Sam Alvey
Age: 32
Nationality: American
MMA Record: 32-10 (1 NC)
UFC Record: 9-5
Notable Wins: Rashad Evans, Nate Marquardt, Cezar Ferreira
Notable Losses: Derek Brunson, Thales Leites, Elias Theodorou
Last Fight: KO win over Marcin Prachnio
Fighter Profile: One of the most powerful pure KO artists in the UFC, Alvey is a very underrated fighter who has put together a solid career so far in the UFC, going 9-5 so far as he looks for double digit wins in the Octagon. Alvey is a finisher who has knocked out five opponents in the UFC so far, and in his career he has 19 wins by KO. Alvey is also extremely durable as he’s shown a tremendous chin and ability to take punishment in his career with only one TKO loss to top-ranked Derek Brunson. Alvey is a very effective striker but his problem is that he doesn’t throw much volume at times which has cost him decisions. Now at 205lbs, Alvey should have mroe energy and we may now see more output from him. Considering how weak the light heavyweight division is, Alvey has the chance to become a top-15 guy right away with a win over Gian Villante.
Gian Villante
Age: 32
Nationality: American
MMA Record: 16-9
UFC Record: 6-6
Notable Wins: Corey Anderson, Anthony Perosh
Notable Losses: Mauricio Rua, Ilir Latifi
Last Fight: Decision win over Francimar Barroso
Fighter Profile: A long-time training partner of Chris Weidman, Villante has put together a very average UFC career so far as he’s compiled a .500 record of 6-6. He’s very much a gatekeeper in the light heavyweight division but he’s served quite well in that role as he’s put on numerous exciting fights for the fans. Villante is primarily a striker and has no problem standing and trading with his opponents but his problem is his chin as he’s suffered four career knockout losses including two in the UFC. He’s a talented athlete and you can never count him out due to his punching power, but his poor fight IQ and chin make him a very beatable efighter.
Fight Breakdown: This should be a really fun striking battle for as long as it lasts but I really like Alvey in this fight. I just feel like he’s the more powerful puncher and if this turns into a slugfest I give Alvey a big advantage as far as chin and durability goes. Villante is dangerous and powerful himself but I just don’t trust his chin at all against someone with massive power like Alvey. I think Alvey does what he does best here, and that’s finding Villante’s chin and knocking him out in the first round.
Prediction: Sam Alvey via KO
