Aspinall vs. Gane: Titans Clash in Abu Dhabi
Heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is set to return to the octagon to face former interim champion Ciryl Gane this Saturday in Abu Dhabi. The fight promises strong emotions and is a must-see event for mixed martial arts fans. Aspinall, known for his efficiency in the octagon, holds the record for the shortest average fight time in the UFC, with only 2 minutes and 2 seconds. In addition, he has won all his professional fights by finish. He will face Gane, one of the most precise heavyweights in UFC history, with a significant strike accuracy of 61.3% and a two-fight winning streak.
It will be relatively closed during the first two rounds, with a lot of reading and traps. But Tom’s speed will begin to prevail as the fight progresses, and that first step with his right hand will be difficult for Ciryl to stop. That right hand will be the blow that finally takes Gane down. Betting Analysis Aspinall to win by inside the distance (-800). Aspinall returns after waiting for a fight with Jon Jones that never materialized. He faces Gane, who is probably the most technical striker, but Aspinall can finish a fight with a single punch. The biggest difference between the two is the ground game, where Aspinall is superior. It is expected that Aspinall will use his striking before seeking the takedown, and if he succeeds, the fight could end soon.I think this fight will be a lot like Gane’s loss against Jon Jones in 2023. It just won’t end as quickly. It will last as long as Aspinall needs to take Gane down. Gane has power, and I’m not saying he doesn’t have a chance, but Tom is patient and will find his opportunity.
Anthony Smith
Fight for the Women’s Strawweight Title
In the co-main event, the new strawweight champion will be defined between Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern. Jandiroba, ranked number 2, arrives with the longest winning streak in the division, with five consecutive victories. Dern, for her part, seeks to repeat her victory from UFC 256 five years ago.
Dern will be outstruck by Jandiroba during the first two rounds, but Jandiroba will tire in that process. Dern’s pressure, determination, and competitiveness will see her win the last three rounds and leave with the belt, 48-47. Betting Analysis Jandiroba to win (+135). Both competitors are world-class on the ground, and the stand-up fight is also quite even. The difference here is that Dern tends to throw too wildly, leaving her open to counterattacks. Jandiroba has been more impressive with better competition in her last fights; at underdog odds, pick Jandiroba for the upset.Jandiroba is a grappler at heart, but Dern is better. Mackenzie is better in the main way Jandiroba wins fights. Dern can handle anything Jandiroba does on the ground and is much more powerful on her feet.
Anthony Smith
Best Bets of the Billboard
Lightweight: Ludovit Klein vs. Mateusz Rebecki Klein to win (-150). Klein is the favorite and is expected to win. Standing, Klein is the best and most precise striker. He throws a lot of volume and tends to stay out of trouble, which will be useful against Rebecki, who throws a single punch, but with tremendous power. Although Rebecki is the better wrestler, Klein has tremendous takedown defense and should be able to keep the fight standing, where he has the advantage.Peso Pluma: Jose Miguel Delgado vs. Nathaniel WoodDelgado to win (-150). Delgado might be too much for Wood. Delgado needed less than three minutes to knock out his first UFC opponent, Connor Matthews, in February, then followed up with a knee to the face of Hyder Amil for the knockout at 26 seconds into the fight at UFC 317 in June. Both Wood and Delgado are extremely durable, but Delgado’s unpredictable striking combinations could be a bit too much for Wood. Delgado is expected to come forward and start fast, not allowing Wood to dictate the pace.
