UFC 256- Tony Ferguson vs Charles Oliveira : Prediction and Analysis

Tony Ferguson is set to lock horns against Charles Oliveira in an enticing clash between the two top lightweights. Ferguson will be looking to get back in the win column again. As for Oliveira, he will be looking to upset the former interim champion and take his winning streak to 8.

“El Cucuy” has been at the top of the mountain in the lightweight division for a considerable amount of time now. However, he has been deprived of his shot at the undisputed lightweight gold despite winning 12 of his last 13 fights. The fight against “Do Bronx” this weekend will be one of the most important ones in Ferguson’s illustrious career.

Here we take a look at the stats and facts that will play a pivotal role in Saturday’s clash.

Tony Ferguson in numbers

On the feet, Tony Ferguson is a brawler. He creates unmatched pressure on his opponents and doesn’t mind getting hit to give one back. He is a risk-taker and has the attributes to support his style. Ferguson has a 45% striking accuracy.

He has landed 832 of his 1865 attempted strikes in the UFC with a rate of landing 5.51 strikes per minute. He also takes shots as he has absorbed 3.55 significant strikes per minute. His strikes are not only while standing up, but he tends to slice his opponents up with elbows as well. Ferguson also has a high significant strike defense of 64%.

A long-time wrestler Ferguson has a takedown accuracy of  43% and has secured 6 of his 14 takedowns in the UFC. He has a takedown defense percentage of 77. Also a submission artist, Ferguson has attempted 1.49 submissions per 15 minutes. His average fight time is 10:04 minutes with a knockdown ratio of .30. Ferguson has an incredible professional record of 26-4 with 13 of his wins coming by knockout and 8 by submission.

Charles Oliveira in numbers

Oliveira is the most decorated submission artists in the history of the UFC. He holds the record for most submission wins in UFC history. In his recent fights, he has shown his improved striking too. “Do Bronx” has a 50% striking accuracy and has landed 511 of his attempted 1012 strikes. He has landed 3.18 signature strikes per minute and taken 3.01 of those.

Oliveira has an immense 26 takedowns out of 69 attempted with an accuracy of 43%. His takedown defense is at 59%. His average fighting time is 6.42 minutes with a knockdown ratio of 0.28. Oliveira’s most impressive stat is his submission resume as he has an incredible 2.80 submission average per 15 mins.

Oliveira has a signature strike defense of 54%. He has a record of 29-8 with 19 of his wins coming via submission and 8 by knockout.

With two well rounded mixed martial artists locking horns, it will be interesting to see how the fight goes. But Ferguson has a huge advantage in his striking volume and hurts his opponents with shots. Also, he is a complete fighter with the ground game to back him up. It looks like Ferguson’s pressure will be too much for Oliveira to handle.

Final Prediction: Tony Ferguson by doctor stoppage (TKO) at the end of Round 2