UFC FIGHT NIGHT: Expert Picks, Best Inserts for Cannonier vs. Rodrigues

Former UFC Middleweight Title Challenger Jared Cannonier seems to end a two-match’s losing row as he takes on increasing Gregory Rodrigues in the main event at UFC Fight Night at UFC Apex in Las Vegas on Saturday night (at 7 p.m. 16 on ESPN+).

Cannonis, ESPN’s No. 9-ranked middleweight, challenged the then Master Israel Adesanya to the Belt at UFC 276 in July 2022, but has struggled to cope with prevailing since. He is 2-2 in his last four bouts, including losses in his last two matches against Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho respectively.

Rodrigues, non-placed by ESPN, enter the match running on a three-match winning row, including a win over Christian Leroy Duncan most recently.

Brett Okamoto spoke to ESPN analyst and veteran MMA -Training Your Thomas to get his perspective at UFC Main Event. ESPN Betting expert Ian Parker adds insight and analysis of the main event and other exciting bets he likes on the card.

The editor’s note: The answers are edited for briefness and clarity.

Middle weight: Jared Cannonier vs. Gregory Rodrigues

Your Thomas, ESPN -Analyst and Veteran MMA -Trainer

How canonies win: Three years ago, Cannonis seemed to be strapped to beat a guy as middle weight champion Dricus du Plessis because he can be counter -punched. He will have to use this counter -punching ability in this fight. Rodrigues will take the fight for him.

This match comes down to two things for cannonis. He has to shoot off with really good legs kicks and counter -punch effectively. However, he is 40 years old and I am concerned about his age. As you get older, there are three things to go: speed, reflexes and balance. They didn’t look the same in his last match, but we can’t count him too early.

How Rodrigues win: He has to put pressure on cannonis. Like the older fighter, cannonis want to fight as effectively and financially as possible. If Rodrigues force him to fight at a faster pace, he will make more mistakes. If I’m Rodrigues I will come out faster than usual. Rodrigues also have to use his jiu-jitsu. He is an eight-time national champion in Brazil, yet he does not use it in matches.

X Factor: Rodrigues’ power. If he starts to marsh Cannonis down, he may be able to hurt him.

Forecast: I will choose the sub -dog in Cannonis, but I can’t take the older fighter at this place. I go with Rodrigues. I think he stops cannonis.

Betting analysis

Odds accurate from the publication. For the most up -to -date odds, visits Espn bet.

Parks: Rodrigues to win inside the distance. Rodrigues assumes its highest ranked opponent in cannonis. Rodrigues is a world-class grappler and has shown severe knockout stream. Although cannonis is a former title challenger, Rodrigues catches him at the perfect time. Rodrigues is one of the few warriors that can match the strength of Cannonia, and if he puts cannonis on his back, he has a great advantage. Look for “RoboCop” to use his earth game and get this victory within the distance.

Parks’ best bets on the rest of the card

Featherweight: Calvin Kattar vs. Youssef Zalal

Zalal to win by submission or decision. Since his return to UFC, all three of Zalal’s victories have come upon submission. He is now taking on his toughest opponent to date in Kattar. Kattar is as hard as they come, but he runs on a three-match’s losing row. This match feels like a showcase for Zalal against a household name. Kattar’s durability will keep him in the fight, but after watching Aljamain Sterling exclaims him in three rounds, I feel we will see the same from Zalal.

Middle weight: Rodolfo Vieira vs. Other Petroski

Vieira to win by submission. Both men have a gripping heavy fighting style. However, Vieira’s submission games are world -class and he is perhaps the better striker. We’ve seen Petroski fight if he can’t get his opponent to the mat. He also seems to gas out towards the end of round 2 in matches. Look for Vieira to defend the early attack on displacement from Petroski and probably end up in the top position on the mat after an encryption. When Petroski fades as the match continues, look for Vieira to get the victory for the submission in Round 2 or 3.

Strawweight: Angela Hill against Ketlen Souza

Hill to win (-110). Hill has proven time and time again that her age is not a factor. Even at the age of 40, she is a tough for any opponent in her department. The betting line for this match is shocking. I would have made Hill a -150 favorite. Hill is the better striker and has developed a solid ground game along the way. She has also competed against the best in the division. Souza has not fought for anyone as highly ranked or skilled as Hill. Look for Hill to win this one on your feet and take a different view.