UFC Fight Night: Dolidze vs Imavov Odds, Picks & Predictions

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28 January 2024

UFC Fight Night: Dolidze vs Imavov Odds, Picks & Predictions

Nassourdine Imavov is looking to get right after a no-contest vs. Chris Curtis in 2023 halted a three-fight winning streak. He matches up well against Roman Dolidze and is rightfully favored in the UFC odds heading into this Vegas bout.

Roman Dolidze and Nassourdine Imavov square off in the headline event for UFC Fight Night betting this Saturday. This should be a banger between a pair of Top-15 middleweights looking to climb the rankings in a suddenly wide-open division.

UFC odds have Imavov installed as a -160 favorite with Dolidze coming back as the underdog at +140. Here are my best free UFC Fight Night: Dolidze vs. Imavov picks and predictions for January 13 from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Roman Dolidze vs Nassourdine Imavov fight odds

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Dolidze vs Imavov picks

Fight prediction: Imavov

Looking back on the last two bouts for each fighter, I'm giving the edge to Nassourdine Imavov, who is the sharper and more technical striker.

Imavov's last fight was ruled a no contest after an accidental clash of heads against Chris Curtis but he was destroying Curtis until that moment. Before that, he lost a decision to former champ Sean Strickland. It was a clear loss for Imavov but was still a competitive fight and it's impressive that he took the fifth round against a cardio machine like Strickland.

Sure, Roman Dolidze is coming off a competitive defeat against Marvin Vettori with many thinking he should have won the decision but it wasn't as close on a rewatch. Vettori outstruck him 106-71 at a far higher accuracy (48% to 36%) and Dolidze did nothing to defend leg kicks while plodding forward and throwing telegraphed overhand shots.

While Dolidze landed some impactful shots in the first round against Vettori, he wilted in the final two rounds, and that could prove problematic again if he doesn't finish Imavov early. Before that loss to Vettori, he defeated Jack Hermansson with an impressive calf slicer transitioned into ground and pound but Dolidze was pieced up in the standup before getting that finish.

Dolidze benefited from poor fight IQ from both of those opponents with Hermansson choosing to take the fight to the ground and Vettori engaging in a brawl. However, Imavov has the takedown defense to keep this standing up and he's going to stay on the outside and out-volume Dolidze.

Prediction: Nassourdine Imavov moneyline (-160 at Bet99)

Fight best bet: Imavov by KO/TKO or points

Dolidze is dangerous with his power and submissions but Imavov is durable, has never been knocked out in his career, and hasn't been submitted since his MMA debut in 2016. Even though Dolidze has excellent Jiu-Jitsu, he doesn't have good enough wrestling to get this fight to the ground and Imavov's footwork will help manage distance.

As long as he can avoid that early danger, Imavov has the tools to cruise to victory whether that's by knockout or decision.

Pick: Nassourdine Imamov KO/TKO or decision (+100 at Bet99)

Dolidze vs Imavov betting preview

Dolidze is coming off a decision loss to Vettori last March and he'll be eager to get back into the octagon after having his last two scheduled fights canceled due to his opponents.

That loss to Vettori snapped a four-fight win streak for Dolidze, who had picked up three consecutive Performance of the Night bonuses in knockout wins against Kyle Daukaus, Phil Hawes, and Jack Hermansson. The 35-year-old is a well-rounded fighter with heavy hands and dangerous submissions.

Imavov's previous bout last June was ruled a non-contest after a clash of heads with Chris Curtis. However, there was no reason to reschedule that bout since he was way ahead on the cards with three takedowns and a 57-26 edge in significant strikes when the fight was stopped.

Before that fight, Imavov lost to former champ Sean Strickland by decision, which snapped a three-fight winning streak. The 28-year-old is nicknamed "The Sniper" which is apt considering how precise and technical he is as a striker. He lands 4.55 significant strikes per minute at an accuracy of 53%.

Although Imavov was taken down four times by Phil Hawes in his first UFC loss in 2021, he has stuffed 10 of 12 takedown attempts in five fights since.