Center in Louisville, Kentucky, middleweight contender Jared Cannonier is set to battle it out with Nassourdine Imavov. Fans can catch the main event action at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+, following the prelims starting at 5 p.m.
Coming off impressive decision victories over Sean Strickland and Marvin Vettori, Cannonier is looking to make it a hat trick of wins. He’s currently ranked No. 5 and is no stranger to the spotlight, having previously vied for the middleweight title. Imavov, on the other hand, is fresh from a majority decision win against Roman Dolidze and is eager to climb the ranks.
Inside Scoop from the Pros
We caught up with UFC strawweight Angela Hill and ESPN’s betting guru Ian Parker to get their takes on this fiery matchup.
Cannonier’s Game Plan: Expect Cannonier to bring the heat by cornering Imavov and targeting those legs. His feints and slick head moves could draw out Imavov’s attacks, setting the stage for some clever takedowns. If Cannonier gets Imavov against the fence, watch for a display of punishing elbows and knees that could drain Imavov’s energy, much like in his bout with Vettori.
Imavov’s Strategy: For Imavov, the key is to keep moving and use his push kicks to maintain distance. His boxing could pack a punch, especially with those surprise angles. Imavov’s got a tough chin, but he’ll need to manage the space well to dictate the pace and fend off Cannonier’s advances.
The X Factor: Wrestling could turn the tide in this fight. Both fighters have shown they can mix it up on the ground but often hold back. Whoever initiates the grappling might just tip the scales in their favor.
Betting Tips from the Expert
Ian Parker suggests playing it safe with over 4.5 rounds, as both fighters have shown durability in their careers. However, he’s leaning towards Imavov to snag the win with his strategic fighting and ability to dodge heavy hits. This fight could go the distance given Cannonier’s solid performance against Vettori and Imavov’s unblemished track record of not being finished.
Other Fights to Watch
- Bantamweight Battle: Raul Rosas Jr. vs. Ricky Turcios. Expect a lot of grappling with Turcios showcasing his endless energy and chin of steel. This one should easily go over 2.5 rounds.
- Middleweight Clash: Julian Marquez vs. Zachary Reese. Marquez is the favorite here. His power and ground skills should give him the upper hand against Reese.
- Welterweight Showdown: Miguel Baeza vs. Punahele Soriano. Baeza, known for his sharp boxing and jiu-jitsu, is the one to watch. Soriano needs a win but will have to work hard to overcome Baeza’s agility and tactics.
