UFC 297: Allen vs Evloev MMA Odds and Betting Preview

The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to pay-per-view this Saturday, and with the first numbered event of 2024 around the corner, I’m back to supplement my betting enthusiasts with my UFC expert picks for an epic top-ranked 145-pound war.

Max Holloway, the British kid Arnold Allen looks to return to the win column, but he has a stiff challenge ahead when faced with the unblemished record of Movsar Evloev.

We have one more sleep until fight night; the UFC odds for Jan. 20 are live, so let’s jump right into my preview of the UFC 297 main card bout between Allen and Evloev.

UFC 297 Event Information

1. Date & Time: Saturday, Jan. 20, 2023 – 06:30 p.m. ET 2. Location: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Canada
3. Allen vs Evloev Live Stream: UFC Fight Pass
4. Main Event Bout: Sean Strickland vs Dricus Du Plessis

Allen vs Evloev Odds and Spreads

UFC 297: Fighter Previews

Arnold “Almighty” Allen

Allen suffered a unanimous decision loss to Max Holloway at UFC on ESPN 44 in April of last year, marking only the second setback in his career. This put a stop to his previous 12-fight winning run that started in 2014.

And before you ask, as an Irish/English MMA fan, yes, this loss cut deeply. Fortunately, Leon Edwards and Tommy Aspinall have since healed my scars.

Allen has achieved a total of 19 victories throughout his career, consisting of seven knockouts, four submissions, and eight decisions. Although he has gained a diverse range of victories, he has only managed to finish one of them in the initial round, earning the reputation as a slow starter. However, when we examine his lone defeats, it is evident that durability is key because he’s yet to be stopped inside the distance.

• UFC Moneyline Odds: Arnold Allen (+155)

Allen Betting Trends

1. Allen has never lost via KO/TKO or submission
2. Allen was on a 14-fight win streak prior to the Max Holloway loss
3. Allen has cashed as an underdog in 2 UFC bouts

Movsar Evloev

The term ‘fight IQ’ is thrown about by every MMA “expert” on the planet, but if we’re talking about ‘smart, smart,’ surely the man with a degree in computer engineering holds an intelligence advantage.

Evloev, he’s that guy. Alongside his impressive engineering degree, he’s collected 17 straight victories as a professional mixed martial artist. Since his debut in 2014, the Russian standout has kept an undefeated record, with only Nik Lentz claiming a split decision, even coming close to defeating him.

I know exactly what you’re thinking; “Another Russian, another undefeated record.”Well, I’m sorry, but we have to face facts: these brutes are built differently, and Evloev’s quest to the top five rankings of the featherweight division is slowly approaching.

Evloev Betting Trends

1. Evloev has won 7 consecutive UFC bouts by decision
2. Evloev is undefeated as a professional MMA competitor
3. Evloev owns a 7-0 UFC record

Allen vs Evloev: Tale of The Tape

UFC 297: Main Card Breakdown & Analysis

Arnold Allen appeared invincible until Max Holloway demonstrated varying degrees of skill in the striking game. Allen must undergo a total reversal in his approach and concentrate on Movsar Evloev, one of the division’s most formidable wrestlers. Allen has had a 76% success rate in defending takedowns in his 11 UFC bouts but has never faced the ground skills of someone like Evloev.

We should also mention how Allen possesses considerable wrestling skills. However, he should exercise caution while engaging in ground combat with Evloev. He’ll be the superior striker, though, and if this bout remains standing, he should be the one delivering far more powerful punches from a distance.

Movsar Evloev has proven to be an enigma in the Featherweight Division and a great UFC bet, as no opponent has managed to get a victory against his relentless and unpredictable wrestling techniques. He has a method similar to that of Khabib and excels at effectively restraining his opponents’ wrists on the mat. From such a position, Evloev exerts control of his opponents’ lower limbs and methodically transitions into a mount or secures their back.

The Russian possesses exceptional dexterity in his wrestling techniques and averages slightly under five takedowns each bout while consistently excelling at maintaining control over his opponents on the ground. Evloev has won all his past bouts by decision, indicating a straightforward route to victory.

UFC 297 Best Bet: Evloev by Decision (-125)

My fellow British online betting fans will burn me at the stake for this, but emotional money doesn’t make money, and I believe Evloev is the smart choice at UFC 297.

Given the toughness of Allen and Evloev’s lack of finishing ability, this fight finishing via a judge’s decision is a no-brainer. Still, those odds have already been steamed to unreachable heights. That said, it’s wrestling for me, and I cannot ignore it.

Allen is no slouch in the grappling department, and I want him to win. Still, we can expect the Russian to be possessed in his pursuit for the takedown, and over fifteen minutes, I envision most of this contest taking place on the ground, thus favoring Evloev in bringing yet another decision win.

The UFC lines for January 20 agree with this stance, so we aren’t receiving much between the money line and Evloev by decision prop. However, I believe the extra 0.75 in odds value is worth it, considering Allen’s durability and Evloev’s style.

UFC 297 Allen vs Evloev: The Crystal Ball Picks

In this top-prospect vs. top-prospect bout, a quick rub of my crystal ball reveals that Evloev’s durability, cardio, speed, and offensive wrestling dominance will lead him to a unanimous decision victory.

Potential UFC Bets from an Evloev Win By Decision:

Could Allen win the fight via KO?

Has Evloev any chance to win the fight via submission?