The stage is set for the UFC Vegas 93 Co-Main Event and we’ll be bringing you our betting prediction and pick for this matchup in the Middleweight (185) Division. Russia’s rising prospect Ikram Aliskerov will take on the debuting Antonio Trocoli of Brazil. Check out our UFC odds series for our Aliskerov-Trocoli prediction and pick.

Ikram Aliskerov (15-1) has gone 2-0 through his first UFC action thus far. He impressed with a first-round kimura submission in Dana White’s Contender Series and has followed it up with two knockout finishes on the UFC stage. Some are already hailing him as an upcoming contender and his betting line will indicate just that. Aliskerov stands 6’0″ with a 76-inch reach.

Antonio Trocoli (12-3) will be making his UFC debut in this Co-Main event spot following an injury to Aliskerov’s previous opponent Andre Muniz. He’s a former winner at DWCS, but later got his fight overturned to ‘No Contest’ after a failed drug test on his part. Now, he’ll make the cut to Middleweight on two-week’s notice to potential make a big splash in the UFC. Trocoli stands 6’5″ with an 82-inch reach.

Here are the UFC Vegas 93 Odds, courtesy of BetOnline. 

UFC Vegas 93 Odds: Ikram Aliskerov-Antonio Trocoli Odds

Ikram Aliskerov: -1700

Antonio Trocoli: +1000

Over 1.5 rounds: +160

Under 1.5 rounds: -200

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Why Ikram Aliskerov Will Win

Ikram Aliskerov is currently riding a seven-fight winning streak and all of his three UFC appearances thus far have been highlighted by exciting finishes. He’s a typical Russian-style wrestler who can keep his opponents down and land devastating ground-and-pound. Five of his wins have come by way of submission and he’s very technical when locking chokes. Aliskerov is also very polished on the feet and is willing to box his way to a finish as well. He’s very good in the clinch with his knees and he’s even adept at throwing leg kicks to all levels from in close.

Ikram Aliskerov was slated to fight a grappler in Andre Muniz, but he’ll have to pivot and face a bigger, more powerful guy like Trocoli. Aliskerov is giving up some size here and it may be tough to reach Trocoli’s chin, so he’ll be looking to grab a single leg and try for the inside leg trip. Expect Aliskerov to approach this fight carefully as he’s aware of the problems Trocoli’s size presents for him. Still, he’s fought the much better competition and has been tested more than his opponent, so the aura of confidence works greatly in his favor.

Why Antonio Trocoli Will Win

Antonio Trocoli had a solid appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series, but later had to take time off following his failed drug test for PEDs. He spent some time in Brazil’s regional circuits back in 2014-15, where he collected a perfect 6-0 record. At 6’5″, Trocoli typically fights in the Light Heavyweight Division. However, given the opportunity to fill-in two weeks before this fight, it’ll be interesting to see how he handles this weight cut. Still, he’s a tremendous athlete and is very well-rounded with his MMA, notching wins by decision, submission, and knockout. With five by submission, he could present some problems for the smaller grappler Aliskerov.

Antonio Trocoli has had a long time in between his fights, but he seems to come out fresh each time he steps in the cage. Still, he hasn’t seen anywhere near the competition Aliskerov has had to deal with and he’ll be dealing with the brightest lights in his debut. As the massive betting underdog, Trocoli will have to remain calm and not allow himself to adrenaline dump or start too hot. He has the size advantage and the power to work against Aliskerov, so he may have to dial his aggression back and use his physical strength more.

Final Ikram Aliskerov-Antonio Trocoli Prediction & Pick

Given the recent success from both of these prospects, we should be in for a tight contest despite what the betting odds may indicate. Ikram Aliskerov is the heavy favorite here for good reason as he’s been able to do more against better competition. However, he was slated to face Andre Muniz and will now have to face a bigger, stronger fighter in Trocoli.

Antonio Trocoli is a dangerous submission artist and being the partner of UFC Strawweight Mackenzie Dern, he’s certainly been working on his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu throughout the camp. However, this is a massive step-up in competition and we have yet to see what his frame will look like when cutting the weight.

Ikram Aliskerov has proven himself as a dangerous all-around fighter and he may be too far along in his progression to lose to Trocoli here. Still, the knockout threat is there and Trocoli will be dangerous in several moments of this fight. Let’s roll with the favorite to win and for the total to dip over.

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Final Ikram Aliskerov-Antonio Trocoli Prediction & Pick: Ikram Aliskerov (-1700); OVER 1.5 Rounds (+160)