UPDATE: UFC fans, get ready! The highly anticipated UFC Qatar event is set to kick off on July 15, 2023, starting bright and early at 10 a.m. ET on ESPN+. This fight night promises to be one of the most electrifying of the year, featuring top contenders including former champion Belal Muhammad and the rising star Ian Machado Garry.
In a surprising twist, late replacement Waldo Cortes-Acosta will step in to face Shamil Gaziev, adding even more intrigue to the card. Although no betting lines are available yet for this matchup, excitement is already building among fans and analysts alike.
The main event features Dan Hooker taking on Arman Tsarukyan, with Hooker listed as a massive underdog at +410. Despite being positioned as a No. 1 contender fight for a chance to face Ilia Topuria, many are questioning Hooker’s status in the lightweight division following his grappling struggles against elite fighters like current champion Islam Makhachev.
THE PLAY: Analysts predict Tsarukyan will win inside the distance at -136, as his grappling prowess may prove too much for Hooker, who is looking to turn his fortunes around.
Meanwhile, Ian Machado Garry is primed to make a statement against former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad. Garry, with a record of 16-1, is coming off a fierce battle against Shavkat Rakhmanov and is eager to secure a knockout victory in Qatar. At 37, Muhammad faces challenges in keeping up with Garry’s youthful energy. This fight is projected to end inside the distance at +230, as both fighters are highly motivated to finish strong.
THE PLAY: Bet on the fight ending inside the distance at +230 with Caesars Sportsbook.
As the excitement builds, here’s a look at the full fight card picks for UFC Qatar:
– Volkan Oezdemir vs. Alonzo Menifield: Fight goes the distance (+160, Caesars)
– Jack Hermansson vs. Myktybek Orolbai: Hermansson by submission (+1500, BetRivers)
– Tagir Ulanbekov vs. Kyoji Horiguchi: Ulanbekov by decision (+120, bet365)
– Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev vs. Rafael Cerquiera: Yakhyaev by KO/TKO (-140, DraftKings)
With the welterweight division undergoing a major shakeup following UFC 322, where Michael Morales knocked out Sean Brady, all eyes are on Garry to establish himself among the elite. The stakes couldn’t be higher for these fighters, as a win could propel them into title contention.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Expect an action-packed night filled with high-stakes drama as UFC Qatar unfolds. Fans should keep their eyes peeled for unexpected upsets and standout performances that could change the course of careers.
Get ready to tune in and witness the latest from the octagon, as UFC Qatar promises to deliver thrilling moments and fierce competition that you won’t want to miss!
