On Saturday at UFC Houston, heavyweight fighters Serghei Spivac and Ante Delija will face off in a pivotal bout during the main card, as anticipation builds around the Ante Delija UFC prediction. Both athletes are seeking momentum in their careers, making this matchup crucial for their standing in the heavyweight division.
Background on Fighters’ Recent Performances
Serghei Spivac, nicknamed “The Polar Bear,” holds a 17-6 professional record and aims to break a two-fight losing streak. His last two fights ended in defeats—a knockout loss to Jailton Almeida at UFC 311 in January 2025 followed by a decision loss to Waldo Cortes-Acosta. Before these setbacks, Spivac had a strong showing in August 2024, submitting Marcin Tybura with a first-round armbar.
Ante Delija, known as “Walking Trouble,” enters the contest with a 26-7 record and a recent mixed streak. He has won two of his last four matches by first-round knockouts but suffered two stoppage losses, including a knockout by Waldo Cortes-Acosta in November 2025. Just two months prior, he had decisively defeated Marcin Tybura with a first-round knockout. Delija is looking to return to consistent form in this fight.
Analyzing UFC Houston Betting Odds and Fight Expectations
The betting odds for this fight from DraftKings set Ante Delija as the slight favorite at -135, while Serghei Spivac is the underdog at +114. The market currently leans toward the fight lasting beyond 1.5 rounds, with odds at +110 for over and -140 for under.
Strengths Behind Serghei Spivac’s Chances
Serghei Spivac’s edge lies in his grappling skill set, which could prove decisive if he imposes his game plan on the mat. Averaging more than four takedowns per 15 minutes, Spivac utilizes relentless chain wrestling combined with expertise in judo and sambo to take opponents down efficiently. His ability to secure and maintain dominant ground positions for strikes or submissions offers a strategic path against a powerful striker like Delija.
Delija’s takedown defense has shown vulnerabilities, especially under sustained wrestling pressure. Spivac’s clinch work includes trips and throws that can negate Delija’s size and strength, forcing the Moldovan fighter to fight on less comfortable terms. Furthermore, Delija’s recent knockout loss raises questions about his durability, an aspect Spivac’s pressure-heavy approach aims to exploit without engaging in risky stand-up exchanges.
Potential Advantages Favoring Ante Delija
Ante Delija carries significant physical advantages in size and striking power that could overwhelm Spivac. Known for his heavy hands and effective dirty boxing, Delija threatens to disrupt Spivac’s forward momentum and clinch attempts early on. His knockout power is well-recognized, with a record of finishing 12 fights by KO or TKO, creating a constant threat to Spivac’s known weakness in striking defense.
Delija’s grappling is also noteworthy, shaped under the guidance of Mirko Cro Cop, giving him the ability to counter takedown attempts and keep the fight standing if necessary. By fending off Spivac’s entries and exploiting his own strength, Delija may dominate striking exchanges, look to control distance, and push for an early TKO finish within the first two rounds.
What to Expect: Who Has the Edge?
This fight will likely be defined by whether Spivac can control the pace and location, using his grappling to wear Delija down. “The Polar Bear” has demonstrated he can leverage his wrestling to neutralize opponents, and Delija’s susceptibility to takedown pressure could tip the scales. If Spivac implements his judo and sambo techniques effectively, he should be able to take Delija to the mat, sap his energy, and work toward a submission or ground-and-pound stoppage.
Conversely, if Delija keeps the fight on the feet, consistently fending off takedowns and landing his powerful strikes, he can take advantage of Spivac’s striking defense concerns. His potential to end the fight early with heavy combinations and punishing punches makes him a dangerous adversary.
Final Prediction and Outlook for the Fight
Given the contrasting styles and recent form, the prediction leans toward Serghei Spivac executing a grappling-heavy game plan to secure control early. By forcing the fight to the ground, Spivac can drain Delija’s energy and work toward a submission finish, with arm-triangle choke or rear-naked choke as likely outcomes. This approach takes advantage of Delija’s recent durability questions and makes Spivac’s pressure a critical factor.
Our pick favors Serghei Spivac at odds of +114, with the expectation that the fight will extend beyond 1.5 rounds given Spivac’s grinding style and takedown strategy. Fans should anticipate a tactical bout where grappling proves paramount in the decisive moments at UFC Houston.
