The UFC heads to Paris, France for only the second time in the organisation’s history this weekend for a card headlined by France’s biggest star, Ciryl Gane, who faces rampaging contender Sergey Spivak. In the co-main Rose Namajunas returns for the first time since losing her title up a division to face top contender Manon Fiorot and France’s Benoit Saint-Denis faces Thiago Moises. We take a look at my best bets on this weekend’s card below.
Check out our UFC tips page for coverage of all major UFC pay-per-view events, and you can check out our best bets on this weekend’s UFC Fight Night card below.
UFC Fight Night Preview & Betting Tips
Ciryl Gane vs. Sergey Spivak
Ciryl Gane returns this weekend in his native France to take on top Heavyweight contender Sergey Spivak. In his last fight ‘Bon Gamin’ was submitted in under two minutes by Jon Jones, exposing the gaping hole in his game.
When Spivak first entered the Octagon he looked like nothing special but has developed into one of the most destructive Heavyweights. Since his debut loss to Walt Harris, ‘The Polar Bear’ has gone 8-2 and has registered wins over Tai Tuivasa and Derrick Lewis.
Realistically Gane wins this fight comfortably if he can keep himself upright. While his ground game was exposed by Jones it is also worth noting that he does have some submission chops. However, he has shown that he is easy to control on the mat with the likes of Francis Ngannou outwrestling the Frenchman. However, before that is a factor, I see Gane landing telling blows on the plodding Spivak whose footwork needs serious work. Back Bon Gamin to get back into the winner’s circle in front of a roaring home crowd.
Ciryl Gane to win
$1.60 (3 Units)
Manon Fiorot vs. Rose Namajunas
Wow this fight has some serious questions. Manon Fiorot has won five on the bounce and has proven herself as a devastating striker. Her opponent Rose Namajunas moves up a division and fights for the first time in over a year. In her last fight she put in a shocker in a loss to Carla Esparza and looked mentally out of it.
I am of the opinion that Namajunas wouldn’t have returned if she had mentally checked out and she has shown previously that she can return better than ever after a loss and a layoff. If she comes back at even 80% she has all the tools to win here. Fiorot is yet to be tested on the mat and that is an area of Namajunas’ game which has always been her biggest strength. She will also have a big speed advantage and has shown she can take a punch. Back the former to champ to return in a big way at juicy odds.
Rose Namajunas to win
$2.70 (3 Units)
Ange Loosa vs. Rhys McKee
Ange Loosa comes into this fight holding a 9-3 record and faces Rhys McKee this weekend. I expect this fight to take place largely on the feet, with neither man a top-level grappler. McKee was a Cage Warriors champion who made his UFC debut against Khamzat Chimaev, talk about a tough introduction. He then dropped a decision to the gritty Alex Morono and was cut from the UFC. He has since rebuilt in Cage Warriors going 3-0, most recently winning the Welterweight title against Jim Wallhead, earning another crack in the UFC.
I expect McKee to prove a point this weekend and believe he should be favourite. Loosa is still very raw and I don’t believe he has the tools to outwork a hungry McKee. Back the Northern Irishman to get his hand raised.
Rhys McKee to win
$2.60 (2.5 Units)
