MMA Preview – Roman Dolidze vs Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Fight Night 235
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ROMAN DOLIDZE VS NASSOURDINE IMAVOV FACTS
When is UFC Fight Night 235? Saturday 3rd February, 2024 - 22:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 235? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Las Vegas (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 235? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC Fight Night 235 on? TNT Sports 1
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 235? 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!
ROMAN DOLIDZE VS NASSOURDINE IMAVOV LOWDOWN
Roman Dolidze (12-2) was steam rolling his way to a title shot after losing his UFC debut to Trevin Giles (2021). He went on to outpoint Laureano Staropoli (2021) before knocking out Kyle Daukaus (2022), Phil Hawes (2022) and Jack Hermansson (2022) earning three ‘Performance of the Night’ bonuses. However, he then ran into a wall in the shape of Marvin Vettori back in March who grinded out a unanimous decision.
Nassourdine Imavov (12-4(1)) is also desperately hunting a win. His last win was a classy unanimous decision over Joaquin Buckley (2022) which capped off a three-fight win streak including knockouts over Ian Heinisch (2021) and Edmen Shahbazyan (2021). He then got stopped in his tracks by Sean Strickland (2023) who shut him down in a unanimous decision. He then took on his teammate Chris Curtis back in June and unfortunately, the scrap ended prematurely due to a clash of heads forcing a ‘no contest’.
ROMAN DOLIDZE VS NASSOURDINE IMAVOV PREDICTION
It will be a shame to see one of Europe’s finest lose. They are incredibly skilled grapplers, especially Dolidze who is a jiu-jitsu champion. However, they do their best work on the feet.
We expect technical and violent striking exchanges with a variety of kicks and combinations. They will both threaten the knockout until they clinch-up and wind down the clock.
Dolidze is very strong and Imavov is a good wrestler. If they end up on the deck, Dolidze will be more confident and will hunt a submission. Imavov will be aware of the Georgian’s ground skills and try and keep the fight on the feet.
Imavov has better movement and defence. However, Dolidze has more power and will only need a few clean leg kicks to disable the Frenchman. He will look to set up the power body kick and right hand whereas Imavov will get a read before conducting the distance and pouring on the volume.
If either of them begin to take any damage, they are likely to shoot in and attempt to take the fight to the ground. Imavov has the wrestling to hold top position on the ground, but Dolidze has the jiu-jitsu to threaten a submission.
We expect their grappling skills to cancel each other out which could see them spend a lot of time in the clinch which would favour Dolidze. On the feet, he has the edge in power, but Imavov has the edge when it comes to movement and defence.
This will be fiercely competitive wherever it goes and considering how evenly matched they are, the underdog is the value bet.
Prediction: Imavov via Decision
Value Bet: Dolidze to win
