UFC 277: Drew Dober vs. Rafael Alves Fight Breakdown

UFC 277

UFC 277 promise’s to be a strong showing for the promotion, one fight that has fallen under the radar is the Nebraska native, Drew Dober taking on one of the newer additions to the UFC in The Turn Rafael Alves. 

Drew Dober is a mainstay of the UFC despite only being 33 years old. Joining the promotion through strike force all the way back in 2009, Dober has been grinding through the UFC for a long time. There have been some stunts of inactivity throughout the years, but since 2019 the striker has been getting two fights in a year with consistency. 

The Turn, training out of MMA Masters,  had a whole host of cancelled bouts in 2021. While it may appear that the Brazilian is inactive, he has made an effort to compete. While there has not been a ton of hype behind this prospect, training out of the rising gym that is MMA Masters, he is a fighter worth keeping an eye on. Especially now considering he is in his prime, with his best window for a championship being now.  

Drew Dober Vs. Rafael Alves Promises To Be An All Out War

Drew Dober climbed his way to being a fan favourite for always giving his all to a fight. Dober is a striker, landing 4 significant strikes a minute and does a solid job keeping the fight standing, having a 53% takedown defence rate. The chin of Dober is also a point of note, never being knocked out in the UFC. In his last outing, Terrance McKinney really put his chin to the test, where The Southpaw would put on a great comeback after being hurt badly multiple times. 

Alves has been less tested in the UFC, going 1-1 in the UFC (not counting DWCS) his only finish came from a Guillotine Choke. Despite the submission threat, Alves has never shot a takedown in the UFC. To be fair, considering the matchups Alves has had so far, the takedown has not been a clear option. Running into Damir Ismagulov, and finding the hold early against Marc Diakiese. The athletic ability of the Brazilian cannot be overlooked when viewing this fight. With a failed move to 145 pounds, this fighter has a lot to prove.

UFC 277: Implications 

This fight is hidden within UFC 277, but considering Dober was just in the top 15 of the division, a win here would get the ball rolling towards contender ship. Alves seems to be the wild card in the fight, making the fight hard to call. Both fighters are sure to leave it all in the cage come fight night.

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