UFC Columbus
Blaydes
VS
Daukaus

Sunday 27th March

Jennifer Maia VS Manon Fiorot

Today, we're kicking off our card by taking a big value bet on an underdog with upside. Manon Fiorot is being touted as a future title challenger but is taking her first huge step up in class here. Fiorot is predominantly a striker, but looking through her fights, she seems to attempt a lot of takedowns that will play into one of Maia's strengths on the ground. Maia has shown great armbar finishes before and if she comes in with a good game plan has every chance to pay off this considerable number. Maia, as good of a grappler as she is, struggles to get the fight to the mat, so a matchup with Fiorot may help bring this strength out. I also saw Fiorot limping a bit at the weigh-in, which may be nothing, but it may be another reason for Fiorot to get this to the mat.

Aliaskhab Khizriev VS Denis Tiuliulin

Khizriev is a high-level wrestler who loves pounding people through the canvas as much as he likes to get the sub. There is little value on the bone with Khizriev, especially for someone making their debut, but his opponent will also be in his first UFC fight. Khizriev is undefeated and has finished 8 of his 13 fights in the first round, so we have some value on the line where it is. Khizriev could quickly run up the rankings this year in a relatively weak middleweight division.

Neil Magny VS Max Griffen

This week, this is one of my favourite bets with two inspiring but durable fighters about to go toe to toe. Magny has a height and reache advantage and better movement and fight IQ. Magny is a terrific points scorer and knows how to get in and out of the pocket quickly. There is a big difference in the level of competition these fighters have fought, with Griffin struggling every time he takes a step up in competition. Only five fights have finished in their combined last 20 bouts.

Askar Askarov VS Kai Kara-France

This is another one where the line is quite a bit off compared to the head to head odds. Askarov is a grappling machine that has gone to decision in each of his UFC fights because he has fought decent grapplers. Kara-France will be one of the weaker grapplers he has fought in the UFC, and he needs to get the statement win to prove he should be next in line for the title shot. Kara-France has tremendous power, especially early in the fight, and if he can land some big bombs early, he has a chance to get upset here. KKF also has shown decent takedown defence, but he will need to scramble continually against a chain wrestler like Askarov, which will burn his gas tank and allow Askarov to get the job done.

Matt Brown VS Bryan Barberena

The Immortal Matt Brown may not have much career left in the UFC now that he has turned 40. Matt Brown, of course, a stalwart of the franchise, has started to show his gas tank diminishing and his chin faltering over the last few years. Barberena looked great until injury struck him and sent his career into a nosedive. Over the last year, we have seen him regather himself and start to put all the pieces back into place. Barberena has brilliant KO power and strong body shots, which may be The Immortal's biggest weakness. Barberena does struggle on the mat and is very easy to take down, but that has never been a massive aspect of Brown's game, and a few unsuccessful takedowns could severely hamper his cardio. Brown will be fighting in front of his home fans which will likely put him in a knockout or get knocked out mindset.

Curtis Blaydes VS Chris Daukaus

Blaydes is potentially the greatest UFC heavyweight wrestler and can take any fighter down with ease. Blaydes has shown unique smothering ability and works himself into positions that completely dismantle his opponent's gameplan. Daukaus is a solid up and coming fighter with quick hand speed but lacks the power of an Aspinall or Gane. Daukaus has a BJJ black belt which I believe will hinder him more than help him here as he may have the delusion that he can take Blaydes on the ground. Blaydes being as incredible at wrestling and takedowns as he is, doesn't have a submission to his name. Blaydes is bright on his feet and buys his time well. I expect Daukaus' gas tank to start drying up by the 3rd round, where Blaydes will move in for the finish.