MMA Preview – Farid Basharat vs Taylor Lapilus at UFC Fight Night 234
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FARID BASHARAT VS TAYLOR LAPILUS FACTS
When is UFC Fight Night 234? Saturday 13th January, 2024 - 22:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 234? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Las Vegas (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 234? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC Fight Night 234 on? TNT Sports 1
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 234? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
FARID BASHARAT VS TAYLOR LAPILUS LOWDOWN
Farid Basharat (11-0) makes the walk for his third UFC fight hoping to stretch his unbeaten record. He first appeared on the UFC radar when he earnt a unanimous decision over Allan Begosso (2022) on the Contender Series. That earnt him a debut at UFC 285 against Da’Mon Blackshear (2023) where he made it two unanimous decisions on the spin. He returned six months later in September against Kleydson Rodrigues in Paris and cinched up a beautiful arm-triangle choke.
Now, he has been paired with the dangerous Taylor Lapilus (19-3). After going 3-1 in his first UFC stint between 2015 – 2016, he went 7-1 fighting for regional promotions before getting called back to the big time. He met debutant Caolan Loughran at UFC Fight Night 226 in Paris and earnt a solid unanimous decision to put his name back on the bantamweight map.
FARID BASHARAT VS TAYLOR LAPILUS PREDICTION
This is a very interesting contest. At first glance, it looks like a classic striker vs grappler match-up and if Basharat plays it smart, that is how it should play out. However, he is a very good kickboxer is may test his ego. Lapilus is the better striker with excellent technique and movement.
Basharat is well-rounded, and if he adopts a wrestling heavy gameplan he can keep Lapilus on his back long enough to bag the rounds. If he decides to stand, he will be risking his unbeaten record.
Basharat is confident enough to stand and as the heavy favourite, Lapilus is the value play, but we are backing Basharat to grind out a decision with his grappling.
Prediction: Basharat via Decision
Value Bet: Lapilus to win
