When ranked middleweight Sean Strickland’s next UFC Betting fight was announced, it turned heads. Strickland (26-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC) was booked against Abus Magomedov (25-4-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) in a UFC headliner on July 1 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Concurrently, Strickland is ranked No. 7 by the UFC at 185 pounds. In comparison, Magomedov has fought only once in the octagon. So why did Strickland accept to fight an unranked opponent? His answer was simple. He will be paid a lot of money, and there are no top-6 opponents available.
UFC Fight Night Strickland vs. Magomedov Main Card
| Date and Time: | Saturday, July 1, 2023, 7 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | UFC Apex, Las Vegas, NV |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN and ESPN+ |
Middleweight Bout
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Sean Strickland | -170 |
| Abus Magomedov | +145 |
Sean Strickland has a career offshore betting record of 26-5. By contrast, Abus Magomedov is 25-4-1.
Of great concern is that Sean Strickland has lost two of his last three fights. Strickland did win his most recent fight. On January 14, 2023, Strickland won a unanimous decision against Nassourdine Imavov. Previously, Strickland lost a split decision to Jared Cannonier on December 17, 2022. And then, on July 2, 2022, Strickland lost a 1st-round knockout to Alex Pereira. Before those two losses, Strickland won six consecutive bouts. Still, Strickland is fighting for his first championship bout opportunity.
Lightweight Bout
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Damir Ismagulov | -145 |
| Grant Dawson | +125 |
Overall, Damir Ismagulov has a career record of 24-2. Grant Dawson stands at 19-1-1 in his career.
Last time out, Damir Ismagulov lost a unanimous decision to Arman Tsarukyan on December 17, 2022. The loss snapped a 19-bout winning streak. Previously, on June 18, 2022, Ismagulov won a split decision against Guram Kutateladze. On May 22, 2021, Ismagulov won a unanimous decision against Rafael Alves. And then, on August 31, 2021, Ismagulov won a unanimous decision against Thiago Moises.
Grant Dawson is unbeaten in his last 11 fights. Last time out, Dawson won a 3rd-round submission over Mark Madsen on November 5, 2022. On April 30, 2022, Dawson won a 3rd-round submission against Jared Gordon. And then, on October 23, 2021, Dawson fought to a draw against Ricky Glenn.
Welterweight Bout
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Max Griffin | +170 |
| Michael Morales | -200 |
Max Griffin has a career record of 19-9. In turn, Michael Morales is 14-0 in his career.
Late on, Max Griffin has won four of his last five bouts. Last time out, Griffin won a split decision against Tim Means on October 29, 2022.
Women’s Flyweight Bout
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Ariane Lipski | +140 |
| Melissa Gatto | -165 |
In sum, Ariane Lipski has a career record of 15-8 with the UFC Betting odds. Melissa Gatto brings a career mark of 8-1-2 to the octagon.
Lightweight Bout
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Ismael Bonfim | -285 |
| Benoit Saint Danis | +240 |
Ismael Bonfim has a career record of 19-3. In comparison, Benoit Saint-Davis has a career mark of 10-1.
Middleweight Bout
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Brunno Ferriera | +140 |
| Nursulton Ruziboev | -165 |
Brunno Ferreira has a career ledger of 10-0. Meanwhile, Nursulton Ruziboev will be making his UFC debut.
UFC Fight Night SBG Free Picks
In this situation, Sean Strickland has a better resume and a reasonable price.
UFC Fight Night SBG Best Bets: Sean Strickland.