light contenders Arman Tsarukyan And dan hooker The bout will take place in the main event of UFC Fight Night at the ABHA Arena in Doha, Qatar on Saturday (1 p.m. ET on ESPN+, with prelims at 10 a.m. ET on ESPN+).
Tsarukyan is making his first Octagon appearance of the year after being forced to withdraw from a title shot at UFC 311 in January due to an injury. He has won each of his last four fights. Hooker also comes into the fight with some momentum, riding a three-fight winning streak. There are no fighters inside ESPN’s divisional rankings,
Former welterweight champion in co-main event Belal Muhammad He wants to get back into title contention as he faces rising contenders ian machado garymuhammad lost the belt Jack Della Maddalena At UFC 315 in May. Gary wins unanimous decision over fan favorite carlos prates In his last fight at UFC Fight Night in April. Muhammad is ESPN’s No. 3-ranked welterweight, and Gary is ranked No. 5.
MMA analysts and commentators provide their predictions for the main and co-main events, and ESPN betting expert Ian Parker adds insight on the value bets available on the card.
light main event
I’m not sure Hooker can stop Zarukyan’s removal. Tsarukyan will be the better wrestler there, but if Hooker can defend takedown attempts, he will beat Tsarukyan like he did Mateusz GamrotGamerot beats Sarukyan – but the MMA math doesn’t work, I expect Tsarukyan to be better in dominant position on the ground than Gamrot and win by decision, , Anthony Smith
Zarukyan is going to catch Hooker, frustrate him, and win by decision. Hooker may be too game to finish, but Tsarukyan will be at it the entire time. I believe Hooker will be in control on the mat for at least 18 minutes of the 25 minute fight. , din thomas
betting analysis
It looks good! Here is the BET link from SAC: Situation as of 20 November. For more information see espn bet
Parker: Tsarukyan has to win inside distance. Tsarukyan is about a 5-to-1 betting favorite. Don’t be surprised if he wins inside the distance here. While Hooker is extremely tough and durable, Zarukyan has the power to deliver a knockout with his signature wrestling. I don’t think Hooker can hang for five rounds. Look for Zarukyan to take Hooker down and get the fight there.
Welterweight co-main event
I’m leaning towards Machado Gary here. Della Maddalena wrote a book on how to deal with Belal. Now, if Belal can move in and Machado can take Gary down, he can win this fight. But some of Belal’s victories are not very old. We were all very impressed when he defeated leon edwards And sean bradyBut both of them lost by knockout. And he lost to Della Maddalena, who was a newcomer to the division. –Anthony Smith
It’s tough, but I’m going with Belal because of his work ethic and determination. I think Machado irritates Gary by getting close to him and avoiding taking big shots. Sometimes he’ll struggle to do it, but once he gets in, he’ll control it and win the decision. I think Belal will win two out of three rounds. –Deen Thomas
betting analysis
Parker: Muhammad to win (+220). This fight will come down to whether Muhammad can take the fight to the ground or not. I expect Muhammad’s wrestling and speed to defeat Machado Gary and win at least two of the three rounds. While fighting from his back, Machado does not threaten Gary Muhammad with submission. If you want to take the safe route, consider taking the fight to the side and incorporating it into your conversation.
Parker’s best bets on the rest of the card
light heavyweight: volkan ozdemir versus alonzo menifield
Menifield to win (+190). Down about 2-1, I’m taking Menifield for the upset. The fight will ideally be on the feet and Menifield lands heavy punches. Menifield has won by decision in his last two fights which shows his development in cardio and ability to win later rounds while Oezdemir has seen a decline in cardio in recent fights. If it gets past the first round, it goes in Menifield’s favor.
Men’s Bantamweight: Beczat Alamkhan versus alexandre topuria
Topuria to win (-125). Almakhan is coming off a KO over in the first round Brad KatonaWhile Topuria, brother of the lightweight champion Ilya TopuriaRecently won in his UFC debut. I like Topuria here because he has more ways to win. If Almakhan doesn’t win the first round, expect Topuria to use his boxing to close the distance and wrestle his way to victory.
