As we are just hours away from the commencement of UFC 264 let’s take a look at some of the fighters battling in the event. Zhalgas Zhumagulov is going to take on Jerome Rivera in a flyweight bout at the Early Prelims of UFC 264. Both the fighters will look to save their UFC career when they step into the octagon on Saturday evening.
This is because Zhalgas and Jerome are currently struggling in the promotion as they have not been able to get a win to their name. Since making his UFC debut in 2020 Jerome Rivera has been on the wrong side of the table with three consecutive losses whereas the Kazakhstan-born fighter has lost both his fights in UFC.
Furthermore, to make things worse the Renegade suffered a brutal knockout loss in the first round of his last fight against Ode Osbourne at UFC Fight Night in February 2021. Therefore there are high chances that the promotion might cut both these fighters if they don’t show up and perform well.
Zhalgas Zhumagulov vs Jerome Rivera Stats
Zhalgas Zhumagulov
Record: 13-5-0
Height/ Reach : 5ft 4in/ 66″
Striking Accuracy : 49%
Striking Defense: 58%
Jerome Rivera
Record: 10-5-0
Height/ Reach : 5ft 10in/ 72″
Striking Accuracy : 34%
Striking Defense: 51%
Also read: UFC 264 Co-Main: Stephen Thompson vs Gilbert Burns: Prediction, Stats and Breakdown
Zhlagas Zhumagulov vs Jerome Rivera Prediction and Fight Breakdown
There will be a lot at stake when these two fighters take center stage at the Early Prelims of UFC 264. As a result, this fight will be an exciting battle between Zhalgas Zhumagulov and Jerome Rivera. The Kazakhstan Fighter is going into this match as a strong favorite according to various betting sites.
However, there is a significant difference in the height and reach of the two opponents. The Renegade holds an advantage in terms of height as he is 6 inches taller than Zhumagulov. Therefore he will use his superior technical ability and strike at his opponent by keeping his distance and use his height and reach advantage. Although it is easier said than done because Zhalgas is a volume striker and he will look to close down the distance as much as possible. Furthermore, he is very durable and it will be very tough for Jerome Rivera to knock him out.
Consequently, Jerome Rivera has to be careful of the Zhumagulov’s striking and use his grappling skills during their showdown. Hence this makes the fight a battle between a striker and a grappler. By comparing their previous fights it is quite obvious that Zhalgas Zhumagulov is the favorite to win the fight. But the only problem of Zhalgas has been that he is not able to convert the fights despite being aggressive and throwing a large volume of shots.
Therefore this fight will probably go down the distance and Zhumagulov will win this fight via decision. In the end, a lot of eyes will be on this event and if Zhalgas comes out dominating and wins the fight, he will end up with a lot of fans after this event.
Zhalgas Zhumagulov vs Jerome Rivera Predictions: Zhalgas Zhumagulov via majority decision.
Also read: UFC 264 Main Card: Sean O’Malley vs Kris Moutinho Prediction, Stats & Breakdown
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