FB TW IG YT VK TH
Search
MORE FROM OUR CHANNELS

Wrestlezone
FB TW IG YT VK TH

Preview: UFC on ESPN 17 ‘Santos vs. Teixeira’

Boser vs. Arlovski


Heavyweights

Tanner Boser (19-6-1) vs. Andrei Arlovski (29-19)

ODDS: Boser (-270), Arlovski (+230)

Surprisingly, Canada’s Boser is becoming a heavyweight prospect to watch. Heading into his UFC debut a year ago, Alberta’s “Bulldozer” had put together an interesting style that was essentially the antithesis of most young heavyweights. While most of the UFC’s heavyweight signings are physical beasts who have run over most of their competition, Boser adopted a movement-heavy approach that allowed him to peck away at his opponents with strikes from range and outlast them for decision wins. It is enough of a change-up for the division that Boser figured to immediately find success as a divisional gatekeeper, but his clear lack of finishing ability also seemed to prevent him from having much of a ceiling. For two fights inside the Octagon, that held true. Boser easily handled Daniel Spitz, but he could do little with the much more physically gifted Ciryl Gane. However, knockouts over Philipe Lins and Raphael Pessoa have given some hope that Boser can bring danger to his opponents moving forward. While the Canadian is not suddenly a one-hitter quitter, his hand speed has been enough to shock his much slower opponents and score the finish as a result. Boser continues his march up the ladder against Arlovski, a former UFC champion who is as reliable a warhorse as ever. Similar to Boser in a way, Arlovski has been able to feast on his slower opponents and shown that an old “Pit Bull” can learn new tricks. With that said, at 41 years of age, Arlovski just is not able to keep up against quicker and more powerful athletes, even if his once-shaky chin is now holding up against all but the hardest hitters. Arlovski should be able to acquit himself well enough given where he is in his career, but Boser should be the much faster and effective striker in what could become a fun kickboxing match. The pick is Boser via decision.

Continue Reading » Barcelos vs. Taha
More

Subscribe to our Newsletter

* indicates required
Latest News

POLL

Which UFC contender is most likely to rise to a first-time divisional champion in 2025?

FIGHT FINDER


FIGHTER OF THE WEEK

Georges St. Pierre

TOP TRENDING FIGHTERS


+ FIND MORE