UFC Predictions: UFC 254 - Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Justin Gaethje predictions and picks

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Can veteran Stefan Struve come out on top against Tai Tuivasa?

At the time of writing, UFC 254 has three prelims set for the ESPN+ streaming service this weekend. First is a fascinating Heavyweight encounter between Stefan Struve and Tai Tuivasa. Both men have recently fallen on hard times, with Struve only winning one of his last five UFC fights and Tuivasa on a three-fight losing streak overall.

Essentially, this one should come down to whether Tuivasa can land a clubbing blow on Struve before he gets taken down and submitted. The Aussie’s ground game is a massive Achilles heel, and unless he’s worked on his takedown defense, he’s probably going to find himself in trouble here.

Struve is definitely hittable and has a poor chin for Heavyweight, but the truth is that he’s still a wily, dangerous veteran. I think he’ll use his reach advantage to close the distance, wrap Tuivasa up, and tap him out in the first round.

At Welterweight, Alex Oliveira faces newcomer Shavkat Rakhmonov. A native of Kazakhstan, Rakhmonov clearly appears to deserve this UFC opportunity. He’s 12-0, has never gone the distance, and looks like a tremendous athlete. Grappling appears to be his best area – he’s got five tap-outs on his record and looks like a strong wrestler – but he also packs power on the feet, too.

Oliveira, though, is a tricky match for anyone in this division. Cowboy is a huge, powerful 170lber who hits like a truck and is also highly dangerous on the ground. He’s also got plenty of UFC experience, packing in 18 fights in his five years with the promotion.

Cardio has historically been his biggest weakness, but with Rakhmonov making his debut, that may not be an issue here. I suspect we’ll see a fight between two mirror images here – but Oliveira’s UFC experience will be enough to win him a decision.

Finally, Korean prospect Da Un Jung faces veteran Sam Alvey at 205lbs. The book has essentially been written on Alvey now. If an opponent can avoid his deadly counter right hook, then they’re probably going to win. Given that he’s on a four-fight losing streak, this could be the fight that sees him wash out of the UFC.

Jung is a difficult match for him, too. A great athlete with excellent skills in all areas, Jung has won his last 12 fights, including two in the UFC. Given how hard the Korean hits, I think Alvey is in trouble here. As long as Jung avoids that right hook, I think he wins this one by TKO.