Beneil Dariush vs Charles Oliveira +127
UFC 289 should be fun one to watch. The Main event is Irene Aldana vs Amanda Nunez, but let’s face it, the real main event is this fight between Charles and Beneil. I must admit that I have been wrong about the former champion Charles a few times in some of his last fights. Nobody can find the neck like this man does and he has the most submissions in UFC history. In saying that, Beneil has a pretty darn good grown game himself. Beniel has defended 80% of his opponents take down attempts while Charles is only at a smaller 55%. This will be key in this fight. Both are pretty solid at taking down their opponents at 2.37 per 15 min for Chares and 1.95 for Beneil. When it comes to striking, I have to go with Beneil again at 3.81 significant strikes per min to 3.48 with Charles. As far as power is concerned, Beneil is the stronger and slightly larger man. He has more power to his punches and will also have a better ground and pound game. I am very bummed that this fight isn’t going five rounds because it is very deserving of a main event, but at the same time, I have to go with Beneil here and try and shop around for the best number.
Beneil Dariush -147 – 1.5 stars
Bonus Play: Parlay Nunes -320 with Imavov -150 + 115 – 1.5 stars
Amanda is by far the better fighter, and if you look at strikes defended, it isn’t even close. 2.75 for Amanda to 5.71 for Aldana. Imavov has an easier path to victory if he just watches Chris Curtis fight Jack Hermannson. Curtis is too small for the middle weight class and will be chasing Imavov all over the ring while getting counterpunched and kicked. Imavov is better on the ground as well.