Event: UFC 311 | Prelims Location: Intuit Dome, Inglewood, California Date: January 18, 2025
Fighter Overview
– Serghei Spivac
- Record: 17-4
- Weight Class: Heavyweight (265 lbs)
- Height: 6′ 3″
- Reach: 78″
- Stance: Orthodox
Serghei “The Polar Bear” Spivac, ranked No. 7 in the heavyweight division, holds a professional MMA record of 17-42. After facing setbacks against elite fighters like Ciryl Gane and Tom Aspinall, Spivac rebounded with victories over Derrick Lewis and Marcin Tybura. Known for his grappling skills and ground control, he has executed 11 submission finishes. In his latest bout, he secured an armbar submission against Marcin Tybura in less than a minute.
– Jailton Almeida
- Record: 21-3
- Weight Class: Heavyweight (265 lbs)
- Height: 6′ 3″
- Reach: 79″
- Stance: Orthodox
Jailton “Malhadinho” Almeida, currently ranked No. 6[1]. in the heavyweight division, sports a remarkable professional record of 21-3. Almeida quickly rebounded from a loss to Curtis Blaydes with a dominant submission victory over Alexandr Romanov. Known for his explosive style and grappling prowess, Almeida has 13 submission wins in his career. Almeida’s last fight showcased his dominant ground game, securing a submission against Romanov in less than two minutes.
Fight Breakdown and Analysis
Striking:
- Spivac holds a 49% striking accuracy, averaging 3.51 significant strikes per minute. His striking has improved, adding more precision and power to his arsenal.
- Almeida boasts a higher striking accuracy of 64%, landing approximately 2.46 significant strikes per minute. His explosive striking complements his grappling, making him a dual threat.
Wrestling & Grappling:
- Almeida has made his mark with an impressive grappling game, possessing a takedown accuracy of 59% and an average of 6.85 takedowns per 15 minutes. His exceptional ground control and submission skills make him a constant threat.
- Spivac has improved his takedown reliability, recording a takedown accuracy of 65% coupled with significant ground control. His notable armbar victory over Marcin Tybura demonstrates his evolving grappling.
Game Plan:
- Almeida will likely aim to leverage his superior grappling to take the fight to the ground, dominating with his elite ground-and-pound and submission skills.
- Spivac will strive to utilize a balanced approach, combining striking and grappling to neutralize Almeida’s strengths and create opportunities for counter strikes.
Serghei Spivac + 325
Jailton Almeida – 425
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 17, 2025
