The UFC makes its way across the pond to make a splash at the O2 Arena tomorrow in London, England. With fifteen fights slated for the event, there is money to be made come this weekend.
Best Bets-UFC Fight Night 244: Aspinall vs Tybura
Makhmud Muradov vs Bryan Barberena
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Starting in the prelims, fight fans have one of the widest spreads on the card when two middleweights collide. Mahmud Muradov enters the fight as a heavy favorite. The Uzbekistan fighter fought but one time in 2022 in a losing effort to Caio Borralho.
The always exciting Bryan Barberena will take up the duties of the blue corner. Also fighting off a two fight skid, Barberena has established himself as one of the more entertaining fighters at 185-lbs., as his relentless style has seen him pick up a recent win over the now UFC Hall of Famer Robbie Lawler.
The problem for Barberena in this fight is the credentialed striking of Muradov. Barberena cannot afford to get hit often by the 33-fight veteran. In any case, this fight will be one of the more fun to watch fights of the night and could be a sneaky FOTN candidate.
Fight Pick: Makhmud Muradov Moneyline
Davey Grant vs Daniel Marcos
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To close out the preliminary card, a pair of exciting bantamweights will step into the cage. Davey Grant, who is enjoying a two fight win streak, will welcome 14-0 Daniel Marcos. Peru’s Marcos debuted to the UFC in January after finding success on Dana White’s Contender Series.
Marcos will be taking his biggest step up in competition to date, as Grant will be stepping into the Octagon for the 12th time tomorrow. Although both men have an uncanny ability to finish fights, do not be surprised to see this one head to the judges’ scorecards.
Fight Pick: Davey Grant via Unanimous Decision
Paul Craig vs Andre Muniz
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The featured middleweight fight of the card will showcase a pair of slick 185ers in the top-15. Paul Craig will return to action in hopes of snapping a two-fight losing streak. The “Bearjew” previously enjoyed a four-fight win streak before falling to Volkan Ozdemir and Johnny Walker. Craig currently sits at the #9 spot and must always be considered a serious threat when entering the cage.
Andre Muniz was 5-0 in his time with the UFC before running into Brendan Allen in his last fight. Muniz secured three submission victories during his win streak and claimed wins over notables like Ronaldo Souza and Uriah Hall.
Historically, both of these competitors end their nights early win or lose, so that will be the play in this one.
Fight Pick: Fight to End Under 1.5 Rounds (-1.5 Rds)
Molly McCann vs Julija Stoliarenko
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The UFC matchmakers have done it again. Molly McCann, who will undoubtedly be welcomed by a roaring London crowd, has been given a potato in the form of Julija Stoliarenko.
This may be a bit harsh of a take, as Stoliarenko could very well present a submission threat to McCann. The 30-year-old Stoliarenko has nine of her ten victories secured by way of submission and McCann has been forced to tap twice among her five career losses.
Nonetheless, the no-brainer pick here is McCann.
Fight Pick: Molly McCann via T/KO
Tom Aspinall vs Marcin Tybura
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The fight world will witness the return of Tom Aspinall in less than 48 hours. The 30-year-old Liverpool, England, native blitzed out to a perfect 5-0 record in the UFC before suffering his first promotional defeat as a knee injury cut short his fight with Curtis Blaydes in July 2022. Now healthy, the #5 ranked heavyweight will look to reestablish himself in the division.
Marcin Tybura has fought the who’s who of the heavyweight division during his 17-fight UFC career and currently sits as the #10 ranked fighter. “Tybur” has fought twice since Aspinall’s injury, earning two decision victories.
With the London crowd behind him, fight fans should expect an energetic and determined Aspinall finding his way to victory tomorrow.
Fight Pick: Tom Aspinall Moneyline