Liam Lindsay

Curtis "Razor" Blaydes just finished rising prospect Jailton Almeida. Almeida completely dominated the first round, but the second round was a different story.

Curtis Blaydes landed over a dozen hammer fists on Jailton Almeida, who was stuck underneath him, unable to defend himself. This is a statement victory for Blaydes, who gets back in the win column after an eleven-month layoff.

```iframe
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The oddsmakers are always confident in Israel Adesanya.<br><br>He&#39;s lost 3 fights to Alex Pereira, but the oddsmakers still have him as a favorite heading into this weekend.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC287?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC287</a> <a href="https://t.co/0MF4krsH1v">pic.twitter.com/0MF4krsH1v</a></p>&mdash; Verdict (@TournamentsMMA) <a href="https://twitter.com/MMArena_/status/1766657799126233217?s=20">April 5, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
```

> Just the hammerfists. He shoots with his head down. I dug his head into the ground and got those hammer fists off. I want Aspinall. Next, we have unfinished business. - Curtis Blaydes

Do you like Aspinall vs. Blaydes next? As a member of the Verdict Community, let us know with a comment down below.

Curtis Blaydes Brutally TKOs Jailton Almeida at UFC 299

Douglas Vegas Bets

The UFC is back in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the ANB Arena in Riyadh for a stacked fight night card headlined by former Middleweight champion Israel Adesanya -164, taking on streaking contender Nassourdine Imavov +134. I went over that matchup and every other fight on the card to give my predictions and best bets, so let's get into it.

**Odds provided by Duelbits accurate as of 1/28/2025**

## Israel Adesanya -164 vs. Nassourdine Imavov +134

The main event this week is a high-stakes Middleweight clash between two men who are firmly in the title picture. Israel Adesanya reigned over this division for years with his slick kickboxing, although over recent years, the speed he once had has seemingly faded, and with him losing three out of his last four, it may be time to question how much is left in the tank. Nassourdine Imavov enters this fight having won three straight over top ten ranked opposition with his strong boxing standing out of an overall well-rounded game despite some cardio issues which have come and gone throughout his career.

I am a big fan of Imavov's game and will bet him here as the underdog with this matchup favoring him in a few different areas. He is the younger guy, he's been more active, he has the grappling upside, and his cardio issues are less likely to show up in a kickboxing match with a counter striker. With all that, Imavov is my best bet of the week.

Prediction: Imavov by Decision (Best Bet)

## Shara Magomedov -185 vs. Michael Page +149

These two flashy strikers square off here at Middleweight. Shara Magomedov is a lightning-fast kickboxer who is undefeated with four wins coming in the UFC including a wild knockout of skilled kickboxer Armen Petrosyan his last time in the cage. Michael Page is a one-of-a-kind striker with a hands-down style that allows him to move very freely before making big actions to land damage on his opponents as they often struggle to react.

I lean toward Magomedov here as he has a few key factors going his way including being the natural Middleweight, much younger, and fighting with the crowd behind him. Still, I am not sold on him being worth betting at this price against a veteran like Page, so this fight is a pass for me. 

Prediction: Magomedov by Decision

## Sergei Pavlovich -323 vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik +250

Big punchers collide here in this Heavyweight clash that you shouldn't take your eyes off. Sergei Pavlovich is as dangerous as anyone in the UFC for the first round with all his wins coming by early knockout although when extended by Alexander Volkov he struggled to keep a pace or pose much of a threat. Jairzinho Rozenstruik is a veteran kickboxer with dangerous power and solid technique, but he is getting up there in age and has suffered several early knockout losses.

At these odds, Rozenstruik has to be the side, if this fight gets out of round one I believe he will win two and three at a pretty high rate although, with several early knockout losses in his UFC career, there is a big concern there.

Prediction: Rozenstruik by Decision

## Said Nurmagomedov -179 vs. Vinicius Oliveira +144

Rising Bantamweights to watch go head to head in this fantastic matchup. Said Nurmagomedov is a very dangerous fighter with good striking and a nasty choke game that has finished three of his last four wins including strong competition in Cody Stamann and Saidyokud Kakhramonov. Vinicius Oliveira is a skilled and powerful striker who caught the attention of many last year with a flying knee knockout over Benardo Sopaj in his debut and a dominant decision over veteran Ricky Simon later on.

