We’re back, baby!
Hello you wonderful people, it is so good to once again have fights to bet on. The UFC returns from its one month layoff to kickstart the 2023 campaign and while UFC Vegas 67 might not be the best card, it’s still the first fights in weeks and that means it’s time to place some bets! Because this card isn’t particularly good, we’re going with a light menu today, but rest assured that UFC 283 next weekend looks to offer ample wagering opportunities on it.
As always, all odds are courtesy of our friends at DraftKings Sportsbook.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Nassourdine Imavov, -130
Imavov, a top prospect at middleweight, is a lot more entertaining than the Kelvin Gastelum fight. However, Strickland offers Imavov a greater chance to climb up the ranks, and I believe he will.
The crux of this fight comes down to the short-notice nature of it. Imavov had been working on this fight for many months. Although the fighting style may be a bit different from what he expected, all the pieces are there. Meanwhile, Strickland, by his own admission, was not even thinking about fighting before he got the call. Strickland has excellent cardio and is veteran enough to know how to work around any limitations he might have in that regard, but that’s a massive disadvantage when facing a guy who your best path to victory would ostensibly be to outwork him. It’s not an easy task, so Imavov is my choice.
Damon Jackson, +105
I might be getting caught up in the hype, but sign me up for the new “Action” Jackson. Jackson, who was knocked out in the first round by IliaTopuria has now won four victories and looks the best he has ever looked in his fight against Pat Sabatini. This despite having suffered a personal loss. Meanwhile, Dan Ige has hit a rough patch in his career, losing four of his previous five bouts. Although those defeats were against top competition, losing is what happens when it comes to losing. Jackson, on the other hand, should be considered the favorite in this fight, especially considering Ige’s questionable defense.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Raquel Pennington by Decision, +140
Pennington, a former bantamweight champion, is coming into the fight alongside Ketlen VIeira. She has a winning streak of four and I am excited about her chance to make it five. Vieira is a big, physical bantamweight who can do a bit of everything but isn’t brilliant anywhere and sometimes lacks a cohesive plan. Pennington, on the other hand, is an excellent boxer and has a decent defense. She’s also underrated in clinch. I expect there to be a lot of clinch work in this one that might shake out even, but at range Pennington is the more polished striker. Given that she has next to no chance to finish Vieira though, the extra value on the By Decision prop is the better bet.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Sean Strickland/Nassourdine Imavov Over 2. 5 Rounds (-190)
Strickland has hit Over 2. 5 rounds in 12 of his 17 career UFC bouts. Imavov has done it in three of his five. Imavov is the bigger finishing threat but Strickland is very durable, even on short notice. We’re in for a high-volume, low-power kickboxing bout for much of this one, which means we should see the championship rounds.
Ketlen Vieira/Raquel Pennington Over 2. 5 Rounds (-375)
In seven of nine UFC fights, Vieira was a decision. Pennington has gone to a decision in 12 of her 16. Neither woman is much of a finisher and they have a combined three stoppage losses across 37 fights. The judges will almost definitely be able to decide this one.
Parlay these two bets together for -108 odds.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Raoni Barcelos By Decision, +1200
Conner Burks, who is a No Bets Barred host this week, and I discussed how much of an underdog Barcelos to Umar Nurmagomedov was and whether it was deserved. Ultimately, we came down on the side that Barcelos is scrappy and can make this a fight, but he probably won’t win. And so for a straight bet, I don’t like him, even at +675. However, no man is unbeatable, even a Nurmagomedov, and Barcelos’ strong takedown defense does present a genuine problem for Umar to solve. This bet will go out if Umar can win, however, if not, Barcelos can beat him. Add in that all five of Barcelos’ most recent fights have gone to the cards and this Long Shot has value written all over it.
It’s a new year and new us! 2022 was a profitable one for us, particularly with the Long Shot bets cashing. Here’s to hoping we can do even better in 2023.
Let me know in the comments what you’re betting. Have fun and be safe!
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Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/1/13/23552353/ufc-vegas-67-gambling-preview-can-nassourdine-imavov-keep-rolling-or-will-sean-strickland-rebound?rand=96749
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