UFC Fight Night Rozenstruik v Almeida main card betting preview

The main card for UFC Fight Night from the Spectrum Center in Charlotte is headlined by a perfectly matched contest between Anthony Smith and Johnny Walker, a pair of light heavyweights who could have been champions.

Fight fans will also been keen to see the appearance of exciting, undefeated Irishman Ian Garry, and what might be the last fight of UFC legend Tim Means.

Rozenstruik v Almeida

Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs Jailton Almeida

Anthony Smith v Johnny Walker

#5 Anthony Smith vs #7 Johnny Walker

Anthony Smith (36-17-0) is a UFC veteran who graciously refused to claim the light heavyweight title after then champion Jon Jones landed an illegal knee in 2019. Had Smith been unable to continue, or pretended to be, he would have emerged with the belt in the same manner that bantamweight champ Aljamain Sterling was awarded his title.

On his best days Smith is a tough and versatile fighter, but his recent career has been marked by lapses in form and concentration. He is 4-4 from his last eight appearances, including a last start loss to Magomed Ankalaev. Prior to that Smith had a little run going with wins over Devin Clark, Jimmy Crute, and Ryan Spann.

Johnny Walker (20-7-0) is a similarly mercurial fighter who has the athletic ability to beat almost any opponent. He is also 4-4 from his most recent efforts, and his career is marked by reckless losses. Walker has strung together successive wins over Ion Cutelaba and Paul Craig in his last two appearances suggesting a more mature approach to the fight game.

Prior to that he was knocked out cold by current light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill, and ground down in a dull five round bout with Thiago Santos. Walker is famous for some highlight reel knockouts early in his UFC career and looked like a world-beater until his wild style came unstuck. This contest is priced as a classic coin flip, but we are leaning toward Smith based on his higher fight IQ.

Daniel Rodriguez v Ian Garry

#15 Daniel Rodriguez vs Ian Garry

Daniel Rodriguez (17-3-0) has a 7-2 UFC record with wins over big names such as Kevin Lee, Li Jingliang, and Mike Perry. His most recent fight resulted in a submission loss to Neil Magny, but Rodriguez is a tough and gritty combatant who gives his all no matter who is standing opposite. This is a ambitious match-up and Rodriguez goes in as the betting underdog. While he may not possess the natural talents of Garry, Rodriguez has a depth of big fight experience to draw upon.

Ian Garry (11-0-0) is an unbeaten Irish fighter who is expected to develop into a viable contender at welterweight. He combines boxing and Judo and possesses knockout power and high-level ring craft. Garry’s record is filled with largely unknown opponents, but undefeated fighters carry an aura of invincibility until they are finally halted. Another win will see the Irishman earn a top 15 ranking and inch closer toward his dreams of Connor McGregor level stardom.

Carlos Ulberg v Ihor Potieria

Carlos Ulberg vs Ihor Potieria

Carlos Ulberg (8-1-0) has looked impressive since signing with the UFC, recording three wins and one loss. The Kiwi fights out of City Kickboxing in Aukland, which is considered the one of the premier international stables given the continued success of Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski. Ulberg throws heavy hands and is strongly favoured to prevail here.

Ihor Potieria (19-3-0) most recently sent MMA legend Mauricio Rua into retirement with a second-round knockout finish. The Ukrainian can get a little loose and untidy when launching his offense and might be prone to counter-attack if that weakness is shown against Ulberg. That said, he has a well-rounded skillset and will not take a backward step, and this is shaping as a potential fight of the night contender.

Tim Means v Alex Morono

Tim Means vs Alex Morono

Tim Means (32-14-1) is a UFC legend who has been fighting at the highest level since 2012. He was briefly cut from the promotion in 2014 following a pair of losses but earned his way back with wins in Legacy FC. Means has dropped his last two contests and the 39-year-old is nearing the end of his journey as a professional athlete. He will have the crowd on his side for this swansong bout.

Alex Morono (22-8-0) has shared the cage with some of the sport’s biggest names including Donald Cerrone, Anthony Pettis, and Khoas Williams. The fellow veteran remains competitive at welterweight with four wins from his last five fights. His longevity can be attributed to a high work ethic and a warrior spirit that has carried him across a 13-year career.

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UFC Fight Night main card MMA multi

Place these bets in a parlay for +2243 return:

• Alex Morono to win
• Carlos Ulberg to win
• Daniel Rodriguez to win
• Anthony Smith to win
• Jailton Almeida by submission

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