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Mixed martial arts UFC Fight Night Picks: New Mansa Continues the Streak
UFC Fight Night Paris: September 3rd
In this article:
- Nassourdine Imavov vs Joaquin Buckley Preview & Pick
- Alessio di Chirico vs Roman Kopylov Preview & Pick
Nassourdine Imavov vs Joaquin Buckley Preview & Pick
At 26 years of age, Nassourdine Imavov already has 14 professional MMA bouts under his belt, as well as a 3-1 record in the UFC. He is coming off a TKO win over Edmen Shahbazyan at UFC 268 and is now 12th in the Middleweight rankings. He is a solid striker, landing 4.29 strikes per minute and absorbing just 2.23. His striking has also been quite solid, with a takedown defence of 72%. He is the heavy favourite to win at 1.36 odds, but there are obvious signs that we should look the other way.
Joaquin Buckley is a very dangerous fighter. AT 28 years of age, he already has 19 pro MMA fights, with 11 KO/TKO wins. He is the better grappler of the two, landing 1.68 takedowns per 15, but what I’m counting on in this one is his striking. He is a very powerful striker, with excellent movement and is always a threat to put someone on the ground. Imavov likes to apply pressure with inside hooks and body strikes, but this will expose him to the power of Buckley, and I don’t like it.
I’m not saying Buckley will definitely win, but the bookmakers are telling us he only has a 30% shot of getting it done. Imavov hasn’t fought in almost a year, whilst Buckley has already won twice in 2022. Buckley is definitely a solid underdog and provides a ton of value at 3.25 odds.
- Selection: Buckley to Win
- Best Odds: 3.25 (Bet365)
- Stakes: 2/10
Odds as of 1:30 pm August 31st, 2022. Odds may now differ.
More Nassourdine Imavov vs Joaquin Buckley Tips
Alessio di Chirico vs Roman Kopylov Preview & Pick
Alessio di Chirico is 32 years of age and looking to get his career back on track after a poor run. He’s won just 1 of his last 5 fights and is coming off a tough KO loss against Abdul Razak Alhassan – a fighter who is also 1-4. He hasn’t fought in more than a year, and I don’t expect him to bounce back t this point. He is available at 1.90 odds (bet365) and I see this as a mistake by the bookmakers.
That said, Roman Kopylov hasn’t had a very successful UFC stint so far, losing both fights. He is coming off a decision loss to Albert Duraev, and this fight is his opportunity to bounce back. I see di Chirico is the perfect opponent for him. Di Chirico absorbs 3.24 strikes per minute, and Kopylov has dynamite in his hands, getting 7 of his 8 wins by KO/TKO. His takedown defence has been excellent so far at 83%, and if the fight remains on the feet, Kopylov has an excellent chance of finishing the fight early. I’m backing this outcome at smaller stakes, but the return is still massive.
- Selection: Kopylov to Win by KO/TKO/Submission or Dq
- Best Odds: 4.33
- Stakes: 1/10
Odds as of 1:30 pm August 31st, 2022. Odds may now differ.
More Alessio di Chirico vs Roman Kopylov Tips
