UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs Strickland main card betting picks

The UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs Strickland main card is a multicultural affair, demonstrating how international the sport of MMA has become.
In among some compelling matchups, our analysis has uncovered some value selections that might deliver the festive cheer if they salute. Read on to see who we think will spring the upsets in the final UFC event of the year.

Arman Tsarukyan vs Damir Ismagulov

Arman Tsarukyan (18-3-0) is another impressive Russian MMA fighter looking to move toward the top of his division. Prior to a last start loss to Mateusz Gamrot, Tsarukyan was on a five-fight winning streak and looked ready to break into the top five lightweight rankings. His previous defeat was a decision loss to current champion Islam Makhachev, so the 26-year-old knows his way around the octagon. Without the loss to Gamrot, we would be happy to declare the Russian a sporting certainty. That result has dampened our confidence slightly, but Tsarukyan is still a fighter on an upward trajectory.

Making this an all-Russian affair, Damir Ismagulov (24-1-0) is another impressive talent from the former USSR. The only blemish on his lengthy pro career is a decision loss back in 2019, prior to joining the UFC. Since being signed to the premier promotion, Ismagulov has won five fights on the trot. While he has not fought the same calibre of opponent as Tsarukyan, with recent wins over Rafael Alves and Guram Kutateladze, it is hard to knock an athlete with such a strike rate.

We are sticking with the favourite based on his exposed form to better talent, although we’re somewhat wary of the surging Ismagulov.

Amir Albazi vs Alessandro Costa

Amir Albazi (16-1-0) is an Iraqi fighting out of London who boasts a faultless UFC record. Albazi has fought thrice in the premier promotion with wins over Malcolm Gordon, Zhalgas Mukhambet, and Francisco Figueiredo. The 29-year-old collected silverware from multiple other MMA competitions prior to his elevation. He is a beast on the ground with nine of his profession wins coming via submission and looks to have a bright future.

Alessandro Costa (12-2-0) makes his UFC debut in this bout and has been presented with a tough opening assignment. Costa looks like a readymade combatant, fought well on Dana White’s Contender Series, and boasts a strong ground game too. In fact, this fight looks certain to be decided in a battle of the submission attempts and should make for compelling viewing.

Julian Erosa vs Alex Caceres

Julian Erosa (28-10-0) is the tallest featherweight on the UFC roster standing 6’1″. He is riding a three-fight winning streak with wins over Charles Jordian, Steven Peterson, and Hakeem Dawodu. Erosa crossed paths with UFC golden boy Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett back in 2016, with the Liverpudlian prevailing via decision. Erosa will be keen to make the most of his lanky frame and fight this contest from long boxing range.

There was a time when Alex Caceres (19-13-0) looked to have championship potential, but the flashy Floridian has not really broken through as expected. After a rough patch from 2016 to 2019 Caceres seemed to be getting back on track, stringing together five straight wins. He dropped his last outing to the highly regarded Sodiq Yusuf and will keen to put up a strong performance here. Caceres should have an advantage on the mat and will be best served avoiding the Erosa jab and scoring some counterattacking takedowns.

Drew Dober vs Bobby Green

Drew Dober (25-1-1-) is an explosive fighter with 12 knockout finishes in his record. He has prevailed in his last two trips to the cage over Rafael Alves and Terrance McKinney, both via KO, and his recent losses come to big names such as Islam Makhachev and Beneil Dariush. At 34 years of age Dober needs to force his way up the rankings if he hopes to earn a shot at UFC gold. Dober can get a little loose with his attacks and might leave some openings for lightning fists of his opponent.

Bobby Green (29-13-1) is a flashy, outspoken combatant with the skills to beat almost anyone. Like Dober, he also suffered a recent loss to champ Islam Makhachev, but before that had impressive victories over Nasrat Haqparast and Al Iaquinta. Green’s weaknesses seem to be psychological in nature, such as focus and motivation. His stand-up skills are a pleasure to watch when Green is in the zone, and this looks like a great match-up, worthy of co-main event status.

Michal Oleksiejczuk vs Cody Brundage

Michal Oleksiejczuk (17-5-0) has endured a patchy run of late, going 3-3 since 2019 in the UFC. His wins were over Sam Alvey, Shamil Gamzatov, and Modestas Bukauskas, while his losses include high credentialed opponents such as Jimmy Crute and Ovince Saint Preux. The Pole is much more comfortable standing than competing on the mat having been submitted in three of his five defeats. He looks to have a power advantage and will be desperate to land some heavy leather from the opening bell.

Cody Brundage (8-2-0) looks like a tough matchup for Oleksiejczuk given his abilities on the ground. Brundage entered the UFC via Dana White’s Contender Series and has won his last two contests in impressive fashion. With only a handful of fights on his record, expectations are low for Brundage’s chances here, but we are inclined to give him a decent hope. If he can secure an early takedown, Brundage might spring an upset at big odds. His most obvious route to victory is via submission, which is returning +600 at Bovada.

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