Aspinall vs. Gane: Clash of Titans in Abu Dhabi
Heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is set for his long-awaited return to the octagon. He will face former interim champion Ciryl Gane this Saturday in Abu Dhabi. The main fight is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET on ESPN PPV, with the prelims starting at 10 a.m. Aspinall, known for his efficiency, 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 MMA fights by finish. Gane, for his part, is the fourth most accurate heavyweight in UFC history, with a significant strike accuracy of 61.3% and currently on a two-fight winning streak.
I think this fight will be a lot like Gane’s loss to Jon Jones in 2023. It just won’t end as quickly as that submission in the first round. The fight will last as long as it takes Aspinall to take Gane down. Gane has power, and I’m not saying he doesn’t have a chance. You always have a chance with that kind of power. But he doesn’t really knock people out early in fights. Tom is patient and will find his opportunity.
Anthony Smith
The betting analysis suggests that Aspinall will win inside the distance (-800). Aspinall is expected to use his striking before seeking a takedown, and if this occurs, the end for Gane could be imminent.I think it will be relatively close during the first two rounds, with a lot of reading and trap-setting between them. But then Tom’s speed will begin to take over as the fight progresses, and that first step-in right hand will be difficult for Ciryl to consistently stop. That right hand will be the punch that ultimately takes Gane down.
Din Thomas
Jandiroba vs. Dern: Battle for the Strawweight Championship
In the co-main event, Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern will compete for the vacant strawweight championship. Jandiroba, ranked number 2 on ESPN, arrives with the longest winning streak in the division, with five won fights. Dern, ranked number 6, seeks to repeat her victory at UFC 256 five years ago, where she defeated Jandiroba by unanimous decision.
Dern will be outstruck by Jandiroba during the first two rounds, but Jandiroba will gas out in that process. Dern’s pressure, determination, and competitiveness will see her win the last three rounds and leave with the belt, 48-47. Din Thomas The betting analysis favors Jandiroba to win (+135). A close fight is expected on the ground and standing, but Dern tends to throw punches a bit uncontrolled, which leaves her exposed to counterattacks. Jandiroba has been more impressive in her last fights and could surprise.Jandiroba is a fighter with heart, but Dern is simply better. Mackenzie is better in the main way Jandiroba wins fights. It’s not that Jandiroba can’t strike, but that’s not how she usually gets her wins. Dern can handle anything Jandiroba does on the ground, and she is much more powerful on her feet.
Anthony Smith
Additional Betting Predictions
- Lightweight: Ludovit Klein vs. Mateusz Rebecki. Klein is predicted to win (-150) due to his better striking and takedown defense.
- Featherweight: Jose Miguel Delgado vs. Nathaniel Wood. Delgado is the favorite (-150), with a strategy that could overcome the veteran Wood.
