UFC Fight Night preview and predictions

UFC has seemingly delivered a terrific show at each venue. We’re guessing that’s the case in Louisville Saturday evening. The KFC Yum! Center hosts UFC’s first program in Derby City in a decade, and the fight card suggests it was worth the wait.

There is a great middleweight clash as the main event on the program, though other weight classes are represented as well.

Here’s a look at some of the biggest fights of the night, and the best bets to make on each.

Imavov vs Cannonier

Saving the best bout of the night until the last one, Nassourdine Imavov (13-4-0, 1NC) opposes Jaren Cannonier (17-6-0) in a battle of middleweight fighters. These two are at very different points in their careers, but each hungry.

Cannonier has a title fight on his resume, always a contender in this division. In what’s priced to be a close fight, he’s the underdog at -105, according to UFC Fight Night odds.

Imavov, the -125 favorite, is a French fighter looking to continue his climb in the rankings. This would be a huge win over a tough foe. He needs a signature win to sustain that momentum.

Thee fight is scheduled to go five rounds and we see it lasting that long as neither fighter wants to make themselves susceptible. There will be plenty of tactical moves throughout the bout.

Cannonier has been dependable throughout his career, but this is Imavov’s time

Bet Nassourdine Imavov ( -125) in the main event to come away with the middleweight win.

Jacoby vs Reyes

Light heavyweights square off in the co-main event as favored Dustin Jacoby (12-4) draws Dominick Reyes (19-8-1). These two fighters that are in desperate need of a win, Things have not gone smoothly in either camp recently.

Jacoby is at -235, but lost a few fights via decision. He will need to ensure that doesn’t continue.

Reyes (+195) had a shot to win the belt in this weight class, with any number of observers believing he was robbed in that chance. A tailspin happened, and whether he gets another opportunity is debatable.

This is a scheduled three-rounder, and that should play into the strategy of Jacoby. He can’t afford to see another fight go to decision. Jacoby will win as the -235 choice Saturday evening. There

are any number of alternative wagers, as per Jacoby vs Reyes props.

Turcios vs Rosas Jr.

The bantamweights are well-represented as Ricky Turcios (13-3-0) opposes Raul Rosas Jr. (8-1-0). This is another fight slated to go three rounds. It will do just that.

Rosas Jr. is the clear betting choice at -225. He’s been inconsistent in UFC bouts, however. This was actually supposed to take place in February, but postponed the day of the event.

There’s a chance to take the ‘dog in this event, and that should be your focus. Take Turcios (+185) to win via decision.

Also on Docket

Among the other UFC Fight Night encounters are…

–Lightweights (three rounds) Ludovit Klein (125) vs Thiago Moises (-106) –Welterweights (three rounds) Punahele Soriano (+160) vs. Miguel Baeza (-190) –Strawweights (three rounds) Denise Gomes (+135) vs Eduarda Moura (-165) –Middleweights (three rounds) Zachary Reese (+105) vs Julian Marquez (-135) –Bantamweights (three rounds) Taylor Lapilus (-270) vs Cody Stamann (+215)

Here’s the complete list of bouts (as of this writing) . . .