Ilir Latifi vs. Rodrigo Nascimento 5/20/23 – On Saturday, two heavyweight competitors Ilir “The Sledgehammer” Latifi and Rodrigo “Ze Colmeia” Nascimento, will head to head in an intense heavyweight clash inside the Octagon. Both fighters hope to make their mark, so this bout promises to be an intense showdown inside its confines. Place your bets on your best fighter by following the UFC betting guide.
Ilir Latifi vs. Rodrigo Nascimento
Date & Time: Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 4:00 PM ET
Location: UFC APEX, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
TV: ESPN+
Ilir Latifi vs. Rodrigo Nascimento Betting Odds
Latifi
Moneyline: +169
Nascimento
Moneyline: -194
Ilir Latifi vs. Rodrigo Nascimento Analysis
Ilir Latifi, widely dubbed “The Sledgehammer,” comes into this fight boasting an impressive record of 17-8-0 (1 NC). Latifi stands 5’10”, weighs 230 lbs, and employs an orthodox fighting style with an arm span of 73 inches. Latifi has demonstrated accuracy in his strikes, connecting on 42% of significant strikes at an impressive strike rate of 1.92 per minute. The defense was also strong, absorbing 2.75 significant strikes per minute while deflecting 56% of those directed his way.
Latifi has proven his prowess at wrestling, averaging 2.13 takedowns every 15 minutes. Their takedown success rate for him stands at 36%, and 100% takedown defense is unparalleled. Latifi may not be as aggressive in his pursuit of submissions – only attempting 0.3 finishes out of every three rounds – but his well-rounded skills make him a formidable opponent.
During his most recent fight, Latifi won unanimously against Aleksei Oleinik. His strikes showed extraordinary accuracy, landing 79% of significant ones primarily targeting the head. Latifi’s ability to control the distance and deliver precise strikes was instrumental in his victory.
Rodrigo “Ze Colmeia” Nascimento, 30, is an orthodox fighter with an impressive record of 9-1-0 (1 NC). At 6’2″ and 246 pounds, Nascimento boasts both height and weight advantages over his opponent. With an 80-inch reach, he possesses the potential to exploit it optimally. Nascimento has achieved an outstanding significant strike accuracy of 51%, landing an average of 4.05 significant strikes per minute. He absorbs an average of 5.22 significant strikes per minute.
Nascimento stands out with his impressive grappling skills, having successfully executed takedowns 41% of the time while upholding 100% defense for takedown attempts. His penchant for submissions is evident, as he attempts an impressive 1.4 submission finishes every 15 minutes – an indicator of his submission prowess.
Nascimento won an arduous split decision against Tanner Boser in his most recent bout. He showed outstanding accuracy with his strikes, connecting on 41% of significant strikes with an emphasis on hitting the head. Nascimento’s striking accuracy and grappling prowess give him an array of offensive weapons to utilize inside the Octagon.
Both fighters boast distinct strengths and skill sets, setting up an intriguing matchup between Latifi’s accuracy and defensive abilities and Nascimento’s striking accuracy and grappling expertise.
Ilir Latifi vs. Rodrigo Nascimento Stats
| Latifi | Nascimento | |
| Wins/Losses/Draws | 17-8-0 (1 NC) | 9-1-0 (1 NC) |
| Average Fight Time | 8:56 | 6:31 |
| Height | 5′ 10″ | 6′ 2″ |
| Weight | 230 lbs. | 246 lbs. |
| Reach | 73″ | 80″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Strikes Landed per Min. | 1.92 | 4.05 |
| Striking Accuracy | 42% | 51% |
| Strikes Absorbed per Min. | 2.75 | 5.22 |
| Defense | 56% | 41% |
| Takedowns Average/15 min. | 2.13 | 2.30 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 36% | 41% |
| Takedown Defense | 100% | 100% |
| Submission Average/15 min. | 0.3 | 1.4 |
Ilir Latifi vs. Rodrigo Nascimento Free Pick
Online experts expect the fight between Ilir Latifi and Rodrigo Nascimento to be closely contested, as each fighter brings unique strengths into play. Latifi’s combination of accurate strikes, defensive skills, and wrestling abilities give him an edge in control and takedowns. His 100% takedown defense could make it challenging for Nascimento to implement his game plan. However, Nascimento boasts superior height, weight, and reach, which may give him a distinct advantage in range and power when striking his opponent. Furthermore, as per the UFC betting analysts, his impressive grappling skills and submission attempts may provide opportunities to close out this fight on the ground.
Free Pick: Rodrigo Nascimento -194
