The UFC heads to London, England, this weekend for a Fight Night event that is headlined by English Heavyweight Tom Aspinall. He looks to climb back into title contention when he faces Poland’s Marcin Tybura. In the co-main, fan favourite Molly McCann meets Julija Stoliarenko and Nathaniel Wood and Andre Fili go head-to-head in a fight sure to get the fans on the edge of their seat. We take a look at my best bets on this weekend’s card below.
UFC Fight Night Preview & Betting Tips
Tom Aspinall vs. Marcin Tybura
The last time the UFC came to London Tom Aspinall was looking to set up a title shot with a win over Curtis Blaydes but it didn’t go to plan for the big Brit, who blew his knee out, resulting in 12 months on the sidelines. He returns to the Octagon this weekend back in front of his home crowd against Marcin Tybura.
The Pole is currently riding high winning seven of his last eight, with his only loss coming by way of decision to Alexander Volkov. On the feet Aspinall will have the advantage as he is both faster and more mobile than Tybura. However, he is coming off a serious knee surgery and that does limit my confidence somewhat.
While Tybura has put together quite the run in the UFC, the wins are coming against plodding slower strikers such as Greg Hardy and Maxim Grishin. If his knee is ready to go it is hard to see anything other than an Aspinall win and a comprehensive one at that. Back the Englishman to secure the finish this weekend much to the delight of the home crowd.
Tom Aspinall to win by KO/Sub
$1.26 (4 Units)
Molly McCann vs. Julija Stoliarenko
Molly McCann’s hype was brought to an abrupt halt when she was rag dolled by young phenom Erin Blanchfield. Yet before that fight she was on a great run, registering three wins in a row, two by the way of knockout. Her opponent Julija Stoliarenko is simply there to get her back on the right track.
The Lithuanian will have to make 125 pounds for this fight, despite fighting in the UFC at 135 pounds. Not only is she moving down in weight, two years ago she collapsed trying to make 135. She is also 1-4 in the UFC, been finished twice and is very limited on her feet.
While ‘Meatball’ has some big gaps in her grappling, she should have enough wrestling chops to keep it off the mat and beat up Stoliarenko on the feet. McCann will get her chance to return to the winner’s circle this weekend and let’s be in a position to profit when she does so.
Molly McCann to win
$1.50 (3 Units)
Paul Craig vs. Andre Muniz
Paul Craig makes his first appearance at Middleweight, a weight class I have long wished he would drop to and he finally does. The Scotsman has some excellent grappling and the move down in weight, if he makes it safely, should improve his durability.
His opponent Andre Muniz is one of the best grapplers in the division making this a mouth-watering contest. I favour Craig here on the feet and he has the size advantage to get it to the ground on his own terms. At underdog odds I will be backing Craig all day and if he can make the weight without completely draining himself he is going to be a serious problem at Middleweight.
Paul Craig to win
$2.80 (3 Units)
