Aori Qileng vs. Cameron Else has been booked for a Bantamweight bout under the preliminary card of UFC Vegas 52. Both fighters are in desperate need of a win, and this coming Saturday they will be looking to secure a victory.
Despite two losses in two fights, Aori has been favored in this fight at -225. Both fighters are interesting opponents for each other as they both possess an equal level of skill set and similarly some form of weakness, as they have displayed potential holes in their past fights.
On one hand, Aori Qileng (18-9) will be hoping to pick up his first win in UFC this weekend, after suffering two defeats. His first two outings were against Jeff Molina and Cody Durden. The “Mongolian Murderer” is currently 0-2 in the promotion but this weekend he will have a chance to prove his worth in the MMA’s biggest promotion.
As for Cameron Else (10-5), the Brit suffered a huge upset on his UFC debut against Kyler Phillips. Else is currently 4-1 in the promotion. Thus, a win over the Mongolian this weekend will propel the Brit into the top contender rankings.
Tale of the Tape
Aori Qileng | Cameron Else | |
28 | Age | 34 |
5’7 | Height | 5’9 |
125 lbs | Weight | 135 lbs |
69 inches | Reach | 71 inches |
18-9 | Record | 10-5 |
Fight Breakdown
Qileng is a very unpredictable and aggressive fighter, who likes to pressure his opponents hoping to find an opening and score a big knockout rather than any proper technique or a desire to outpoint his opponents. He’s a heavy puncher and well-rounded as well but his desire to pressure fight has labeled him a typical brawler.
The “Mongolian Murderer” is well-rounded and his grappling matches with his average striking but what he really lacks is a proper defensive movement. He has an odd bobbing and weaving style that is difficult to read, but it also enhances his style of fighting, as it helps to hide his big uppercut which appears out of nowhere.
However, this unpredictability can equally put him in danger. The odd weaving often leaves his head exposed, and if his dodges are predicted, he will take some nasty shots that land directly to the head.
As for Cameron, it is the opposite. Else has shown a more composed and patient nature in the early rounds or when faced under pressure. He is mostly a counter-striker, but should he be pushed farther, he will exchange a blow for blow. As we have seen him in the past, going for a brawling approach rather than a counter opportunity.
Else is also an aggressive individual, but he makes full use of his speed and innate punching power, to march his opponents down in the hope to look for an opening to counter with one big shot.
The other aspect of Else’s game apart from the standup is his grappling skills. Else is good on top mount and has a tricky but dangerous technique that he implements to get hold of his opponents for a sub.
Who will win?
The first round of this bout will most likely tell us where this fight goes. Cameron will enjoy both the height and reach advantage heading into this weekend’s bout with the Mongolian. Also, Cameron is the faster fighter here and has a bit more one-punch KO power.
Cameron’s best chance is to keep Aori at bay and make him miss and find a way to take the fight on the ground where it is his domain. With that being said, I don’t think that’s going to play out. Qileng will chase Else down and use his variety of weapons in his arsenal to cause some serious damage.
I believe that Aori will be the aggressor from the first round. However, Qileng is the better fighter here and if he can balance his aggressive style he will have a way to secure a decision win.
Prediction: Aori Qileng via decision