I'll pick Nurmagomedov here as both men are skilled strikers but he has the x-factor of being able to snatch the neck at any moment and he is fighting with a friendly crowd.

Prediction: Nurmagomedov by 1st Round Submission

## Fares Ziam +130 vs. Mike Davis -161

Lightweights, each looking to extend their four-fight win streak, face off here to open the main card. Fares Ziam is a tall striker who has improved tremendously since his early time in the UFC, with his most recent win against Matt Frevola feeling like a breakout performance. Mike Davis returns here after another long layoff, when active he has a very well-rounded game, as he has shown in fast-paced wars with Sodiq Yusuff and Mason Jones.

I like Ziam in this one as he is the longer guy who can win the striking at range, and he has been much more active, looking better each time he gets in the octagon. 

Prediction: Ziam by Decision

## Muhammad Naimov -294 vs. Kaan Ofli +225

Featherweights looking to get back in the win column battle in this featured prelim. Muhammad Naimov looks to bounce back from his first UFC loss after displaying big power in his first few outings, which resulted in wins over veterans Jamie Mullarkey and Nathaniel Wood. Kaan Ofli makes his UFC debut after failing to win the finale of The Ultimate Fighter 32, losing by knockout to Mairon Santos, although on the show, he still demonstrated a solid skillset with basic striking and dangerous submission skills in wins over Nathan Fletcher and Roedie Roets.

This is a good spot for Naimov to get a bounce-back knockout with Ofli having just been finished although I wouldn't be shocked if Ofli makes this competitive as Naimov isn't a great minute winner and was just submitted.

Prediction: Naimov by 2nd Round KO

## Shamil Gaziev -385 vs. Thomas Petersen +290

Heavyweights with the power to end a fight quickly square off here. Shamil Gaziev is a big and strong guy, which he can use to beat up his opponents early, but his cardio has been a massive issue. Thomas Petersen is a solid grappler for the weight class but his striking leaves much to be desired, in particular on defense, as he takes a lot of damage.

I'll pick Gaziev here as I believe he has the advantage wherever the fight goes early on, but with his cardio issues, I can't even think about betting on him at this price as Petersen could win simply by not getting finished early. 

Prediction: Gaziev by Decision

## Terrance McKinney -476 vs. Damir Hadzovic +350

Lightweights with kill-or-be-killed styles are matched up in this one. Terrance McKinney is a fast finisher, with all his wins coming by early knockout or submission, although when he fails to get his opponent out of there early, he doesn't have the cardio to survive. Damir Hadzovic returns after several years away here, he is a solid striker, although he struggled against solid grapplers at the UFC level.

I see the grappling of McKinney being far too much for Hadzovic to overcome unless he has made significant improvements to his game during the time off which I strongly doubt.

Prediction: McKinney by 1st Round Submission

## Jasmine Jasudavicius -238 vs. Mayra Bueno Silva +190

It's a big matchup here at Flyweight as two very skilled grapplers look to push their way into the contender conversation. Jasmine Jasudavicius is a high-paced wrestler who often overwhelms her opponents with pace and pressure. Mayra Bueno Silva is a dangerous submission artist with solid striking as well and she is moving back down in weight for this fight after losing two straight at Bantamweight.

This is a tough fight to call but I slightly favor Jasudavicius to win a decision as I feel she is the busier fighter in the cage and will be on the top in most grappling exchanges, although the finishing upside is firmly on the side of Bueno Silva here, giving me a lot of hesitation with this pick.

Prediction: Jasudavicius by Decision

## Bogdan Grad -101 vs. Lucas Alexander -120

Two dangerous strikers collide here in this fun Featherweight matchup. Bogdan Grad makes his debut off of Dana White's Contender Series, where he got redemption for his first time on the show, this time at a lower weight class where he looked much better. Lucas Alexander is a tall striker with decent power but there is some concern with him having missed weight and lost his last fight as a big favorite against Jeka Saragih.

I lean towards Alexander here as Grad struggled against Tom Nolan in big part due to his size advantage and despite being much shorter than Nolan, Alexander has the same reach which he can use to keep Grad at range.

