Marek Bujlo vs. Denzel Freeman prediction, odds, pick for UFC Qatar

With UFC 322 already behind us, the UFC is back in Qatar for an action-packed night of fights. We start our predictions within the Heavyweight Division as Marek Bujlo of Poland takes on USA’s Denzel Freeman within the UFC debut of each fighters. Check our UFC odds series for the Bujlo-Freeman prediction and pick.

Marek Bujlo (6-0) is undefeated making his UFC debut following six finishes in his regional fights. He’s the No. 17-ranked Heavyweight in all of Eastern Europe and has won half his fights by submission and the opposite half by knockout. Bujlo stands 6-foot-4 with a 77-inch reach.

Denzel Freeman (6-1) makes his UFC debut on short notice following a withdraw from Bujlo’s original opponent. Most recently winning the heavyweight belt over at LFA, Freeman may have his opportunity on the large stage almost 10 years since joining the game. Freeman stands 6-foot-1 with a 70-inch reach.

Listed here are the UFC Qatar Odds, courtesy of DraftKings. 

UFC Qatar Odds: Marek Bujlo-Denzel Freeman Odds

Marek Bujlo: +170

Denzel Freeman: -205

Over 1.5 rounds: +120

Under 1.5 rounds: -154

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Why Marek Bujlo Will Win

• Last Fight: (W) Gurami Zviadadzw – TKO (ground-and-pound, R1)
• Last 5: 5-0
• Finishes: 3 KO/TKO, 3 SUB

Coming in from a young crop of Polish fighters, Marek Bujlo may have to regulate to a brand new opponent in Denzel Freeman for his debut. His previous opponent, Jose Luiz, was one other expert Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner, so Bujlo may have to regulate to much harder-hitting matchup in Freeman. Nevertheless, he’s shown great ability together with his hands and will probably be a live underdog throughout this fight.

Bujlo is a BJJ black belt and feels extremely comfortable flowing through his transitions on the bottom. It’s unusual for heavyweight fighters, but he has a knack for allowing his opponents to pin themselves in bad spots as he takes mount or the back. From there, Bujlo is incredibly tough to shake and can quickly start raining down hellacious strikes.

Still, Bajlo may have to be cautious of the facility getting back from Freeman. His opponent has been successful at the next level and that is definitely a step-up in competition from his originally scheduled opponent. Nevertheless, search for Bujlo to adapt well and put up an incredible effort on this one.

Why Denzel Freeman Will Win

• Last Fight: (W) Hugo Cunha – TKO (ground-and-pound, R2)
• Last 5: 4-1
• Finishes: 4 KO/TKO, 1 SUB

Denzel Freeman went 2-0 under LFA over the past 12 months, winning the heavyweight belt and effectively preparing to defend it within the near future. His short-notice call got here in to fight Bujlo and now Freeman may have to take care of a powerful grappler opposite of him during his debut. The intense side is that Freeman has faced the higher competition up so far and must be well-equipped to tackle one of these opponent.

Freeman is a really patient striker and prefers to maintain the fight standing and in striking range. He immediately seems comfortable when taking the middle of the octagon and can throw his left jab out to gauge the range between his opponent. From there, Freeman will load up his right hand to attempt to land the knockout.

He comes into this fight the betting favorite due to his preparation and talent to adapt on short notice. Freeman must be the more successful fighter here if he can manage to be first within the exchanges and dictate the striking range. He’s defended himself on the bottom substantially up to now, but it surely’ll take a full effort to win his debut.

Final Marek Bujlo-Denzel Freeman Prediction & Pick

This must be an incredible scrap between two debuting fighters and each men will probably be hungry to make a very good first impression on their latest promotion. Marek Bujlo is a talented BJJ black belt who’s been putting things together on the feet as well. His biggest strength lies within the grappling and forcing his opponent right into a ground-and-pound situation. If he’s in a position to control Freeman as the larger fighter, he should have the opportunity to make some noise because the underdog.

Nonetheless, Denzel Freeman has seen higher opposition up so far and is the rather more fluid striker. If he can manage to discourage Bujlo from chasing the takedowns, he stands to win this fight together with his point-fighting and striking.

Still, I feel Bujlo’s size will probably be a major factor during this fight in determining his takedown success. I do not see Freeman properly defending himself from ground-and-pound strikes, which could open the door for a multi-faceted finisher like Bujlo. Let’s roll with the slight betting underdog within the night’s opening fight.

Final Marek Bujlo-Denzel Freeman Prediction & Pick: Marek Bujlo (+170)