UFC Vegas 13: Arlovski vs. Boser Prediction and Odds
Saturday’s UFC Fight Night: Silva vs. Tiexiera co-main event pits heavyweight brawler Tanner Boser against former division ruler Andrei Arlovski.
Andrei Arlovski (+230)
Granted, almost fifteen years have elapsed since ‘Pitbull’ held interim UFC gold and went 1-2 in a memorable title trilogy opposite Tim Sylvia. At 41-years-old, however, Arlovski remains notable after winning two of three recent fights, including nods over Philipe Lins and Ben Rothwell to establish top-15 gatekeeper status. Not bad for a fighter that appeared done in 2017 following five consecutive losses. If nothing else, the native Belarusian offers massive experience vs. Boser -Arlovski has literally fought every top heavyweight from the sport’s fringe existence to its mainstream rise.
Sporting considerable underdog odds vs. his unheralded upcoming challenge, it’s worth noting the former top 265 lb fighter owns wins vs. Sylvia, Fabricio Werdum, prime Rothwell, Roy Nelson, Antonio Silva, Frank Mir and Stefan Struve. That resume does make Arlovski somewhat legendary among modern competitors.
Tanner Boser (-270)
Less accomplished, but in his prime, Tanner Boser is rising at a rapid pace. ‘The Bulldozer’ tore through Raphael Pessoa and Philipe Lins to earn Octagon time with Arlovski. Those two recent wins showcased power, accuracy and speed from 29-year-old Boser. Saturday will decide if the Karate expert stands ready for ranked opponents amongst a crowded heavyweight scene.
Overall, Boser is 3-1 since joining the UFC fray last October. It appears losing to undefeated prospect Ciryl Gane sparked Boser's conditioning and style change. Now boasting refined hands, it appears the rugged Canadian is too much for a plausibly slower, aging Arlovski.
The Matchup:
Boser is twelve years younger than Arlovski, and much fresher than the former elite MMA practitioner. Arlovski has a slight weight, height and reach edge. Boser lands 4.54 significant strikes per minute compared to Arlovski’s 3.54.
The Outcome: While Arlovski’s chin has held well during his previous nine fights, Boser possesses too much power and hand speed for the fading gatekeeper. With 10 TKO wins to his name, expect a second round knockout from Boser to begin the end of Arlovski’s storied UFC journey.
Winner: Tanner Boser
