UFC Saudi Arabia Punching Parlay: Battle of Technique and Power
-
David Manyun
- January 30, 2025
UFC Saudi Arabia Punching Parlay
- Adesanya/Imavov Over 3.5 Rounds (-260)
- Shara Magomedov (-175)
UFC Pick: Two-Legged Parlay (+117) at Bovada (visit our Bovada Review)
The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to our screens with an action-packed evening of octagon violence in Riyadh. Israel Adesanya and Nassourdine Imavov top the card, and, of course, I’m here to supplement your UFC parlay betting needs with the perfect parlay selections.
Below are two of my favorite moneyline selections from the UFC Saudi Arabia fight card. After thoroughly analyzing these UFC odds and betting markets, I think they present the perfect pairing for this week’s edition of the ‘Punching Parlay.’
UFC Saudi Arabia Information
- Date & Time: Saturday, February 01, 2025 – 01:40 PM ET
- Location: ANB Arena, Riyadh
- Scheduled Fights: 11
- Main Event: Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov (UFC Middleweight Bout)
Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov
UFC Saudi Arabia Middleweight Bout
Adesanya: The Story So Far
Saturday will mark Israel Adesanya’s first UFC non-title, Fight Night main event appearance since 2019. For the last five years, the former two-time middleweight champ has been involved in nothing but title bout pay-per-view meetings, thus sparking intrigue in how he’ll match up with a fellow contender as opposed to a championship-caliber opponent.
- Adesanya Pro MMA Record: 24-4-0
- Adesanya Knockout Wins: 16
- Adesanya Submission Wins: 0
Imavov: The Story So Far
Contrastingly, Nassourdine Imavov will enter the most important and highest-ranked fight of his career. The Russian-born fighter representing France enters Riyadh with a three-fight win streak, and a successful outing against the former middleweight king this weekend could instantly boost him into title contention for Dricus Du Plessis’ 185lb gold.
- Imavov Pro MMA Record: 15-4-0
- Imavov Knockout Wins: 6
- Imavov Submission Wins: 4
UFC Saudi Arabia Adesanya vs. Imavov: Skillset Breakdown
One would believe that Imavov has a clear path to victory via grappling and wrestling, but the fact is that both fighters have striking backgrounds. Yes, Imavov holds the more threatening grappling/wrestling of the two, but striking has been the MO for both men during their careers, so it wouldn’t be shocking to see a complete kickboxing battle for five straight rounds.
Speaking of five rounds, it also wouldn’t be surprising to see this bout go all the way. Skill sets aside, both Imavov and Adesanya have displayed excellent durability throughout their respective careers, with just one knockout loss between them across a combined 47-fight career.
Over 3.5 Rounds Reasoning
Seeing the set at 3.5 rounds with Bovada instantly struck me as the perfect parlay piece. Should this fight end via KO/TKO, I wouldn’t expect it to arrive before the championship rounds, as we have two technical strikers whom rarely make defensive mistakes when trading punches and kicks.
UFC Parlay Leg 1: Adesanya /Imavov Over 3.5 Rounds (-260) at Bovada
Shara Magomedov vs. Michael Page
UFC Saudi Arabia Welterweight Bout
Magomedov: The Story So Far
While Imavov and Adesanya could very well be competing to become the next in line for a middleweight title opportunity, Shara Magomedov isn’t far behind. The Russian standout has won four straight UFC bouts since his debut in 2023, including a double spinning back fist knockout over Armen Petrosyan last October that’s been etched in MMA highlight reels forever.
- Magomedov Pro MMA Record: 15-0-0
- Magomedov Knockout Wins: 12
- Magomedov Submission Wins: 0
Page: The Story So Far
Michael ‘Venom’ Page is one of the rare professional martial artists who evolved into a household name outside of the UFC. The British kickboxing wonder made his name under the Bellator banner with a 17-2 record, but welcome to the big league’s kid, as he’s already suffered one defeat (Ian Garry) since debuting in the UFC in early 2024.
- Page Pro MMA Record: 22-3-0
- Page Knockout Wins: 12
- Page Submission Wins: 4
UFC Saudi Arabia Magomedov vs. Page: Skillset Breakdown
Here’s the thing: for as talented, awkward and devastating as Page’s striking can be, he isn’t proven amongst the shark-infested waters of the UFC. Defeating an unpredictable Kevin Holland was one thing. Still, he was clearly out-pointed by Ian Garry in his second outing, and at age 37, it isn’t easy to see him making an impact in the promotion.
While it’s likely a scenario that is too little, too late for Page, Shara Magomedov is young, hungry and incredibly dangerous. Stylistically, Page will be a puzzle he’ll have to solve, but with confidence, power and an equally worrisome striking offensive as his opponent, you can’t help but believe he has the outside advantages, such as age and momentum, heading into Riyadh.
Magomedov Moneyline Reasoning
The striking output of Page might be higher, but when it comes to damage or the more piercing blows, Magomedov will take the lead. Furthermore, we’re in Saudi Arabia, and we know the judges’ support for Magomedov will undoubtedly be higher than that of the UK-based fighter.
UFC Parlay Leg 2: Magomedov ML (-175) at Bovada
The Parlay
- Adesanya/Imavov Over 3.5 Rounds (-260)
- Shara Magomedov (-175)
UFC Pick: Two-Legged Parlay (+117) at Bovada
*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.