Prediction: Alexander by Decision

## Hamdy Abdelwahab -111 vs. Jamal Pogues -111

Heavyweights looking to gain valuable experience will open the card here. Hamdy Abdelwahab is back for another UFC showing here after his lengthy suspension for a drug test failure after his debut win over Don'Tale Mayes. Jamal Pogues is a decent boxer who has shown solid durability and little finishing ability for the weight class as he has gone the distance in each of his last five fights.

I'll go with Pogues here but it's tough to have much confidence in either side here, if Abdelwahab is in good form he has a path with the wrestling, although he is very inexperienced and his striking does not look good which leads me to lean towards Pogues as the pick.

Prediction: Pogues by Decision

UFC Fight Night: Adesanya vs. Imavov Odds Breakdown

After over a year away from the octagon the return of Marvin Vettori has officially been confirmed as he is set to rematch Roman Dolidze in a main event from the Apex on March 15th. This was first reported by MagicM MMA Bets.

## Announcement: Marvin Vettori vs. Roman Dolidze Middleweight Main Event

This will be the first time we see Vettori since he lost a brutal fight with Jared Cannonier in June 2023, the former title challenger is still just thirty-one years old. Dolidze will be looking to extend his win streak here after finishing Kevin Holland in his last fight at UFC 307 and winning a decision over Anthony Smith at UFC 303.

Who are you taking in this Middleweight rematch? Let us know in the comments.

Marvin Vettori Returns for Main Event Rematch Against Roman Dolidze

It was recently announced that former Flyweight and Bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo would be taking on rising contender Yadong Song and the odds for this matchup have been released. This fight is scheduled for February 22nd from the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington.

*Odds provided by Duelbits accurate as of 1/19/2025*

## Current Odds: Henry Cejudo +165, Yadong Song -213

These odds mean a risk of $100 on Henry Cejudo could win $165, while it would take a risk of $213 on Yadong Song to win $100.

This will be the first time we have seen Cejudo in a while with his most recent outing being a decision loss to current champion Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 298. Song has not been much more active with his last appearance being a decision loss to Petr Yan at UFC 299.

## Past Odds: Henry Cejudo

*Odds via Fightodds.io*

Henry Cejudo (+245) vs. Merab Dvalishvili (-290) UFC 298 - Loss

Henry Cejudo (-105) vs. Aljamain Sterling (-115) UFC 288 - Loss

Henry Cejudo (-185) vs. Dominick Cruz (+170) UFC 249 - Win

Henry Cejudo (+150) vs. Marlon Moraes (-160) UFC 238 - Win

Henry Cejudo (+195) vs. TJ Dillashaw (-215) UFC on ESPN+ 1 - Win

## Past Odds: Yadong Song

*Odds via Fightodds.io*

Yadong Song (+121) vs. Petr Yan (-141) UFC 299 - Loss

Yadong Song (-370) vs. Chris Guttierez (+295) UFC Fight Night: Song vs. Guttierez - Win 

Yadong Song (+117) vs. Ricky Simon (-137) UFC Fight Night: Song vs. Simon - Win

Yadong Song (+170) vs. Cory Sandhagen (-185) UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Song - Loss

Yadong Song (-265) vs. Marlon Moraes (+245) UFC Fight Night: Santos vs. Ankalaev - Win

## UFC Seattle Full Card Odds

Henry Cejudo +165 vs. Yadong Song -213, Bantamweight

Rob Font -200 vs. Dominick Cruz +155, Bantamweight

Curtis Blaydes -270 vs. Rizvan Kuniev +205, Heavyweight

Edson Barboza +110 vs. Steve Garcia -141, Featherweight

Jean Silva -400 vs. Melsik Baghdasaryan +280, Featherweight

Brendan Allen +225 vs. Anthony Hernandez -303, Middleweight

Adam Fugitt +225 vs. Islam Dulatov -303, Welterweight

Modestas Bukauskas -313 vs. Raffael Cerqueira +230, Light Heavyweight

Ion Cutelaba +110 vs. Ibo Aslan -141, Light Heavyweight

Ketlen Viera -135 vs. Macy Chiasson +106

Mansur Abdul-Malik -769 vs. Antonio Trocoli +480

Who do you have in this interesting Bantamweight clash? Let us know in the comments.

