Russian Power with Imanov Ahead of Middleweight Fight
Cannonier vs Imavov Odds
Jared Cannonier vs Nassourdine Imavov headlines UFC Fight Night, where the middleweights look to rise the rankings.
Imanov is the much younger fighter at 29, and younger UFC fighters have a great winning record in the UFC, which is why Cannonier vs Imavov odds have him picked to win.
However, Cannonier possesses a big punch, and the -105 underdog is seeking a slight upset in Louisville on Saturday.
Cannonier vs Imavov
📍Location: KFC Yum! Center, Louisville, KY
⏰Day/Time:
Cannonier Ready to Explode
Cannonier’s UFC schedule 2024 is about to kick off, having not fought since June last year.
That’s a long time away from the UFC, and being 40 years old won’t help his chances. However, the Dallas native has possessed a knockout punch throughout his career.
That’s the danger when fighting someone like Cannonier, who defeated Marvin Vettori in 2023. Vettori was considered a top middleweight at one stage, and Cannonier made him look second-rate.
He landed 241 significant strikes, and he also completed four takedowns, which is the most important statistic.
Imanov knows how to wrestle and grapple, so Cannonier will likely be on the canvas at some stage. Being able to get out of submission attempts is big, so as his UFC results suggest, he’s capable if it gets down and dirty.
He also has a win over former champion Sean Strickland, and he took Israel Adesanya to the final buzzer, so it’s only his age and lack of recent experience that sets him back.
When speaking of the interesting middleweight rankings, Cannonier is focused on what he can control.
“I’m not really spending too much time or energy thinking about what can happen. All I know is I’m going to be here, in shape, ready to whoop some ass. Whatever happens, wherever the chips may fall, I’ll be there to pick up the winnings,” Cannonier said.
Cannonier vs Imavov odds have him as the underdog, but there’s little separating them.
We’re Russian to the Bet Window
Backing Russian fighters has been a recipe for success in the UFC, and although Imanov isn’t as good as the likes of Islam Makhachev, he is a quality fighter.
His past UFC events include a win over Roman Dolidze in February, and having had a fight in 2024 could give him the edge.
He’s also 11 years younger than Cannonier, and younger fighters win over 66% of fights, so that can’t be overlooked.
The Paris-based fighter lost to Strickland last year when he was outstriked, but the occasion might have got to him.
He looked like a deer in headlights, and although he’s the main event at UFC Fight Night, that experience will help him.
The -125 favorite with Cannonier vs Imanov odds has got back to work and his win over Dolidze was dominant. He landed 154 strikes compared to 59 from Dolidze, and he stuffed four takedowns.
His defense is better than what Cannonier has faced recently, including Vettori, who stands there and trades.
“Regarding the question if I’m going to be able to take punches, I’m going to be able to take punches if I need to, but the real question is: Is he going to be able to hit me?” Imavov said. “I’m not Marvin Vettori.”
Louisville, are you ready?!
IT’S FIGHT WEEK 😤#UFCLouisville | Live on @ESPNPlus pic.twitter.com/7Z68bPUZWQ
— UFC (@ufc) June 3, 2024
Imanov to Win Slugfest
You can expect a war between the fighters in the main event, and Cannonier vs Imavov odds are correct to have them so close.
Imanov is a tough and gutsy fighter, and he has learned plenty of Octagon craft since losing to Strickland. He’s the more tactical fighter, which could frustrate Cannonier, who could make a mistake in the final couple of rounds.
Bettors get a good price for Imanov at -125, who could land more punches than Cannonier. His opponent might land the harder punches, but it’s often about volume with UFC judges.
Over 4.5 rounds pays -160, so it’s also worth including in UFC parlays. They have the power to score by knockout, but we can’t see either fighting putting his career on the line.
They will attack the body mostly before going upstairs, which adds to our confidence of Imanov winning.
For UFC betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine. Good Luck!
