UFC Fight Night: Smith vs Rakic Prediction – Ricardo Lamas vs Bill Algeo

Ricardo Lamas wanted to fight at UFC Fight Night: Smith vs Rakic, and he has gotten his wish. The promotion actively pursued a replacement after Ryan Hall pulled out. They signed Bill Algeo to make his debut on the main card at the UFC Apex. 

Ricardo Lamas

Lamas wished to fight as it has been a long time since he stepped inside the cage. He remained steadfast in wanting to remain on the card despite knowing the UFC could match him against anyone, which could prove detrimental to his chances of securing a long-cherished win. ‘The Bully’ has gotten a new opponent who will have the pressure on his shoulders.

Lamas is an offensive fighter and will look to go all out against the UFC debutant Algeo. He out-landed his opponents in four of his last five fights and will attempt to prove that the Calvin Kattar fight was a one-off where his opponent dominated. 

Bill Algeo

Algeo holds an impressive 13-4 record as a professional. He claimed a unanimous decision triumph in his previous fight at CFFC 83. The 31-year-old’s amateur career began in 2011. And it has been a long road for him to the UFC. 

He had a chance to earn a contract at last year’s Dana White’s Contender Series, but he lost to Brendan Loughnane. ‘Senor Perfecto’ has claimed wins through decisions, knockouts, and submissions and is not a one-trick pony. He will fight an opponent who has claimed only one win since beating Jason Knight in 2017. 

UFC Fight Night: Lamas vs Algeo – Prediction

Lamas lands 2.88 significant strikes per minute at 45% accuracy. He deflected 59% of all opposition strike attempts in his UFC career. 

However, if ‘Senor Perfecto’ elects to take the fight to the ground, it may prove problematic for Lamas. This is because of his low takedown defense (47%). 

What works in Lamas’ favor is that he doesn’t get dominated on the ground. ‘The Bully’ is yet to lose a career fight by submission and would like to keep it that way. 

Read: UFC Fight Night: Smith vs Rakic Prediction – Robbie Lawler vs Neil Magny

Should Algeo explore his opponent’s stats, it is safe to expect him to stay on his feet and try to finish his opponent. He has a height and reach advantage, which will give him plenty of free shots without the worry of getting tagged.

Prediction: Bill Algeo to win via split decision