The UFC Apex Center in Las Vegas, Nevada plays host to this week’s fight card that does leave a little bit to be desired for fans. In the main event, Jack Hermansson and Sean Strickland will go head-to-head to see who moves a step closer to fighting the winner of Adesanya and Whittaker next week.
While in the co-main, Punahele Soriano faces off Nick Maximov, on a card void of value and star power. Therefore, we focus on the main event and two multi’s on the undercard in this week’s preview.
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UFC Fight Night Betting Tips
Jack Hermansson vs Sean Strickland
Two years ago, I would have banked on Jack Hermansson to win this. 2 years later I am still picking him but with only half confidence. Sean Strickland hasn’t lost since mid-2018 and he has looked impressive of late. I thought Strickland looked very good as he completely outstruck Uriah Hall on the feet, in what was admittedly a slow fight. Despite current trends pointing to Strickland, I still believe the same Jack Hermansson who submitted Jacare Souza is still there.
At the odds we are getting for Hermansson to win by submission or decision, I will take the punt on him. Strickland has never been high output and Hermansson will push the pace, meaning I would back him to likely get the decision win if it went the full 25 minutes. I also believe he is one of the most underrated submission threats in the game and although I also believe Strickland’s ground game is solid, I wouldn’t be surprised if Hermansson wraps up a submission from an unorthodox position at some point. Simply, I am backing The Joker to get the win.
Hermansson by Submission
$3.75
Multi: Hakeem Dawodu + Jailton Almeida
Hakeem Dawodu won five straight before losing to top prospect Movsar Evloev but it was far from a one-sided demolition job. His wrestling let him down last time out and it doesn’t figure to be an issue against Mike Trizano, who will give him a straight striking battle. In a striking fight Dawodu is way too good on the feet to lose to a pressure fighter like Trizano.
Jailton Almeida was incredibly impressive in his Contender Series upset win where he showcased some quality wrestling to set up a second round submission victory. He meets Danilo Marquez here, who I am not overly impressed by. In order for Marquez to win he has to get it to the mat and keep it there on his own terms, something I just don’t see as plausible. Bank on the Brazilian to get the win.
Multi: Alexis Davis + Denys Bondar
Alexis Davis may be in the midst of a 1-4 run but she is far superior to her opponent Julija Stoliarenko. Davis has great technique, although admittedly her striking defence needs work, and while she does lose plenty, it is only to the elite fighters in the UFC. Stoliarenko relies on a quick finish and her grit to win her fights. Against the technical prowess of Davis, she won’t have any luck with that game plan.
Denys Bondar has never beaten much and I believe he has one of the most padded UFC records for someone who was able to put together a ten-fight win streak. Bondar relies on his bottomless gas tank and grinding style to get him wins. He meets Malcolm Gordon, who has next to no takedown defense. While Bondar is nothing special he has all the tools to notch up another win. Bondar adds another scalp to his padded record either through top control or a late round stoppage via beatdown.
