UFC Fight Night: Michael Chiesa vs Neil Magny – Mounir Lazzez vs Warlley Alves Predictions

Mounir Lazzez has only had one fight in the UFC so far. However, ‘The Sniper’ has no shortage of hype surrounding him ahead of the mid-week card this weekend. His fight against veteran Warlley Alves has the potential to allow him to take the next step in his UFC ascent. However, a former Ultimate Fighter winner, Alves is a tough competitor who has the ability to spoil Lazzez’s plans.

Lazzez made his much-awaited and possibly a bit late UFC debut last year during the promotion’s first visit to Fight Island. The Tunisia born fighter was an underdog against knockout artist Abdul Razak Alhassan. However, not only did he announce his arrival to the UFC, he did it in a fashion that compelled the UFC President to award him a $50,000 bonus.

The win has brought notoriety for Lazzez, who currently fights out of Dubai. The welterweight has worked on his jiu-jitsu and wrestling with renowned coach Firas Zahabi. On top of it, his experience being with Team Nogueria has helped him bolster to a 10-1 professional record.

Will the inconsistency of Warlley Alves prove too much for him against Mounir Lazzez?

Not that long ago, Warlley Alves looked destined to be the next big thing in the welterweight division. For the unacquainted, the Brazilian holds a submission win over former interim champ Colby Covington. The list of fighters he has defeated inside the Octagon also includes notable names such as Alan Jouban and Nordine Taleb.

However, following his win over Covington, Alves has been far too inconsistent to become a top fifteen fighter. His last fight was the first of his four-fight deal with the UFC. Despite being somewhat of a fresh start, Alves lost to Randy Brown via submission. Since then he sat out the whole of 2020 and is now returning with a changed approach to fighting.

Alves will be on the shorter end of the stick as far as reach is concerned. Therefore, if he fails to close the gap, Lazzez will make it a long night for him. Not only will he pepper him from the outside, but even threaten to land a finishing combination.

Given Alves’ recent absence from the Octagon and Lazzez’s hot streak, the smart money lies on the latter. I would predict a second-round TKO or a unanimous decision win for Lazzez.