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We’re back with yet one more betting prediction and pick for UFC Saudi Arabia: Adesanya vs. Imavov as we turn our attention towards the Feature Prelim of the night within the Heavyweight Division. No 12 Shamil Gaziev of Bahrain will tackle newcomer Thomas Petersen of Minnesota. Check the UFC odds series for our Gaziev-Petersen prediction and pick.
Shamil Gaziev (12-1) is available in with a 2-1 record within the UFC since 2023. He managed to knock out Martin Buday in his debut fight before dropping his second bout to Jairzinho Rozenstruik. Most recently, he beat Don’Tale Mayes via unanimous decision and can be trying to notch back-to-back wins for the primary time because the sizable betting favorite. Gaziev stands 6-foot-4 with a 78.5-inch reach.
Thomas Petersen (9-2) will make his third walk to the UFC octagon with a 1-1 record under the promotion. He lost to Jamal Pogues during his debut, but bounced back with a unanimous decision win over Mohammed Usman most recently. He’ll now look to construct some momentum if he can beat his first ranked opponent. Petersen stands 6-foot-1 with a 74-inch reach.
Listed here are the UFC Saudi Arabia Odds, courtesy of DraftKings.
UFC Saudi Arabia Odds: Shamil Gaziev-Thomas Petersen Odds
Shamil Gaziev: -360
Thomas Petersen: +285
Over 1.5 rounds: -160
Under 1.5 rounds: +124
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Why Shamil Gaziev Will Win
- Last Fight: (W) Don’Tale Mayes – U DEC
- Last 5: 4-1
- Finishes: 8 KO/TKO, 3 SUB
Shamil Gaziev is a really difficult fight for many opponents given his physical stature and insane ability to face up to damage. He’s a really strong grappler and with a protracted reach, does a terrific job of deterring opponents along with his constant jab down the center. He’s effective at moving his head within the pocket and slipping punches when he can, but he’s much more dangerous when forcing his opponent onto their back foot. Search for him to be aggressive once more in walking Petersen down in the course of the striking exchanges.
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Gaziev should find a way to discourage Petersen from grappling with him because of his experience submitting opponents. He could stand to see success if he brings Petersen down, but it surely’s easier said than done as Petersen boasts a 100% takedown defense rate. This fight is predicted to happen on the feet and the main target for Gaziev can be sustaining his energy as making all of it three rounds. Expect him to take things slow from the start before opening up when he finds a weakness in his opponent.
Why Thomas Petersen Will Win
- Last Fight: (W) Mohammed Usman – U DEC
- Last 5: 4-1
- Finishes: 7 KO/TKO, 1 SUB
Thomas Petersen comes into this fight following a resilient win over Mohammed Usman because the betting underdog. Not many experts gave him a likelihood to win, but he did a terrific job in stuffing the wrestling of Usman and forcing him to face and strike. He’ll have a rather more willing striker as an opponent on this one, so expect Petersen to be on-point and technical along with his striking. His takedown defense rate is ideal and he’s been known to display some quick boxing hands during his prior appearances.
Petersen could have to be the more lively fighter by way of his striking and knowing his opponent has gassed out up to now, he should look to have interaction the clinch and ride Gaziev along the fence. From there, Petersen could have to stay dangerous off the break as he continues to go looking for clean mixtures down the center. If he’s capable of land early and deter his opponent from closing the space, he could win this fight on the back of his movement and constant activity.
Final Shamil Gaziev-Thomas Petersen Prediction & Pick
We must always have one other exciting fight atop this Prelim card as each men come into this fight following a recent win. Each Gaziev and Petersen have yet to be taken down of their UFC runs and while each men are capable grapplers, I expect the overwhelming majority of this fight to happen on the feet. While Thomas Petersen is the more aggressive fighter with more forward movement, Shamil Gaziev could have the reach advantage and powerful chin when taking damage.
I expect the reach of Gaziev to be the deciding think about this fight as he makes it difficult for opponents to shut the space against him. Thomas Petersen would profit from attacking the legs of Gaziev given he doesn’t check too a lot of them, but I do not expect it to be much of an element from the opening bell.
For our final betting prediction, let’s roll with Shamil Gaziev to win this fight as the entire rounds goes over.
Final Shamil Gaziev-Thomas Petersen Prediction & Pick: Shamil Gaziev (-360); OVER 1.5 Rounds (-160)
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