to take the fight to the ground to make Imadaev battle in alien territory. The Brazilian is training for the same too. 

Michel Pereira can go toe-to-toe with the Russian in a striking contest, but it will be anyone’s fight if both fighters are on their feet.  

Prediction: Michel Pereira to win by unanimous decision