We had a one week break from the UFC after the 297 card in which Du Plessis secured a win over Sean Strickland for the middleweight championship of the world. While this card does not have quite as high of stakes, it is still loaded with some intriguing matchups.
The UFC is headed back to Las Vegas for this Fight Night event out of the UFC Apex. Middleweights Roman Dolidze and Nassourdine Imavov will face off in a main event that will see two ranked opponents compete to advance their position in the division. It also features some other exciting fights on paper that we will dig a little bit deeper into during this article from the perspective of a FanDuel DFS player. So without further ado, lets take a look at a few fights that stand out this week at UFC Fight Night: Dolidze vs. Imavov.
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FIGHT #1 TO TARGET (-400 FDNGTD)
THEMBA GORIMBO ($21) vs. PETE RODRIGUEZ ($10)
Pete Rodriguez's return to the UFC raises questions, particularly given his recent erratic performances and an unexpected call-up on short notice. Rodriguez, who is known for his powerful striking but has been criticized for his technical shortcomings, faces a difficult challenge against Themba Gorimbo, a fighter with a superior tactical approach and a well-rounded skill set. Gorimbo is the rightful favorite with his strategic striking and grappling abilities, which could exploit Rodriguez's weaknesses.
Themba Gorimbo's style is a poor fit for Rodriguez. Gorimbo excels at distance control and utilizing his reach advantage, as evidenced by his recent fight against Takashi Sato, as well as solid takedown defense and offensive grappling. Gorimbo's ability to combine striking and ground control, avoiding power shots while applying pressure, makes him a dangerous opponent for Rodriguez, whose aggressive but less refined style may be his undoing.
Themba Gorimbo has a significant advantage in this fight, both technically and strategically. While Rodriguez has knockout power, his recent performances have revealed vulnerabilities that Gorimbo is well-equipped to take advantage of. Gorimbo's ability to control the fight's pace and location makes him a strong DFS play, whereas Rodriguez, despite his power, should be regarded as a high-risk pivot with limited upside.
FIGHT #2 TO TARGET (-325 FDNGTD)
RENATO MOICANO ($18) vs. DREW DOBER ($13)
Renato Moicano enters this fight with the technical finesse of an experienced striker and the dangerous ground game of a high-level BJJ black belt. His approach, which is distinguished by a high volume and steady pace, poses a legitimate challenge, albeit with concerns about his durability. Moicano's chin has been a source of concern, raising doubts about his ability to withstand the power of a heavy hitter like Dober. Despite this, his skill set is diverse, combining striking with an average of nearly two takedowns per fight, indicating versatility that could allow him to dominate if he can avoid the brawl and effectively use his technical and grappling advantages.
Drew Dober, on the other hand, exudes the spirit of a fighter willing to engage in a slugfest, with one of MMA's most reliable chins. Dober's knockout power and tendency to turn fights into brawls make him a unique challenge for Moicano. His lack of takedown defense often ends up a non-factor as he draws opponents into striking exchanges where he excels. Following a quick victory over Ricky Glenn, Dober's confidence is likely sky-high, and his strategy of baiting opponents into trading punches could be the key to exposing Moicano's defense, especially if he can draw the fight into later rounds, where his power and durability may tip the scales in his favor.
This matchup promises an electrifying clash with the potential for a spectacular finish, making it a highly anticipated bout for fight fans and DFS players alike. The fight narrative suggests two possible outcomes: Moicano using his ground game and technical striking to control and potentially finish the fight, or Dober using his power to find Moicano's chin for a knockout. With both fighters priced in the mid-range, the winner is expected to deliver a high-scoring performance, making this fight not only exciting to watch but also a smart play for those looking to maximize their returns.
FIGHT #3 TO TARGET (-225 FDNGTD)
ROMAN DOLIDZE ($17) vs. NASSOURDINE IMAVOV ($20)
Roman Dolidze, known for his grappling prowess and knockout power, is caught in a strategic conflict heading into this main event. His victory over Phil Hawes demonstrated his ground game strength, but his recent stand-up battle with Marvin Vettori raised questions about his stylistic consistency. Despite these reservations, Dolidze's ability to end fights with submissions or strikes makes him a tough opponent. However, his tendency to switch from grappling to striking against a skilled striker like Nassourdine Imavov presents significant risks.
Nassourdine Imavov enters the fray as a versatile striker who can dictate the pace and space of the fight. His striking, combined with timely takedowns against Chris Curtis, demonstrates his tactical flexibility. Imavov's strategy focuses on maintaining distance and outmaneuvering opponents with his jab and counter-striking, which poses a clear challenge to Dolidze's preference for close engagements. This stylistic matchup favors Imavov if he can keep the fight standing and at range, utilizing his striking accuracy and defensive grappling skills.
The fight almost boils down to a striker versus grappler matchup, with Dolidze needing to close the distance and use his ground game to secure a win. Imavov's ability to control the fight's tempo and engage effectively from range may allow him to outpoint Dolidze over the distance. While Dolidze has the potential for a dramatic finish, Imavov's consistent performance and strategic acumen make him the safer side in a fight that will put both fighters' adaptability and resolve to the test.
GOOD LUCK THIS WEEKEND
Good look to all heading into this event. If you are watching it at home, follow along with @WeWantPicks on YouTube for live bets on the fight companion. Also, tweet your winning lineups at us and we will do our best to recognize your greatness.
Enjoy the event, and make sure to keep it locked on We Want Picks for tons of great MMA content.
