MMA Preview – Nassourdine Imavov vs Joaquin Buckley at UFC Fight Night 209
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
NASSOURDINE IMAVOV VS JOAQUIN BUCKLEY FACTS
When is UFC Paris? Saturday 3rd September, 2022 - 18:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Paris? Accor Arena, Paris (France)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Paris? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Paris
What channel is UFC Paris on? BT Sport 3
Where can I stream UFC Paris? 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 JOAQUIN BUCKLEY LOWDOWN
Nassourdine Imavov (11-3) is flying under the radar in the middleweight but has got everything it takes to break the top 10 and he is still only 26 years old. He kicked off his UFC campaign with a comfortable unanimous decision over Jordan Williams (2020) before losing a majority one to Phil Hawes (2021). That snapped a six-fight win streak, but he has responded with two exceptional performances and knockouts over Ian Heinisch (2021) and Edmen Shahbazyan (2021).
Joaquin Buckley (15-4) has made a lot of noise in his young UFC career. None more so than one of the most spectacular knockouts of all time landing that spinning back kick on Impa Kasanganay (2020). He followed that up with another starching of Jordan Wright (2020) but then got buried himself by an Alessio Di Chirico (2021) head kick. Since then, he has racked up knockouts over Antonio Arroyo (2021) and Albert Duraev (2022) sandwiching a split decision over Abdul Razak Alhassan (2022).
NASSOURDINE IMAVOV VS JOAQUIN BUCKLEY PREDICTION
Who knows why this incredible matchup is so low down on the card. Buckley has proven he can knockout just about anybody in the division, but a win for Imavov will put a lot of 185ers on notice.
He has better technique and more well-rounded than Buckley and as we saw in his last two fights, his power is becoming more and more threatening handing Heinisch his first ever knockout loss.
As long as he can avoid the bombs from Buckley, he should find one of many routes to victory. Along with his slick striking, he is a very strong grappler. If this is his ‘plan A’, we can see him controlling him in the clinch, taking him down and even finding a submission.
We feel Imavov has the nous on the feet to avoid any danger and counter the telegraphed shots. If he can close the distance, he should enjoy some control time and wear Buckley down.
Considering the odds and Buckley’s power, a small punt is worth it but Imavov is better everywhere and will have the home support to carry him home with a knockout, submission and decision as likely as each other.
Prediction: Imavov via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Buckley via KO/TKO
