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UFC Fight Night Paris is set to get going this weekend from Accor Arena in Paris, France on Saturday, September 3 at 3 p.m. ET. There is a six-bout main card highlighted by a heavyweight title eliminator fight between No. 1 contender Cyril Gane and No. 3 contender Tai Tuivasa. Also notable on the main card is a fight in the lightweight division between John Makdessi and Nasrat Haqparast.
Makdessi (18-7) has had a nice little revival over the last couple of years. The veteran cage fighters is 5-2 in his past seven UFC fights and is coming off of a split decision win over Ignacio Bahamondes in April 2021. Makdessi hasn’t fought in almost 18 months, but he’s taken long layoffs before. Haqparast (13-5) is on a two-fight skid, losing consecutive decisions to Bobby Green and Dan Hooker. He is 5-4 in the UFC.
How to watch Makdessi vs. Haqparast
Date: Saturday, September 3
Fight time: Main card starts at 3 p.m.
Live stream: ESPN+ PPV
DraftKings Sportsbook Odds/Predictions
Haqparast: -230
Makdessi: +195
Splits: 68% of handle, 78% of bets on Haqparast
Youth could serve Haqparast well here. Makdessi has advanced boxing skills, but I don’t think he’ll have the power that would keep Haqparast from moving forward. If that happens I think the Haqparast will eventually smother Makdessi and get a win, possibly by stoppage.
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