The UFC returns to the Apex Center in Las Vegas, Nevada this weekend for a Fight Night card headlined by dynamic strikers Cody Garbrandt and Rob Font. This is a card that has gone under the radar as it follows last week’s pay-per-view blockbuster but it is one not to be missed. Littered through the card from top to bottom is some of the best finishers in the UFC and many evenly matched contests that are likely to be absolute wars. We dive into some of those match ups below.
UFC Fight Night Betting Tips
Rob Font vs Cody Garbrandt
The winner of this fight will place themselves in pole position for a title shot in the future. Garbrandt at one point was a rising undefeated star who demolished Dominick Cruz to clinch the Bantamweight belt. Back to back losses to TJ Dillashaw and then a bad defeat to Pedro Munhoz made Garbrandt fall right out of the title picture. His return second round KO of Raphael Assuncao saw him recapture his patience and poise that took him to the top.
A patient Garbrandt is one of the best boxers in the organisation with unbelievable speed and accuracy. However, if he reverts back to his ways on his three-fight skid and just trades leather with Rob Font he will be stopped as will his rise back up the ranks. Rob Font is riding a three-fight win streak, with his latest win being a highlight reel knockout of former title challenger Marlon Moraes. This fight truly boils down to if this is a technical bout or an all-in war.
Technically Garbrandt is faster, more technical and just better but Font will try to entice the notoriously hot headed American into a trade off and if he can he will come out of this bout with the biggest win of his career. The move to train part time with Mark Henry really improved Garbrandt and I have to trust that Henry has got Cody’s head screwed back on. Therefore, I will trust Garbrandt to fight smart, but I can never have a great deal of confidence in him.
Cody Garbrandt to win
$2.00
Jack Hermannson vs Edmen Shahbazyan
This fight was originally scheduled for UFC 262 but was pushed back a week. This bout is a fantastic contest between two top ten middleweights who look to bounce back from losses. I truly admire Hermannson’s grappling, it is inventive and dangerous whether you are underneath him or on top.
Shahbazyan had his hype somewhat damaged in his last fight loss to Derek Brunson. That loss showed that his wrestling needs some work as does his gas tank as he fatigued as the fight wore on. Both issues against Jack the Joker spell trouble. I see Hermannson wrapping Shahbazyan’s neck at some point when the fight inevitably hits the mat and the odds on are definite overs.
Hermannson to win by Submission
$6.00
Yancy Medeiros vs Damir Hadzovic
Medeiros’ move to Welterweight proved profitable early on, scoring three consecutive finishes but he has since gone on to lose his last three. Medeiros for mine is a middle of the road Welterweight who is always dangerous but struggles against the top guys in the division.
Hadzovic on the other hand is okay but really doesn’t have a technical edge on the feet nor the wrestling to trouble Medeiros. The chances are this fight becomes a fire fight and that is overwhelmingly in the favour of Medeiros. Expect a close first round but from there on Yancy takes over for a late stoppage or at least a dominant decision victory.
