MMA Preview – Aiemann Zahabi vs Aori Qileng at UFC 289
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
AIEMANN ZAHABI VS AORI QILENG 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!
AIEMANN ZAHABI VS AORI QILENG LOWDOWN
Aiemann Zahabi’s (9-2) UFC debut could not have gone worse stepping into the octagon unbeaten with a lot of weight on his shoulders. He proceeded to get spinning back elbow’d into oblivion by Ricardo Ramos (2017). He then got outpointed by Vince Morales (2019) so went into his fight with Drako Rodriguez (2021) without a win in four years. Fortunately, he sparked him out cold in the first round and followed that up with a unanimous decision over Ricky Turcios (2022) to save his UFC career.
Aori Qileng’s (24-9) entrance into the UFC was not much better losing unanimous decisions to Jeff Molina (2021) and Cody Durden (2021). However, he stepped back up bantamweight and is also coming off two dubs – knocking out Cameron Else and outpointing Jay Perrin last year.
AIEMANN ZAHABI VS AORI QILENG PREDICTION
Despite Qileng moving up from flyweight, they match up similarly in stature. They are also both strikers by trade and could easily be one of the more entertaining fights on the card.
They can also wrestle, so we expect a mixture of string and grappling. Qileng is the more likely of the two to shoot in but he can be reckless when closing the distance which is a worry considering Zahabi’s power.
If Zahabi remains the underdog, he is a no brainer for a bet. They are evenly matched, but he is more technical fighter and is more likely to execute a game plan to secure the dub.
Prediction: Zahabi via Decision
Value bet: Zahabi to win
