UFC Fight Night 153: Fight Predictions

Matt Forkapa
May 29, 2019
4 min read

Take a look at my fight predictions for UFC Fight Night 153 in its entirety. I'll break down the main card in depth to get a further look at my predictions.

The UFC makes its way back to Ericsson Globe in Stockholm, Sweden, this Saturday hosting hometown favorite Alexander Gustafsson against Anthony Smith in the Light heavyweight main event. Saturday’s main card is lined up with numerous 205-pounders including former title contenders and top prospects alike. Before we get to the six-fight talent filled main card on ESPN+, we kick off the night with seven prelim undercard bouts, all being aired on ESPN 2.

Let’s take a look at my fight predictions for UFC Fight Night 153 in its entirety.

Main Card on ESPN+

Alexander Gustafsson vs Anthony Smith (Main event)

This will be a close fight but I feel with Gustafsson having the slight height and reach advantage, it will play a factor in the outcome of this fight. Smith struggled against a long and lengthy Jon Jones and Gus nearly has the same physical attributes as the champ. Although Smith is more explosive and packs more power in his strikes, Gus should be able to keep his opponent at a distance and pick apart Smith with his range. Knowing Smith has explosive power, I could see Gustafsson utilizing his ground game to counter the powerful striking of Smith. I feel this fight will be close and each fighter will get their opponents best but overall, I feel Gus will out-strike Smith, survive his power on the feet, and utilize is wrestling to earn himself a victory.

Fight Prediction: Gustafsson via unanimous decision

Volkan Oezdemir vs Ilir Latifi (Co-Main)

Ilir Latifi gets an opportunity to shine as he takes on former title contender in Volkan Oezdemir. Latifi is as tough as they come in the Light Heavyweight division but I don’t think he can withstand the power of his opponent. Volkan Oezdemir has some of the hardest hitting hands amongst all LHW's and even holds the size advantage over Latifi. I expect another explosive performance from Oezdemir, as stylistically, I don't like the odds for Latifi. I feel Latifi will show his toughness and grit to get through the first round but the power and striking of Oezdemir will be too much for him.

Fight Prediction: Oezdemir via 2nd round KO

Jimi Manuwa vs Aleksander Rakic

This is an interesting matchup at 205 as Rakic gets an opportunity to shine on the big stage as he takes on heavy handed veteran Jimi Manuwa. This is by far the toughest opponent to date for Rakic but I feel the matchup plays in his favor. Manuwa is coming off three straight losses, two of them by KO. Rakic also has elite level striking, although not comparable to the explosive power of Manuwa, where he should be able to outsmart the veteran. If he can survive the early onslaught from Manuwa, I expect Rakic to counter with his accuracy and use his heavy hands on the ground to give Manuwa his fourth straight loss with the UFC.

Fight Prediction: Rakic via 2nd round TKO

Makwan Amirkhani vs Chris Fishgold

This is a fight between two scrappy Featherweights that can take the fight anywhere. I expect this to be a fast paced fight with both fighters getting to show their toughness. Fishgold has finished a majority of his opponents via submission and has some elite chokes for the 145-pound division but Amirkhani holds some fantastic ground discipline as well. Both fighters love to push the pace and throw volume strikes but I feel the experience and discipline of Amirkhani will give him the edge in this fight. I expect him to find a mistake in the striking of Fishgold and capitalize by finishing him off on the ground.

Fight Prediction: Amirkhani via 3rd round submission

Damir Hadzovic vs Christos Giagos

This fight pairs two Lightweights that are similar in size but have very different styles. Giagos has some great wrestling and top game compared to Hadzovic but lacks that explosive power of his opponent. If Hadzovic can keep this fight on the feet, I expect him to pepper Giagos with strikes and wear him out throughout the fight. Although Hadzovic has struggled in the past with wrestlers, each round starts on the feet and I feel that is enough to make him my slight favorite. It will be close, but I feel Hadzovic gets it done on Saturday.

Fight Prediction: Hadzovic via split decision

Daniel Teymur vs Sung Bin Jo

We get to see the debut of Korean newcomer, Sung Bin Jo as he takes on a struggling Daniel Teymur in the Featherweight division. Jo is an aggressive striker and has dangerous elbows that have earned him numerous victories throughout his professional career. He has shown he can end a fight on the feet or on the ground with his overwhelming combination of speed, power, and submission game. His unblemished record of nine wins and no losses gets tested by Daniel Teymur who has lost all three of his UFC bouts. The newcomer will be too much for Teymur and I expect him to hand Daniel his first KO loss and fourth total under the promotion.

Fight Prediction: Jo via 1st round KO