The UFC returns for the first card of 2023 and already has started chaotically with Kelvin Gastelum pulling out of the main event. Sean Strickland now steps in on short notice to take on Nassourdine Imavov in the new headliner. In the co-main Dan Ige and Damon Jackson go toe to toe and Punahele Soriano takes on Roman Kopylov in an exciting clash.
We take a look at Ben Talintyre’s best UFC betting tips on the card below to kick off the new year.
UFC Fight Night Preview & Betting Tips
Nassourdine Imavov vs. Sean Strickland
The original bout between Nassourdine Imavov and Kelvin Gastelum was set for the spring of 2022 before being rebooked to kickstart 2023 but has once again fell through so in steps Sean Strickland. Imavov has been on a great run, winning three straight and most recently scoring a decision victory over Joaqim Buckley. While predominately a striker in his last two bouts he has shown he isn’t a one trick pony, utilising his wrestling as he enters this clash as a rising contender. Sean Strickland lost to Jared Cannonier a month ago in a Vegas main event and will be eager to turn in a better performance here as he steps in on under a week’s notice on a two-fight skid.
Imavov gassed terribly in his last fight and by the third round he had his hands on his hips and was sucking in deep breaths despite spending the first two rounds controlling Buckley. Strickland has a great gas tank and is hard to finish. That seems a recipe for disaster for the Frenchman and therefore I am backing Strickland to weather the storm and steamroll a tired and depleted Imavov.
Sean Strickland to win
$1.87
Dan Ige vs. Damon Jackson
Dan Ige may be on a bad run losing four of his last five but this matchup is stylistically perfect. Damon Jackson is a solid grappler who is on a solid winning streak, yet a dig into that run shows no wins of real merit. Jackson has also failed to beat a ranked opponent in his UFC tenure and it is hard to see him taking down Ige who has legs like tree trunks. Expect Ige to wear his opponent down and finish Jackson in the second or third round. Jackson has also been stopped by strikes in three of his four losses and after this weekend I expect it that stat to be in four of his five losses.
Punahele Soriano vs. Roman Kopylov
Punahele Soriano takes on Roman Kopylov in a fight that will be absolute fireworks as both men hit like a truck. The pair come into this fight off of impressive knockout victories but it is Soriano who I am backing to win this. Neither are strong on the ground and I believe ‘Puna’ has both the speed and power advantage. While I would lean Soriano by knockout, Kopylov can take a shot and both men may be a tad cautious to engage as they are likely to respect one another’s power, so I will play the safer option and back Soriano to get his hand raised.
Punahele Soriano to win
$1.62
