For the first time since 2018, “The Last Stylebender” Israel Adesanya will compete in a UFC Fight Night event. His steak of 12 straight title fights has come to an end. He will fight No. 5 middleweight contender Nassourdine Imavov in a five-round bout. Former Bellator champion No. 15 Michael “Venom” Page takes on rising star No. 14 Shara “Bullet” Magomedov in the co-main event.
Check out my two best bets for tomorrow’s UFC Fight Night: Adesanya vs. Imavov.
Israel Adesanya Moneyline (-162)
Yes, Adesanya has lost his previous two fights and three of his last four, but he is still among the most talented strikers in the sport. His losses have come in title fights against Alex Pereira, Sean Strickland, and Dricus Du Plessis. Although Imavov is a talented up-and-coming fighter, he has yet to accomplish what Adesanya’s previous opponents have.
Adesanya is the favorite in this contest at -162 on DraftKings Sportsbook. This fight will likely occur on the feet, and it would be surprising to see someone outstrike Adesanya. Although Du Plessis submitted Adesanya at UFC 305, he had a ton of success against the champion in the striking department.
Adesanya’s five-inch edge in reach (80″ vs. 75″) is the biggest thing that stands out. This will allow Adesanya to dictate the pace of this fight and will cause issues for Imavov when closing the distance. Unless Imavov implements more takedowns than usual, his path to victory is difficult.
Terrance McKinney to Win By KO/TKO/DQ (+150)
“T. Wrecks” Terrance McKinney is one of the most exciting fighters in the lightweight division. Every fight he is in is entertaining, whether he gets the job done or not. Although he is 5-4 in the UFC, all five of his wins in the promotion have been by finish. McKinney is a massive -550 favorite in this contest against Damir Hadzovic.
McKinney is not just a great knockout artist but also a gifted finisher on the ground. He is 15-7 in his MMA career, with 15 finishes. He has won two of his last three fights, with a first-round knockout. He is coming off a fight in which Esteban Ribovics knocked him out in May 2024.
Six of McKinney’s last eight victories have come by knockout. He has the physical advantages in this fight against Hadzovic. McKinney is taller by one inch (5’10” vs. 5’9″) while having a three-inch more significant reach (73″ vs. 70″). If this fight stays on its feet for the first few minutes of the contest, McKinney will likely pick up the knockout.
