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UFC Fight Night main card preview & picks | Ribas vs Namajunas

UFC Fight Night betting picks

UFC Fight Night: Ribas vs Namajunas

Latest Odds & Main Card Info

When Saturday, March 23 – main card from 7pm PDT
Where UFC APEX – Las Vegas, United States
Watch Live ESPN+ (US), BT Sport (UK), ESPN (AU), UFC Fight Pass

The main card for this weekend’s UFC Fight Night: Ribas vs Namajunas at the Apex in Las Vegas presents a selection of compelling matchups. Heavyweights Karl Williams and Justin Tafa will collide in the co-main event, former wonderkid Edmen Shahbazyan is looking to rebuild against AJ Dobson, and young guns Payton Talbott and Cameron Saaiman will throw down in what appears a classic battle of emerging prodigies. Read on for our free UFC betting picks and predictions.


Amanda Ribas v Rose Namajunas

Amanda Ribas

Amanda Ribas

vs

Rose Namajunas

Rose Namajunas

+200 at Bovada UFC betting odds -250 at Bovada
13-4-0 MMA record 12-6-0
30 Age 31
5’4″ Height 5’5″
115.5.lbs Weight 135lbs
66″ Reach 65″
Brazil Nationality USA

Can Rose Namajunas get her mojo back when she takes on Amanda Ribas in this weekend’s main event? See our in-depth Ribas vs Namajunas preview here.


Karl Williams v Justin Tafa

Karl Williams

Karl Williams

vs

Justin Tafa

Justin Tafa

-192.31 at Bovada UFC betting odds +155 at Bovada
9-1-0 MMA record 7-3-0
34 Age 30
6’3″ Height 6’0″
240lbs Weight 266lbs
79″ Reach 74″
United States Nationality New Zealand

Despite his powerful physique and fearsome appearance, UFC heavyweight Karl Williams (9-1-0) has just three knockouts to his credit — an anomaly in the 265-pound division. He is riding high on a six-fight win streak, five of which lasted the distance. Williams faces a much larger opponent here, and his defences and chin will be tested.

In stark contrast, Justin Tafa (7-3-0) has scored all his wins via early stoppage and his last four bouts have all lasted less than two minutes. The Kiwi likes to take care of business in an efficient manner and boasts some of the hardest strikes in the heavyweight class. Tafa throws heavy kicks in addition to his leaden fists and might go hunting high against a taller opponent.

Justin Tafa by KO/TKO

+240
@
Bovada

Edmen Shahbazyan v AJ Dobson

Edmen Shahbazyan

Edmen Shahbazyan

vs

AJ Dobson

AJ Dobson

-204.08 at Bovada UFC betting odds +165 at Bovada
12-4-0 MMA record 7-2-0
26 Age 32
6’2″ Height 6’1″
185lbs Weight 185lbs
75″ Reach 76″
United States Nationality United States

Edmen Shahbazyan (12-4-0) started his career with 11 consecutive victories and appeared destined for championship status. The boom turned to bust in 2020, however, and the American dropped three straight fights, two by heavy knockout. The 26-year-old has appeared twice since, with a TKO loss and a TKO win, but is clearly not the prospect he was once thought to be — especially when it comes to defence and patience.

AJ Dobson (7-2-0) has fought three times at UFC level for two losses and one win, all coming via the scorecards. The 32-year-old has three knockouts and two submissions on his early record but is still adjusting to the level of competition demanded by the UFC. He boasts solid wrestling skills and might be wise to close the distance against a taller and more talented striker.

Edmen Shabazyan by decision

+300
@
Bovada

Payton Talbott v Cameron Saaiman

Payton Talbott

Payton Talbott

vs

Youssef Zalal

Cameron Saaiman

-153.85 at Bovada UFC betting odds +123 at Bovada
7-0-0 MMA record 9-1-0
25 Age 23
5’10” Height 5’8″
135lbs Weight 135lbs
70.5″ Reach 67″
United States Nationality South Africa

Payton Talbott (7-0-0) is an exciting, unbeaten talent who might be ready to make a name for himself. The 25-year-old is blessed with solid striking power and has finished six of his seven professional bouts. He will look to exploit a height and reach advantage by striking from long range against a similarly dangerous prospect.

Cameron Saaiman (9-1-0) is coming off his first defeat and will be out to regain the momentum that had him compared favourably with fellow South African Dricus du Plessis, who hoisted the middleweight crown earlier this year. Saaiman was outworked by Christian Rodriguez in the loss and was unable to unleash his full array of power shots, but the 23-year-old is still learning his craft and should be unperturbed by the setback.

Cameron Saaiman to win

+123
@
Bovada

Billy Quarantillo v Youssef Zalal

PIC

Billy Quarantillo

vs

PIC

Youssef Zalal

-119.05 at Bovada UFC betting odds -104.17 at Bovada
18-5-0 MMA record 13-5-1
35 Age 27
5’10” Height 5’10”
145lbs Weight 145lbs
70″ Reach 72″
United States Nationality Morocco

Billy Quarantillo (18-5-0) has been unable to string together successive victories across his last seven UFC appearances but is coming off a resolute win against the dangerous Damon Jackson. The 35-year-old tends to slacken his output in the latter stages of rounds, which can harm his chances with the judging panel; however, if he can dominate the early exchanges and apply sufficient pressure, his chances will improve sharply.

Youssef Zalal (13-5-1) was cut from the UFC roster in 2020 following three straight losses and one draw. One of those defeats was a tough three-rounder against Ilia Topuria, the current featherweight champ. Since his demotion, the 27-year-old has scored three straight stoppage wins in the Sparta Combat League, and he will be keen to cement his UFC position with a bold showing here.

Billy Quarantillo by decision

+150
@
Bovada

Sports betting picks


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