Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
JAVID BASHARAT VS MATEUS MENDONCA FACTS
When is UFC Fight Night 217? Saturday 14th January, 2023 - 22:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 217? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 217? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC Fight Night 217 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 217? 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!
JAVID BASHARAT VS MATEUS MENDONCA LOWDOWN
Javid Basharat (13-0) kicks off 2023 hoping to extend his unbeaten record. He has impressively risen to the UFC standards with two unanimous decision wins after his submission over Oron Kahlon (2021) on the Contender Series. He added Trevin Jones (2022) and Tony Gravely (2022) to the dub column and was hoping for a big name.
Mateus Mendonca (10-0) was not the name he was after making his UFC debut but he is also an unbeaten bantamweight prospect. After his unanimous decision win over Pedro Nobre (2020) he did not return to action for over two years. He eventually appeared in September last year on the Contender Series and it could not have gone better knocking out Ashiek Ajim in under a minute to earn the call-up.
JAVID BASHARAT VS MATEUS MENDONCA PREDICTION
One prospect has to fall. Basharat has two UFC fights in the bank which is valuable experience. He also boasts a three-inch height advantage, but he will be giving up two inches in reach.
Mendonca has the debut pressure but we still expect him to come out the gate aggressively throwing wild shots hoping to find the chin. If he continues to miss the mark he will shoot for a takedown which is a strategy has served him well so far in his career.
However, this is his toughest match-up by a distance. Basharat is very technical, and he will be ready to counter the looping shots. He is also a solid grappler with good defensive wrestling and is also a submission threat off his back.
Considering the odds, the Brazilian is a no brainer. He hits hard and is full of confidence, but this is a very tough match-up for him and we are backing Basharat to earn a decision at least.
Prediction: Basharat via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Mendonca to win