UFC Saudi Arabia Punching Parlay
- Naimov/Lima Over 1.5 Rounds (-200)
- Nasrat Haqparast ML (-235)
UFC Pick: Two-Legged Parlay (+116) at Heritage Sports (visit our Heritage Sports Review)
The Kingdom Arena in the Middle East has emerged as a vibrant hub for combat sports, and this Saturday, the caged octagon takes the spotlight for the thrilling UFC Saudi Arabia event.
This weekend’s mixed martial arts festivities feature eleven scheduled fights. But what truly sets this event apart is the return of our renowned ‘Punching Parlay’. Backed by my expert opinion, these UFC betting picks are designed to perfectly align with your MMA parlay wagering desires, offering great value on UFC odds at top-rated sportsbooks.
For additional top MMA picks, explore our YouTube channel where you’ll discover analysis on various UFC bouts that provide excellent value, including the main event featuring Robert Whittaker and Ikram Aliskerov.
UFC Saudi Arabia Information
- Date & Time: Saturday, June 22, 2024 – 12:00 PM ET
- Location: Kingdom Arena, Saudi Arabia
- Scheduled Fights: 11
- Main Event: Robert Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov (UFC Middleweight Bout)
Muhammad Naimov vs. Felipe Lima
UFC Saudi Arabia Featherweight Bout
Naimov: The Story So Far
Tajikistan’s Muhammad Naimov has been a force to reckon with in the octagon, boasting three consecutive wins since his UFC debut. Notably, he has secured two KO/TKO victories in this streak. However, it’s important to consider that his only career losses were against opponents who could be considered less formidable, Collin Anglin and Olivier Murad.
- Naimov Pro MMA Record: 11-2
- Naimov Knockout Wins: 5
- Naimov Submission Wins: 3
Lima: The Story So Far
26-year-old Felipe Lima makes his UFC debut this weekend, so naturally, we have many unanswered questions surrounding his ability to challenge the elite. He’s also taking the risk of moving from the bantamweight division to compete as a featherweight, although a championship win in the OKTAGON promotion could be a sign that we have a hungry, fight-ready piece of talent on our hands.
- Lima Pro MMA Record: 12-1
- Lima Knockout Wins: 4
- Lima Submission Wins: 2
Naimov vs. Lima: Skillset Breakdown
Power wrestling, for the most part, has been Naimov’s path to victory during his career. He has power in his hands, but from a technical standpoint, his offensive striking isn’t desirable.
Lima’s tenure on the regional scene has been almost perfect outside of one loss. Skill-for-skill, I have no doubt he’s more talented than Naimov. He certainly has superior striking, but as we haven’t seen him compete at 145 pounds, we don’t know how he’ll fare versus the bigger, potentially stronger opponent.
Over 1.5 Rounds Reasoning
Lima opened as a +180 underdog, but currently, the available UFC odds have shifted to even money. This speaks volumes about the debutant’s ceiling and is also a credible path to backing the total rounds going over.
I’m surprised the over is set at 1.5 because the durability of both fighters is noteworthy. Based on the line movement and contrasting skill sets, the potential of this contest being a closely fought contest is live.
Neither man has ever been stopped via KO/TKO or decision. Naimov’s cardio isn’t great, but he’s gone the distance whenever faced with opponents who can handle his grappling, i.e., Nathaniel Wood. Lima has seen over 1.5 rounds in 4 of his previous 5 fights and has also proven he has the gas tank to fight five rounds.
UFC Parlay Leg 1: Over 1.5 Rounds (-200) at Heritage Sports
Nasrat Haqparast vs. Jared Gordon
UFC Saudi Arabia Lightweight Bout
Haqparast: The Story So Far
Afghan native Nasrat Haqparast joined the UFC roster at the tender age of 21. Despite a seven-year tenure with the most decorated mixed martial arts promotion, I believe we’re yet to see the best from this product of the Tristar Gym.
With an 8-4 promotional record, following some minor setbacks, Haqparast is finally finding his groove behind a 3-fight win streak, including a recent round-one TKO stoppage victory over fight game veteran Jamie Mullarkey.
- Haqparast Pro MMA Record: 16-5
- Haqparast Knockout Wins: 10
- Haqparast Submission Wins: 0
Gordon: The Story So Far
New York’s Jared Gordon holds a respectable 8-5 UFC record, but thus far, for me personally, he’s been nothing more than a fighter that’s going through the motions. At 155 pounds, he hasn’t collected many wins over noteworthy opposition, and he’s never won a fight when placed as a considerable betting underdog – a position he’ll take up this weekend.
- Gordon Pro MMA Record: 20-6
- Gordon Knockout Wins: 7
- Gordon Submission Wins: 2
Haqparast vs. Gordon: Skillset Breakdown
Haqparast’s in-cage kryptonite to date has been strikers who are more talented than himself. The likes of Bobby Green, Dan Hooker, and Drew Dober Spring come to mind, but his precise kickboxing output continues to grow, and those absent of an elite response in this discipline have notably struggled.
Gordon also prefers to strike, but he’s predominantly looking for power punches. We watched him hold Paddy Pimblett against the cage and scream robbery when the result didn’t go his way, but a lack of actual damage was evident. He has a tendency to just hang around without doing much, thus failing to give the judge a reason to side with him.
Haqparast Moneyline Reasoning
The footwork and speed advantages in Haqparast’s court will be enough to overcome Gordon’s lack of output and work rate. I wouldn’t be surprised if the BJJ brown belt in Gordon wants to spam some takedowns and use credible cardio, but similar to past bouts, it won’t be enough in the eyes of the judges.
The available UFC odds favor Haqparast, and rightfully so. Don’t be shocked if this goes the distance; Gordon is a tough S.O.B. However, in a fight, I expect to be on the feet for the most part; the favorite will triumph in output behind the more technical and worthy kickboxing skill set.
UFC Parlay Leg 2: Nasrat Haqparast ML (-235) at Heritage Sports
The Parlay
- Naimov/Lima Over 1.5 Rounds (-200)
- Nasrat Haqparast ML (-235)
UFC Pick: Two-Legged Parlay (+116) at Heritage Sports
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
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