UFC Denver main card preview & betting picks | July 13, 2024

The main card for this Saturday’s UFC Fight Night: Namajunas vs Cortez at the Ball Arena in Denver features a mix of competitive, well-matched contests.

Veterans Santiago Ponzinibbio and Muslim Salikhov will clash in the co-main event, proven strikers Drew Dober and Jean Silva will throw heavy leather, and exciting youngster Christian Rodriguez will square off against Julian Erosa.

Read on for a full preview with UFC betting picks for every fight on the main card.

Rose Namajunas v Tracy Cortez

Rose Namajunas vs Tracy Cortez

Rose Namajunas is looking to vault into flyweight title contention, but Tracy Cortez has other ideas. See our UFC Denver main event betting preview here.

Santiago Ponzinibbio v Muslim Salikhov

Santiago Ponzinibbio vs Muslim Salikhov

Santiago Ponzinibbio (30-7-0) has struggled recently with just one win from his last four fights. At 37 years of age, time might have caught the Brazilian, but he faces a favourable matchup against another veteran who has also visibly slowed and might be vulnerable to Ponzinibbio’s volume striking attacks.

Muslim Salikhov (19-5-0) brings a similar record with three losses and one win from his recent appearances. The Russian is a powerful proposition, with the bulk of his wins coming via knockout, and his best chances will be during the opening exchanges. The 40-year-old may struggle in the latter portions if any early stoppage eludes him.

Drew Dober v Jean Silva

Drew Dober vs Jean Silva

Drew Dober (27-13-0) is one the most entertaining lightweights on the UFC roster, delivering action whenever he enters the cage. The 35-year-old loves to press for knockout victories, and a lack of patience can be his undoing on occasion. The American is a well-rounded athlete who will put on another high-level MMA display here.

Jean Silva (13-2-0) steps up on short notice to replace the injured Mike Davis following an impressive knockout win at UFC 303 in June. The 27-year-old is still improving and is unbeaten in his last 10 professional fights. He also favours an early finish over entrusting fate to the hands of the judges, so this should be a Fight of the Night contender.

Gabriel Bonfim v Ange Loosa

Gabriel Bonfim vs Ange Loosa

Gabriel Bonfim (15-1-0) has fought at UFC level on three occasions, registering two wins and one loss. Last time out, the submission specialist was knocked out by Nicolas Dalby after failing to take the contest to the mat, where he has a natural advantage over most opponents.

Ange Loosa (10-3-0) has fought four times in the UFC with two wins, one loss, and one no-contest to show for his efforts. The striker will be keen to keep the action upright, where he can land long combinations and hunt for finishing opportunities.

Julian Erosa v Christian Rodriguez

Julian Erosa vs Christian Rodriguez

Julian Erosa (29-12-0) is a talented striker and grappler who struggles with defensive frailties. The 34-year-old can appear open and exposed when on the back foot, and he has been knocked out seven times throughout his career. On the plus side, Erosa has scored 13 wins via submission and poses a threat whenever he can draw opponents into grappling exchanges.

Christian Rodriguez (11-1-0) is an impressive young featherweight who has won his last four outings and appears destined to break into the division’s rankings with another victory or two. The 26-year-old is a warm favourite with UFC bookmakers and appears to be one of the card’s better betting propositions.

Abdul Razak Alhassan v Cody Brundage

Abdul Razak Alhassan vs Cody Brundage

Abdul Razak Alhassan (12-6-0) has struggled for consistency in recent years with two wins and two losses since 2021. The 38-year-old is coming off a second-round submission loss to Joe Pyfer after being competitive in the early action. The Ghanaian can land heavy shots when he finds his range, normally while still fresh and before muscle fatigue sets in.

Cody Brundage (10-6-0) is also coming off a submission loss to a highly touted opponent. He was choked out by Bo Nickal, who is considered a rising star in the middleweight division. The 30-year-old is always dangerous, and this promises to be another exciting matchup, but Brundage might have a bigger gas tank and can grind out a decision win if he plays it smart.

Sports betting picks