MMA Preview – Nassourdine Imavov vs Chris Curtis at UFC 289
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
NASSOURDINE IMAVOV VS CHRIS CURTIS FACTS
When is UFC 289? Sunday 11th June, 2023 - 01:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 289? Rogers Arena, Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 289? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 289
What channel is UFC 289 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC 289? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
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!
NASSOURDINE IMAVOV VS CHRIS CURTIS LOWDOWN
When Nassourdine Imavov (12-4) knocked out Ian Heinisch (2021) and Edmen Shahbazyan (2021) before cruising past Joaquin Buckley (2022) in a unanimous decision it seemed the sky was the limit for the Frenchman. He was then lined up for the former title challenger Kelvin Gastelum, but as he had to pull out, Sean Strickland stepped up and showed his class earning a unanimous decision to derail Imavov.
When Gastelum returned from his mouth injury, he was paired with Chris Curtis (30-10). They put on a ‘Fight of the Night’ display, but unfortunately, he fell on the wrong side of a unanimous decision. That came after a ‘Performance of the Night’ against Joaquin Buckley (2022) knocking him out in the second round and would love nothing more than to emulate that showing in Canada.
NASSOURDINE IMAVOV VS CHRIS CURTIS PREDICTION
Curtis has had the perfect preparations as the close training partner of the last man to beat Imavov. Stickland put on a very convincing performance despite stepping up on short notice laying out the blueprint for Curtis.
Imavov is the more skilful fighter with a full arsenal of weaponry and is the bigger man. However, Curtis is an incredible boxer with superb defence and lethal counter striking. He also has the intel of what landed so, the Frenchman cannot afford to stand in front of him and trade.
He has the footwork and movement to frustrate Curtis and if he can level-change and get Curtis on his back he can remove his offence. As long as Imavov has made the adjustments since the Strickland fight, he has all the tools to get the win.
Three rounds suits him as he can remain illusive and circle out of danger. We back him to scrape a decision, but this is incredibly tough to call so the smart money is on the underdog.
Prediction: Imavov via Decision
Value bet: Curtis to win
