UFC Fight Night 243 is just around the corner and I'm excited to provide all you fight fans with a preview of the main event, as well as some additional betting tips for the full fight card this weekend.
We had some success last time out as my NAP selection landed quite easily in the end. Relying on my analysis rather than emotion proved the correct choice, as the title fight between Sean O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili unfolded precisely as I had anticipated.
Dvalishvili dominated the fight from start to finish, overwhelming O'Malley with his relentless forward pressure and superior wrestling skills, ultimately resulting in O'Malley losing his UFC title.
For Saturday's UFC card, I will be previewing the main event, which features an intriguing matchup between France's own Benoit Saint Denis and Brazil's Renato Moicano.
Renato Moicano vs Benoit Saint Denis: Fight preview and tale of the tape
I'm looking forward to watching this main event, which promises high action, high intensity, and, most importantly, a high chance of seeing a knockout.
Denis returns to the octagon in his home country of France and arrives here as a strong betting favourite at odds of 4/11 with Bet365. The Frenchman will be looking to bounce back after Dustin Poirier KO'd him back in March of this year.
There was no shame in defeat to Poirier last time out, and Denis showed in the early stages of the fight that he was more than capable of holding his own in the Lightweight division.
Prior to losing against Poirier, Denis was in great form, winning five on the bounce, including a nasty head kick KO against USA's Matt Frevola, who is scheduled to fight on this same card prior to the main event.
In order to return to winning ways, Denis must first get past ‘Money' Moicano, who comes here on a three-fight win streak, which includes victories against Brad Riddell, Drew Dober and most recently, a KO victory against Jalin Turner.
I like Moicano, he's doing his own thing in the background and is slowly making his way up the Lightweight division without really getting that much recognition for his efforts.
At 35, Money Moicano is not getting any younger, but he's a very skilled fighter with strong attributes in every area of the game. Like most Brazilian fighters, he has solid jiu-jitsu, and if he can take this fight to the ground, he could be a real threat to Denis even from his back.
Betting Tips
Given Denis' home advantage and his close call against Poirier in his previous fight, I fully expect the Frenchman to come out aggressively in the early rounds and put heavy pressure on Moicano.
While Moicano is known for his ability to withstand damage, Denis is a powerful striker who has already earned three knockout wins in his seven professional fights. I anticipate Denis will be able to pick apart the Brazilian and secure a knockout victory within the first three rounds.
- Advised bet – Denis to win via KO, TKO or DQ and under 3.5 rounds (Bet Builder Bet365) Odds – 13/10
Other betting selections
I like to have a side acca to run alongside my main play and I've included my selections below if you wish to follow me this weekend.
- Nassourdine Imavov to win vs Brendan Allen
- Ion Cutelaba to win vs Ivan Erslan
- Fares Ziam to win vs Matt Frevola
- William Gomis vs Joanderson Brito – Over 1.5 Rounds
Acca Odds – 5.71/1 Bet365
- Resident horse racing tipster for MFT - 5 Years experience within sport writing and horse racing
Acca lands at odds of 5.71/1 👍
NAP Single loses – BSD took too much damage in round one, however, he came out and won round two but fight was called by the doctor at end of round, resulting in a TKO victory for Moicano.
Still, a good result on the night with the acca landing, until next time 🥊