MMA Preview – Jared Cannonier vs Nassourdine Imavov at UFC on ESPN 57
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
JARED CANNONIER VS NASSOURDINE IMAVOV FACTS
When is UFC on ESPN 57? Saturday 8th June, 2024 - 23:00 (UK)
Where is UFC on ESPN 57? KFC Yum! Center, Louisville, Kentucky (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ESPN 57? Click here to buy tickets for UFC on ESPN
What channel is UFC on ESPN 57 on? TNT Sports 1
Where can I stream UFC on ESPN 57? 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!
JARED CANNONIER VS NASSOURDINE IMAVOV LOWDOWN
At 40 years old, Jared Cannonier (17-6) still has hopes of a title shot and he will have a strong claim with an impressive win here. He lost his first attempt against Israel Adesanya (2022) via unanimous decision back at UFC 276. He then met Sean Strickland (2022) beating him via split decision before he went on to become the champion himself. Cannonier then followed that up with a unanimous decision over Marvin Vettori (2023) which was nearly a year ago now.
Nassourdine Imavov (13-4(1)) holds his own hopes but will need a few more wins against the top contenders. He lost his first opportunity at a ranked scalp getting humbled by Strickland (2023) in a unanimous decision. That snapped an impressive three-fight streak, and he was responding well against Chris Curtis (2023) until a clash of heads forced a premature end and ‘no contest’. Now, he is coming off a majority decision over Roman Dolidze in February this year to set up this headlining act.
JARED CANNONIER VS NASSOURDINE IMAVOV PREDICTION
Surprisingly, Cannonier is the underdog which is more to do with the 11-year age gap. He still has all of the skill and output, and he heads to Louisville to prove age is just a number.
He will have his hands full as Imavov is also a brilliant technical striker who has great movement and throws a lot of volume. Cannonier packs more power and although he will be giving up four inches in height, he will be boasting a two-inch reach advantage.
Imavov has the potential to make it to the top of the division with the grappling skills to match his striking. The better his cardio gets, the quicker he will rise to the top. Cannonier on the other hand is proven over five rounds at the top level.
He fights cautiously, but his striking was enough to beat Strickland and he took Vettori down four times to seal the deal. On paper, Cannonier should be the favourite, but coming off an MCL tear at 40 years old is a tall order and Imavov is only just hitting his prime.
If the Cannonier shows up that beat Vettori, we would back him all day. However, Imavov has the speed to capitalize on that knee injury and the grappling to fend off any takedown attempts.
This will be a fiercely competitive scrap and we can see either fighter earning a split decision.
Prediction: Imavov via Decision
Value bet: Cannonier via Decision