Henry Cejudo Opens Underdog to Yadong Song at UFC Seattle

UFC 312 from the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia is fast approaching and the odds have been released for the main event between Middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland. This event is scheduled for February 8th on ESPN+ PPV. 

**Odds provided by DuelBits accurate as of 1/192025**

## Current Odds: Dricus Du Plessis -200, Sean Strickland +155

These odds mean a bettor would need to risk $200 on Dricus Du Plessis to win $100, while a risk of $100 on Sean Strickland could win $155.

This will be Du Plessis' second defense of his title, which he claimed in the first fight with Strickland, with his most recent win being a submission over Israel Adesanya at UFC 305. Strickland gets the rematch he has been asking for here after a split-decision win over Paulo Costa at UFC 302.

## Past Odds: Dricus Du Plessis

*Odds via Fightodds.io*

Dricus Du Plessis (-110) vs. Israel Adesanya (-110) UFC 305 - Win

Dricus Du Plessis (-110) vs. Sean Strickland (-110) UFC 297 - Win

Dricus Du Plessis (+262) vs. Robert Whittaker (-312) UFC 290 – Win

Dricus Du Plessis (-200) vs. Derek Brunson (+185) UFC 285 - Win

Dricus Du Plessis (-165) vs. Darren Till (+155) UFC 282 - Win

## Past Odds: Sean Strickland

*Odds via Fightodds.io*

Sean Strickland (-240) vs. Paulo Costa (+205) UFC 302 - Loss

Sean Strickland (-110) vs. Dricus Du Plessis (-110) UFC 297 - Loss

Sean Strickland (+495) vs. Israel Adesanya (-670) UFC 293 – Win

Sean Strickland (-160) vs. Abus Magomedov (+140) UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Magomedov – Win

Sean Strickland (+120) vs. Nassourdine Imavov (-130) UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Imavov – Win

## Full Card Odds UFC 312

Dricus Du Plessis -200 vs. Sean Strickland +155, Middleweight Title Fight

Zhang Weili -179 vs. Tatiana Suarez +140, Strawweight Title Fight

Tallison Teixeira vs. Justin Tafa, Heavyweight

Jimmy Crute vs. Rodolfo Bellato, Light Heavyweight

Jake Matthews vs. Francisco Prado, Welterweight

Quillan Salkilld vs. Anshul Jubli, Lightweight

Tom Nolan vs. Viacheslav Borshchev, Lightweight

Jack Jenkins vs. Garbiel Santos, Featherweight

Cody Haddon vs. Aleksandre Topuria, Bantamweight

Cong Wang vs. Bruna Brasil, Flyweight

Kody Steele vs. Rongzhu, Lightweight

Kevin Jousset vs. Jonathan Micallef, Welterweight

Hyun Sung Park vs. Nyamjargal Tumendemberel, Flyweight

Who are you taking in this Middleweight rematch? Let us know in the comments.

Dricus Du Plessis Moderate Favorite Over Sean Strickland Ahead of UFC 312 Rematch

Former Middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is set to make his return to the octagon in a few short weeks as he is set to take on rising contender Nassourdine Imavov and the odds are out now. This event is scheduled for February 1st from the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

**Odds provided by Duelbits accurate as of 1/19/2025**

## Current odds: Israel Adesanya -172, Nassourdine Imavov +135

These odds mean a bettor would need to risk $172 on Israel Adesanya to win $100, while a risk of $100 on Nassourdine Imavov could win $135.

This is a pivotal fight in the career of Adesanya who has lost three of his last four fights including being submitted by Dricus Du Plessis in his most recent fight at UFC 305. Imavov gets the biggest opportunity of his career here after winning his third straight with a decision over Brendan Allen in Paris, France last September.

