The UFC returns to the Apex Center in Las Vegas, Nevada this weekend for a Heavyweight clash with potential title implications when Sergei Pavlovich and Curtis Blaydes face off. In the co-main Song Yadong and Ricky Simon square off and Brad Tavares meets Bruno Silva in a fight sure to entertain. We take a look at the key fights on this weekend’s UFC card below.
UFC Fight Night Preview & Betting Tips
Sergei Pavlovich vs. Curtis Blaydes
Sergei Pavlovich meets Curtis Blaydes in this weekend’s main event in what really is the true number one contender fight. Both men have been demolishing the division’s elite for the last couple of years and likely whoever wins this weekend is next in line for the title. Pavlovich is probably the hardest hitter in the division who has knocked out sluggers Tai Tuivasa and Derrick Lewis in his last two bouts.
Curtis Blaydes has fallen short of his title shot a couple of times now when he has run into a heavy hitter. Each time he gets rocked while taking a rushed shot at a takedown and put out. While that fits the bill perfectly for Pavlovich, the equaliser is the Russians one loss came to Alistair Overeem who took him down and dominated from top position, Blaydes’ bread and butter. The fight simply boils down to can Blaydes get this fight to the mat. Although I slightly lean to yes he can this is a fight where the odds are about right and it is too risky to get involved from a betting standpoint.
No Bet
Brad Tavares vs. Bruno Silva
Bruno Silva was massively overhyped and that hype has been somewhat derailed since falling to Gerald Meershaert. Much is made of the fact Silva went the distance with Alex Pereira but the fact remains he has some serious flaws in his game and struggles to change his gameplan when things aren’t going his way during a fight. Brad Tavares has been in the UFC for more than 12 years and is one of the most well-rounded fighters in the division. He comes into this fight on the back of a loss to contender Dricus Du Plessis but it was far from one sided. I expect Tavares to pot shot his way to victory here, mixing in wrestling and clinch work as required. Back the American to get back in the winner’s circle here.
Brad Tavares to win
$1.70 (3 Units)
Bobby Green vs. Jared Gordon
Bobby Green is on a two-fight skid coming into this fight after being wrecked by Islam Makhachev and then starched by Drew Dober. However, I really like his chances of returning to the win column here. Jared Gordon suffered a narrow and controversial loss to Paddy Pimblett in his last fight but that bout was perfect for him stylistically and yet he still failed to capitalise to the degree he should have. Green is a rangy striker who sticks and moves incredibly well and has strong wrestling that he chooses not to use but can lean on as needed. I expect Green to counter Gordon’s pressure on route to a dominant victory.
Bobby Green to win
$1.45 (4 Units)
