UFC Fight Night betting preview & top picks – December 9, 2023

The latest instalment of UFC Fight Night at the Apex in Las Vegas presents several compelling matchups. Veteran Anthony Smith will be out halt the rise of Khalil Rountree when they clash at 205 pounds, only one man can emerge with his winning run intact when Nasrat Haqparast collides with Jamie Mullarkey, and grappling fans should be in for a treat when Park Jun-yong tangles with Andre Muniz. Read on to see our top UFC Fight Night main card betting picks.

Song Yadong v Chris Gutierrez

Song Yadong vs Chris Gutierrez

Can Chris Gutierrez prove the bookies wrong and take down Song Yadong in Saturday’s main event? See our free Song vs Gutierrez betting picks here.

Anthony Smith v Khalil Rountree

Anthony Smith vs Khalil Rountree

Anthony Smith (37-18-0) earned a controversial split-decision win over Ryan Spann in his most recent appearance to snap a two-fight losing run. The 35-year-old has a hot-and-cold record and typically either wins his bouts early or struggles in the latter rounds. Smith will enjoy a huge experience advantage over this opponent but must be getting close to retirement age, while he should have an edge on the mat.

Khalil Rountree (13-5-0) has amassed a tidy four-fight win streak since 2021 and might be poised to break into the top 10 in the light heavyweight division. The 33-year-old has a similar fight pattern to his opponent — either winning his bouts early or struggling for output in the back half. Rountree is a powerful striker with eight knockouts on his record, but his physique is unsuited to lengthy contests of endurance.

Nasrat Haqparast v Jamie Mullarkey

Nasrat Haqparast vs Jamie Mullarkey

Nasrat Haqparast (15-5-0) has faced the judging panel in his last six fights, with four of the outcomes being decided in his favour. His early career is littered with KO finishes, but the 28-year-old has employed a more cautious and tactical approach as he attempts to earn a top ranking in the middleweight class. Haqparast is a momentum fighter who produces his best work when walking forward and applying pressure, so that may be the key to his chances here.

Jamie Mullarkey (17-6-0) has suffered some setbacks in his MMA career but is 3-1 from his last four UFC outings. The Australian can be a little loose and reckless in the heat of battle, but he boasts 10 knockout wins and should be motivated to hunt his opponent down and avoid the scorecards. If openings cannot be found on the feet, Mullarky has a solid ground game to fall back on.

Tim Elliot v Sumudaerji

Tim Elliot vs Sumudaerji

Tim Elliot (19-13-0) steps in on short notice for the injured Allan Nascimento after a forgettable effort against Muhammad Mokaev at UFC 294 in August. The 36-year-old was forced to tap when clamped in an arm triangle choke, taking his record on the mat to six wins and six losses via submission. Elliot has never been a powerful striker and most of his wins have come via the scorecard, but he should have a grappling edge in this matchup.

Sumudaerji (16-5-0) is a hard-hitting striker who has struggled in recent times due to an inability to defend himself on the mat. The 27-year-old’s three most recent losses have all come via submission, so he will need to upgrade his grappling skills if he hopes to advance in the rankings. He has 13 TKO finishes to his name and will be keen to land a heavy shot in the opening exchanges and avoid the prospect of another submission failure.

Park Jun-yong v Andre Muniz

Park Jun-yong vs Andre Muniz

Park Jun-yong (17-5-0) has seven wins from his last eight UFC fights, with the sole loss occurring in 2021 at the hands of Gregory Rodrigues. The Korean will be at a significant height and reach disadvantage here, but he has dramatically improved his ground game of late and will find a willing grappling partner in this matchup. Park may need to earn some respect in the standup portion of this contest before he can impose his game plan on the wily veteran opposite.

Andre Muniz (23-6-0) has dropped his past two bouts after compiling an epic nine-fight win streak. The 33-year-old possesses one of the UFC’s deadliest armbar submissions and will be looking to school Park in the finer points of BJJ. The Brazilian has appeared lacklustre in recent times, especially in his July loss to Paul Craig, but if he can rediscover his best form, this should be an entertaining contest.

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