## Past Odds: Israel Adesanya

*Odds via FightOdds.io*

Israel Adesanya (-110) vs. Dricus Du Plessis (-110) UFC 305 - Loss

Israel Adesanya (-670) vs. Sean Strickland (+495) UFC 293 - Loss

Israel Adesanya (-130) vs. Alex Pereira (+120) UFC 287 – Win

Israel Adesanya (-215) vs. Alex Pereira (+195) UFC 281 – Loss

Israel Adesanya (-500) vs. Jared Cannonier (+435) UFC 276 – Win

## Past Odds: Nassourdine Imavov

*Odds via FightOdds.io*

Nassourdine Imavov (-210) vs. Brendan Allen (+180) UFC Fight Night: Saint-Denis- vs. Moicano - Win

Nassourdine Imavov (-126) vs. Jared Cannonier (+106) UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs. Imavov - Win

Nassourdine Imavov (-164) vs. Roman Dolidze (+144) UFC Fight Night: Dolidze vs. Imavov - Win

Nassourdine Imavov (-125) vs. Chris Curtis (+105) UFC 289 - NC

Nassourdine Imavov (-130) vs. Sean Strickland (+120) UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Imavov - Loss

Who are you picking in this battle of highly ranked Middleweights? Let us know in the comments.

Israel Adesanya Favored Over Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Saudi Arabia

During the broadcast of UFC 311, two massive fights were announced to take place at UFC 313 with the main event being Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev and the co-main being a Lightweight battle between fan favorites Justin Gaethje and Dan Hooker. This event is scheduled for March 8th from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

## Announcement: Justin Gaethje vs. Dan Hooker Five-Round Lightweight Fight

Justin Gaethje will be making his first appearance since being on the wrong end of last year's "knockout of the year" when he faced Max Holloway at UFC 300 and was left unconscious at the final bell. Dan Hooker will look to keep momentum here after his last win was his third in a row coming against Mateusz Gamrot by split decision at UFC 305.

Who are you taking in this must-see Lightweight clash? Let us know in the comments.

Justin Gaethje returns against Dan Hooker at UFC 313

During the broadcast of UFC 311, it was announced that the headliner for UFC 313 will be a Light Heavyweight title fight between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev. The co-main event was also announced to be a five-round Lightweight clash between Justin Gaethje and Dan Hooker. This event is scheduled for March 8th from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

## Announcement: Alex Pereira vs. Magmomed Ankalaev Light Heavyweight Title Fight

This will be Pereira's fourth time defending his title, with his most recent win coming by 4th-round knockout against Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307. Magomed Ankalaev gets a second chance at undisputed gold here after a draw with Jan Blachowicz some years ago, he earned this opportunity with a decision win over Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308.

Who are you taking in this massive clash between Light Heavyweight? Let us know in the comments.

Alex Pereira vs. Magmomed Ankalaev set for UFC 313

It was a short-notice change of opponent for both men but it was no trouble for the Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev as he was able to submit Renato Moicano in the first round in the main event of UFC 311.

## Result: Islam Makhachev def. Renato Moicano by 1st Round Submission (4:05)

There was some solid back-and-forth action early, with a slip from Makhachev creating a tense moment. Once Makhachev took the fight to the ground, he was in complete control before securing his second straight D'Arce choke win.


>"I like this belt. If somebody want this belt, come into the cage" - Islam Makhachev

What did you think of Makhachev's performance? Let us know in the comments.

Islam Makhachev Submits Renato Moicano in Round One at UFC 311

After five rounds of high-level war, Merab Dvalishvili had his hand raised against Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311 from the Intuit Arena in Los Angeles.

## Result: Merab Dvalishvili def. Umar Nurmagomedov via Unanimous Decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)

The story of the fight was pace as despite a solid start from Nurmagomedov he seemingly gassed out during the third round at which point Dvalishvili took over and dominated the final three rounds to take a clear decision.


>"I can retire and die happy" - Merab Dvalishvili

What did you think of Merab's performance? Let us know in the comments.

Merab Dvalishvili Defends Title Over Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311

After an incredible battle, it was Jiri Prochazka who came out on top against Jamahal Hill in a matchup of former Light Heavyweight champions on the main card of UFC 311 from the Intuit Arena in Los Angeles, California. 

## Result: Jiri Prochaka def. Jamahal Hill via Round 3 TKO (3:01)

It was a strong start for Prochazka, who dropped Hill and outlanded him by a wide margin in the first round. The second round saw close action before the pair traded eye pokes, and Hill seemingly finished the round with some momentum. The final round saw Prochazka back on the pressure, hurting Hill early and continuing to unload until Hill fell, forcing the referee to step in.

What did you think of the fight? Let us know in the comments.