Content Editor at Free Super Tips, Alex was born in the shadow of Old Trafford and is an avid Man Utd fan. After graduating from university he combined his love of football, writing and betting to join FST and now closely follows goings-on in all of the top European leagues.
The UFC hops across the pond this week to bring UFC Fight Night to London and we’ve enlisted our UFC expert, Bobbie Jackson, to give us all his betting tips for Saturday night.
Not only does he have a full fight preview for main event Curtis Blaydes vs Tom Aspinall, but he’s put together a tasty 9/1 accumulator including the undercard, too!
UFC Fight Night London predictions
Curtis Blaydes vs Tom Aspinall predictions
Bobbie’s best bet: Under 2.5 rounds at 8/11
Bobbie’s alternative tip: Tom Aspinall to win by KO, TKO, Submission or DQ
The UFC heavyweight division is looking as strong as ever and two future title contenders meet in Saturday’s main event at London’s O2 Arena.
Tom Aspinall, ranked #6, takes on #4 Curtis Blaydes, with the winner putting themselves on the cusp of a shot at the title.
Englishman Aspinall has experience of stepping out in front of a full house in the capital, having headlined March’s card at the O2 when he earned a first-round submission win over Alexander Volkov.
That was Aspinall’s fifth successive win since signing for the UFC and extended his winning streak to eight fights to take his overall record to 12-2.
There’s no doubt that his opponents are getting tougher but Aspinall has risen to every challenge to date and he’s expected to repeat that feat against Blaydes.
The American has recorded successive victories after suffering a knockout defeat to Derrick Lewis in February 2021 and he’s your archetypal heavyweight – a big-hitter.
Blaydes has picked up 11 of his 16 career wins via KO or TKO with the other six coming by way of decision, meaning he is somewhat one-dimensional.
That should suit the well-rounded Aspinall, who is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, and his superior submission game could be the key to victory.
Even in the stand-up, Aspinall should have the edge with his agility and timing setting him apart from many heavyweights.
Aspinall is the fastest fighter – male or female – to get to five wins in the UFC, requiring just 14 minutes and 24 seconds to overcome five rivals.
He’s never gone the distance in his career and four of his five fights under the UFC banner have ended in round one.
Under 2.5 rounds looks like a value bet for this contest with Aspinall to win by KO, TKO, DQ or Submission also offering plenty of appeal.
9/1 UFC Fight Night London acca!
Curtis Blaydes vs Tom Aspinall
Tom Aspinall to win by KO, TKO, DQ or Submission
Tom Aspinall will look to continue his rise through the heavyweight ranks back at London’s O2 Arena when he takes on Curtis Blaydes in the main event on Saturday.
Aspinall, ranked #6, beat Alexander Volkov via submission in round one when headlining the previous London card in March but #4 Blaydes does represent a sterner test of his ability.
Both fighters have their sights set on a title shot in the near future and victory this weekend will put them potentially just one win away from getting their opportunity.
Aspinall hasn’t put a foot wrong since making his UFC debut in 2020, winning five in a row and he’s displayed high-level skills in all areas.
The Atherton-born heavyweight, who has only gone the distance once in 14 fights, boasts three KO/TKO wins and two submission victories in the UFC.
As is often the case with heavyweights, these two are likely to come out with intent to end proceedings early and Aspinall should have the agility and timing to get the better of his opponent in the exchanges.
Paddy Pimblett vs Jordan Leavitt
Paddy Pimblett to win
Paddy Pimblett stock continues to rise after back-to-back wins since signing for the UFC and he’s got another opportunity to enhance his reputation at the expense of Jordan Leavitt.
The Liverpudlian is extremely well-rounded, and has six KO/TKO wins, eight submission victories and four wins via decision, while Leavitt is known mainly for his submission skills, picking up six of his 10 wins via that route.
Pimblett may still find he has the edge over fellow lightweight Leavitt if this fight ends up on the ground, however, his safest route to victory will likely come on the feet.
Paul Craig vs Volkan Oezdemir
Paul Craig to win by KO, TKO, DQ or Submission
Scotland’s Paul Craig has found his groove over the past three years, enjoying a six-fight unbeaten streak, including five wins and one draw, to climb to #8 in the light heavyweight division.
His next assignment comes against #9 Volkan Oezdemir who has last his last two fights, although they came against current champion Jiri Prochazka and #4 Magomed Ankalaev.
Craig has leaned heavily on his submission skills in recent times, beating Nikita Krylov courtesy of a triangle choke at the O2 Arena in March to earn his 13th win via submission.
Oezdemir would rather this one stay on the feet, having picked up 12 of his 17 wins by KO/TKO, so it will be interesting to see who can play to their strengths here.
The feeling is for Craig to continue building momentum and possibly secure another win by submission.
Muhammad Mokaev vs Charles Johnson
Muhammad Mokaev to win
Muhammad Mokaev earned a statement win on debut for the UFC when he beat Cody Durden in via submission in just 58 seconds to open the preliminary card.
The 21-year-old, who is 7-0, has been tipped as a future champion in the UFC and he’ll look to keep that momentum going when he takes on 11-2 Charles Johnson on Saturday.
Johnson’s two career defeats have both come via decision so he could be tougher for Mokaev to stop inside the distance, however, don’t rule that out with The Punisher boasting two KO/TKO wins and three submission victories from his seven professional fights.
It does appear that Johnson will be merely another stepping stone for Mokaev as he looks to quickly ascend up the ranks in a highly-competitive flyweight division.
Where to watch UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs Aspinall & what time does it start?
UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs Aspinall will be broadcast exclusively on BT Sport after they extended their existing partnership, with the event available to watch on BT Sport 1HD, the BT Sport app and the BT Sport website.
UK coverage of the event, which takes place at London’s O2 Arena, will begin at 6pm on Saturday, 23rd July with the prelim bouts before the main card gets going at around 8pm.
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