Chan Sung Jung “The Korean Zombie” headlines the Busan, South Korea card for a UFC Fight Night against UFC stalwart Frankie Edgar. The final card of the year may be a step down in ‘big names’ and quality from the huge UFC 245 card just gone but for the hardcore MMA fans there are still plenty of interesting matchups and quality fighters.
UFC Fight Night 165 Betting Tips
Frankie Edgar vs. Chan Sung Jung ‘The Korean Zombie’
Both these fighters are impossible not to like as they always bring the action. Frankie Edgar is always that one step away from winning a title without managing it and his wrestling game has to be up there among the best in the division. The Korean Zombie is an icon in Korea who has had his share of fight of the nights. He bounced back from his last second loss to Yair Rodriguez in which he was winning the fight to beat Renato Moicano in what was a clinical striking display that didn’t even last a round. I lean towards Zombie winning this, but Edgar is someone who always shows up and takes a world of beating and for that reason I’m going to leave this fight alone and focus on solid undercard plays.
TIP: No Bet
Raoni Barcelos vs. Said Nurmagomedov
Barcelos made his long-awaited UFC debut in style with an uppercut KO of Kurt Holobaugh. While I understand why he is the favourite here I think Said Nurmagomedov just might be about to really hit his stride in the UFC. His UFC debut was a very average split decision win but his second an explosive spinning back kick finish over the promising Ricardo Ramos. For the record Said has no relation to Khabib and fights a totally opposing style of fight. He will try to keep this standing and pick Barcelos apart and I think he does just that. He is one to really watch going forward.
Seung Woo Choi vs. Suman Mokhtarian
Let me just be honest and somewhat harsh I don’t think Suman Mokhtarian should be in the UFC simple as that and that’s coming from a fellow Australian. Losing to Sodiq Yusuff is no knock on him but the Australian competition before the UFC he faced is about as padded a record as you could see. Two of his last three fights before his Ultimate Fighter berth which he lost were against fighters making their MMA debuts who haven’t fought since losing to Suman. Choi himself is no superstar and can get himself into brawls but what he has is enough power to finish a fighter who should not be in the promotion. Now watch me eat my words.
Dong Hyun Ma vs. Omar Morales
Both like to stand and bang, and this could be brutal here if Morales catches Ma who likes to push forward and pressue Morales. Morales who is 8-0 has looked the goods so far in his career earning himself six first round finishes. While Ma will likely threaten the takedown and if he gets it could cause Morales all sorts, I see this as a swing for the fences until one man drops type of fight. Odds are it is Ma dropping but we will play the safe way and just say the fight will finish by knockout.
