Ibo Aslan (13-1-0)
- Nickname: «The Last Ottoman»
- Age: 28
- Height: 6’3"
- Weight: 205 lbs
- Style: Striker with a knockout-focused approach.
- Association: Gym 23
Record Breakdown:
- KO/TKO Wins: 13 (100%)
- Submission Wins: 0 (0%)
- Decision Wins: 0 (0%)
- Losses: 1 (Submission)
Last Five Fights:
- Win vs. Anton Turkalj (TKO) - UFC on ESPN 54 (Mar 30, 2024)
- Win vs. Paulo Renato Jr. (TKO) - Dana White’s Contender Series (Aug 15, 2023)
- Win vs. Giorgi Khubejashvili (TKO) - VFN 33 (Mar 18, 2023)
- Win vs. Amilcar Alves (KO) - Sparta CF 1 (Apr 2, 2022)
- Win vs. Felix Polianidis (TKO) - Tosan Fight Night (Mar 13, 2022)
Pathway to Victory for Aslan: Aslan’s strategy will likely focus on using his striking to overwhelm Cerqueira early in the fight. He should aim to maintain distance, utilizing his reach and powerful punches to set the tone. If he can land clean shots and pressure Cerqueira, he has a strong chance of securing a TKO victory.
Raffael Cerqueira (11-0-0)
- Nickname: «The Lion»
- Age: 34
- Height: 6’3"
- Weight: 205 lbs
- Style: Balanced fighter with effective striking and submission skills.
- Association: CTJ Judo & Jiu-Jitsu / Galpao da Luta
Record Breakdown:
- KO/TKO Wins: 8 (73%)
- Submission Wins: 2 (18%)
- Decision Wins: 1 (9%)
- Losses: 0
Last Five Fights:
- Win vs. Rodrigo Araujo Silva (TKO) - Demo Fight 19 (Apr 28, 2024)
- Win vs. Ivonilson Dias Santos (KO) - Demo Fight 18 (Jan 27, 2024)
- Win vs. Jhonathan Souza (KO) - VFE / Brave CF 78 (Dec 7, 2023)
- Win vs. Gutembergue Souza da Silva (Submission) - Demo Fight 17 (Jul 29, 2023)
- Win vs. Jose Otavio dos Santos Lacerda (TKO) - Demo Fight 16 (Mar 25, 2023)
Pathway to Victory for Cerqueira: Cerqueira’s best chance lies in utilizing his grappling skills to take the fight to the ground, where he can neutralize Aslan’s striking power. He should look to close the distance, avoid exchanges in the striking range, and exploit any openings for submissions. If he can successfully grapple and wear Aslan down, he could secure a submission victory.
Prediction
Both fighters possess striking capabilities, but Aslan’s knockout power is particularly noteworthy. However, Cerqueira’s ability to blend striking with grappling presents a challenge. If Aslan can keep the fight standing and avoid takedowns, he has the potential to finish the fight with strikes. Conversely, if Cerqueira implements his grappling effectively, he could wear down Aslan and seek a submission.
Prediction: Ibo Aslan wins via TKO in Round 2.
