The UFC returns to the Apex Center this weekend for a Fight Night card headlined by two of the Featherweight divisions most feared strikers as Calvin Kattar faces off against rising prospect Arnold Allen. In the co-main Tim Means faces Max Griffin in what should be a fire fight and Dustin Jacoby and Khalil Rountree go head-to-head in a bout that should have fight fans on the edge of their seats. We take a look at the three best bets on this weekend’s card below.
UFC Fight Night Betting Tips
Calvin Kattar vs. Arnold Allen
The line opened with Calvin Kattar as favourite but has since swung in favour of Arnold and that to me is absurd. Kattar comes into this bout off of a narrow and somewhat controversial decision loss to Brian Kelleher. Before that he put on an absolute clinic against Giga Chikadze, something that seems to have been forgotten by punters, despite it being one of the most impressive performances of 2022.
Arnold Allen is 18-1 and comes into this fight off a round 1 knockout win over Dan Hooker. I just personally don’t like this fight for him as I don’t believe he will be able to take it to the ground on his terms. Kattar is an excellent defensive wrestler hence why he has a 91 per cent takedown defence rate. His striking is also far more polished and Allen’s output on the feet is nowhere near that of his counterpart. Kattar also has proven to be able to go five rounds, something yet to be seen from Allen. Back Kattar as he is a great bet as an underdog.
Calvin Kattar to win
$2 (4 Units)
Phil Hawes vs. Roman Dolidze
Phil Hawes earned a UFC contract with a knockout in just over a minute against Khadzhimurat Bestaev on the Contender Series in 2020. Since then, he has gone 4-1 in the Octagon and while he has been impressive, he hasn’t put the stamp on the division that many envisioned. He meets Roman Dolidze here who really should be another one he comfortably puts away. Dolidze has won his last two but is badly outclassed on the feet. Hawes’ movement against Deron Winn last time showed he continues to evolve, and I predict he will have too much for his counterpart. Expect Hawes to pick apart Dolidze and finish him in the back half of the fight.
Phil Hawes to win
$1.60 (4 Units)
Chase Hooper vs. Steve Garcia
I usually avoid tipping fighters who I have soft spots for but objectively Chase Hooper should have too much everywhere for Steve Garcia. Hooper is an elite grappler who uses his length to bamboozle opponents on the ground with his problem in the Octagon to date being he struggles to get the fight there.
Steve Garcia, however, is not good at maintaining distance and often finds himself flat footed when forced to retreat, leaving him vulnerable to Hooper’s trips and clinch takedowns. Once on the mat this is a one-sided domination and that is exactly what it will be. Max bet on Hooper.
Chase Hooper to win
$1.40 (5 Units)
