UFC 322 is in the books, and the promotion is now in Al Rayyan, Qatar, to host their first event in the country. Two top six matchups: No. 1 Arman Tsarukyan vs. No. 6 Dan Hooker, No. 2 Belal Muhammad vs. No. 6 Ian Machado Garry headline this week’s UFC Fight Night.
Here are my two best bets for Saturday’s UFC Fight Night taking place at the Ali Bin Hamad al-Attiyah Arena in Al Rayyan, Qatar.
Arman Tsarukyan vs Dan Hooker: Under 3.5 Rounds (-135)
Dan Hooker has won his last two bouts by decision, with Arman Tsarukyan’s latest victory coming by the judges’ scorecards as well. But both fighters possess finishing ability, with Tsarukyan having 14 finishes and Hooker having 18. Since the UFC Lightweight Champion Ilia Topuria doesn’t have a confirmed next opponent yet, this matchup is much more important.
Tsarukyan is still only 29 years old, but he doesn’t seem to be currently in the good graces of the promotion. That is because he was supposed to face Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 in January, but withdrew from the fight the day before. If Tsarukyan wants to fight for gold in the near future, a win by finish is necessary. Also, Hooker is 35 years old and might never get closer to a title shot than he currently is if he suffers a loss.
With Tsarukyan being a massive -650 favorite and Hooker as a +470 underdog, my favorite play is getting this bout to go under 3.5 rounds at -135 on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Ian Machado Garry To Win By Decision (-125)
Just like Tsarukyan is, Ian Machado Garry is closing in on a title shot. With Carlos Prates and Michael Morales scoring significant victories at UFC 322 last week, Garry needs a big win to join those guys in the mix for the next welterweight title shot. But Garry has the toughest opponent of his career, Belal Muhammad, in his path.
Muhammad is a former champion who has suffered only one loss in his previous 12 contests. In Muhammad’s last fight, he lost the title to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315 in May. Muhammad’s last victory came against Leon Edwards in July 2024.
Since Garry is a -270 favorite, the best way to back him is via Deicson at -125 on DraftKings Sportsbook. That is because Garry’s last four wins have come by decision, and seven of his 10 UFC bouts have gone the distance. Also, Muhammad has only been finished once in his 28-fight career, with his lone knockout loss coming in 2016.
