MMA Preview – Walt Harris vs Josh Parisian at UFC on ESPN 49
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
WALT HARRIS VS JOSH PARISIAN FACTS
When is UFC Vegas 77? Sunday 16th July, 2023 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Vegas 77? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Vegas 77? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC Vegas 77 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC Vegas 77? 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!
WALT HARRIS VS JOSH PARISIAN LOWDOWN
Walt Harris (13-10(1)) has not won in four years. His last two wins were blistering knockouts over Sergey Spivac (2019) and Alexey Oleynik (2019) earning two ‘Performance of the Night’ bonuses. However, the following year he got TKO’d by Alistair Overeem and Alexander Volkov. Marcin Tybura (2021) followed suit and we have not seen him since.
Josh Parisian (15-6) welcomes him back and he is desperate to finally make an impression in the UFC. He arrived to the big time off the back of six straight knockouts. However, he is 2-3 against mediocre UFC competition. His last win was a TKO over Alan Baudot (2022) and he is coming off a disappointing unanimous decision loss to Jamal Pogues back in February.
WALT HARRIS VS JOSH PARISIAN PREDICTION
We have a feeling this main card will need a knockout and this fight is most likely to provide it. Harris is very rusty and forgotten that winning feeling. Opponents have also exposed his weaknesses which lie in his grappling and gas tank.
Parisian has not looked very impressive, but he has been active, so it is surprising to see him as the underdog. However, the main reason for that is he does not pose anywhere near the same threat of Harris’ previous opponents.
He does not have the ability to ragdoll him around the cage and he does not hit as hard as Harris. ‘Big Ticket’ is a ferocious striker with speed, combinations and one-punch knockout power. Despite the time off, we are backing him to find the knockout.
Prediction: Harris via KO/TKO
Value bet: Parisian to win
