Mixed martial arts heads back to Las Vegas this weekend where the UFC Apex will host 13 top-quality bouts on Saturday night. Headlining the event is a clash between two middleweights looking to climb their way into contention in the division, with Roman Dolidze taking on Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Fight Night 235.
Both fighters joined the promotion in 2020 and come into this bout with two losses on their records in the UFC. With Dolidze and Imavov both suffering losses in their most recent completed fights, this match-up becomes critical. Back-to-back losses in the UFC are challenging to come back from, so while the winner will climb closer to a title fight, the loser may find themselves stuck in martial arts purgatory.
We break down all the latest UFC odds from bookmaker William Hill and outline the best bets to make on UFC Fight Night 235: Dolidze vs. Imavov this Saturday night.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: January 31st, 11:45 P.M. (GMT)
Outright betting odds for this clash are nice and tight at bookmaker William Hill. France’s Nassourdine Imavov has his nose slightly in front at 1.61, but only just, with Roman Dolidze coming in at 2.30 to win.
Method of victory odds show that a Imavov knockout is the most likely way this fight ends. That result pays 3.50, just ahead of the Frenchman winning by decision. Dolidze’s best shot is finishing the fight, with both a knockout and submission returning 5.00 for him. A submission for Imavov or decision for Dolidze are looking unlikely, with these returning 6.50 and 7.00 respectively.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: January 31st, 11:45 P.M. (GMT)
Looking at the most recent fights from these two fighters, we can piece together a solid case for what will happen in this clash. Against Marvin Vettori, Dolidze was impressive initially but dropped off in the final rounds. For Imavov, he was well ahead against Chris Curtis before that fight was ruled a no contest, and before that, he went toe-to-toe with Sean Strickland deep in the fifth round.
We say it will be the clean striking and cardio of Imavov that wins this clash. The conservative bet would be simply to pick him outright, since it’s a toss up whether he wins this one comfortably on points or scores a late knock down. The big money is certainly on a late knockout the way of Imavov, with the Frenchman capitalising on his superior cardio to take Dolidze out in the fifth at 21.00
