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The UFC is back on the road and we’re set to bring you one other betting prediction and pick for the upcoming slate of Prelims, this one happening within the Bantamweight (135) Division. Washington’s own Ricky Simon will square off against Afghanistan’s Javid Basharat in a highly-competitive scrap early into this card. Check the UFC odds series for our Simon-Basharat prediction and pick.
Ricky Simon (20-6) has gone 8-5 contained in the UFC since 2018. After notching a powerful five-fight winning streak over the span of two years, he’s lost his last three fights with two coming by means of unanimous decision. He’ll look to rebound on this one because the betting underdog in front of a hometown crowd. Simon stands 5-foot-6 with a 69-inch reach.
Javid Basharat (14-1) has gone 3-1-0-1 under the UFC banner since 2022. His last two results have been a ‘No Contest’ ruling along together with his first official loss within the UFC against Aiemann Zahabi. He’ll look to get back on the winning track because the sizable betting favorite on this one. Basharat stands 5-foot-9 with a 69-inch reach.
Listed here are the UFC Seattle Odds, courtesy of DraftKings.
UFC Seattle Odds: Ricky Simon-Javid Basharat Odds
Ricky Simon: +210
Javid Basharat: -258
Over 2.5 rounds: -375
Under 2.5 rounds: +270
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Why Ricky Simon Will Win
- Last Fight: (L) Vinicius Oliveira – U DEC
- Last 5: 2-3
- Finishes: 6 KO/TKO, 4 SUB
Ricky Simon has taken a serious step back in his progression into the Bantamweight rankings and far of that has to do together with his last two opponents being extremely aggressive strikers. Simon is aggressive in his own nature, but he does so by landing five or more takedowns per quarter-hour and controlling opponents together with his wrestling. His striking has evolved since entering the UFC, but it surely’s clear that he still struggles to search out the range against experienced kickboxers. He’ll have a tricky test in facing Basharat, however the hope is that his home Washington crowd may give him a motivation boost and fight for the finish.
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Ricky Simon could have to beat his opponent’s 85% takedown defense, but he’s in a position to land 75% of his own while landing 5.2 per fight. From there, he’ll must been diligent together with his defense on the bottom as Basharat can be throwing up submission attempts in return. Simon’s clearest path to victory can be to manage the bottom exchanges and land impactful ground-and-pound while having his opponent down. The last two decisions have not gone his way, so he ought to be searching for a more definitive end in this one.
Why Javid Basharat Will Win
- Last Fight: (L) Aiemann Zahabi – U DEC
- Last 5: 3-1-1
- Finishes: 5 KO/TKO, 6 SUB
Javid Basharat was out-classed by Aiemann Zahabi during his last fight and given his opponent’s lifelong Muay Thai experience, it was difficult for him to effectively close the space and work his offense. He’ll have the striking advantage together with an edge in height during this one, so he must have a better time striking against a more wrestling-heavy opponent. Search for Javid Basharat to stay composed throughout this fight as he normally does, but do not be surprised if he’s more aggressive once getting Simon on the back foot.
Basharat has the advantage of never being finished in his pro profession and far of that’s as a consequence of his activity on the bottom when getting taken down. He’s very dangerous off his back and earned his original shot within the UFC because of a guillotine choke, so expect an analogous tactic as he’ll likely be pressed against the fence by Simon during this one. Basharat’s path to victory will include throwing his jab out front and discouraging his opponent from attempting to grab a hold of him.
Final Ricky Simon-Javid Basharat Prediction & Pick
Each of those fighters are extremely competitive and given their individual talents, we must always see a classic matchup between a striker and grappler during this one. While Ricky Simon is far more energetic together with his wrestling, he surely possesses the ability to knock an opponent out and can be searching for the counter shots against Basharat.
Javid Basharat, alternatively, is a much cleaner boxer and uses more of his kicking game through a full arsenal of striking techniques. So long as he’s in a position to fight at a protected distance, he ought to be the one landing more shots and keeping his opponent from attempting takedowns. He’s also the higher submission artist and could have to get creative if Simon starts spamming takedown attempts.
All in all, Basharat is the more well-rounded fighter and has more ways to show the tide in his favor. I believe the submission threat from the bottom can be apparent on this one as he does enough on the feet to get the nod on the judges’ scorecards.
Final Ricky Simon-Javid Basharat Prediction & Pick: Javid Basharat (-258); OVER 2.5 Rounds (-375)
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