Former lightweight champion Rafael Dos Anjos (25-9, 5 KOs, 8 SUBs) will meet kickboxer Tarec Saffiedine (16-6, 1 KO, 5 SUBs) at UFC Fight Night 111 on Saturday, June 17 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore. The fight airs live on UFC Fight Pass. Bet on the latest UFC odds at BookMaker.eu now.
Rafael Dos Anjos is getting a stiff test in his first foray at 170 pounds. The former lightweight champion will meet smooth Belgian striker Tarec Saffiedine this Saturday in Singapore in what should be a compelling crossroads fight for the Brazilian. Coming off of two straight losses - one in which he lost the lightweight belt - Dos Anjos is desperately looking for new life in a new division.
Let’s take a look at the UFC odds at break down the matchup from a betting perspective.
Bet on UFC odds at BookMaker.eu
Rafael Dos Anjos -275
Tarec Saffiedine +195
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -230, under +170
Please note, the UFC odds are updated on a daily basis.
Matchup Breakdown
When Rafael Dos Anjos first debuted in the UFC, he was primarily a submission threat. But training with Rafael Cordeiro at Kings MMA has evolved the 32-year old into an excellent striker. Grounded in Muay Thai fundamentals, Dos Anjos is now a fighter who loves to pressure opponents while lighting them up with tight, fluid combinations.
Saffiedine is well equipped to stand with Dos Anjos. The Belgian is a slick, technical kickboxer with a background in taekwondo and amateur kickboxing. While his output isn’t very high, Saffiedine makes sure every strike counts with pinpoint accuracy. He is especially well-known for targeting and chopping down the lead leg of hapless opponents.
This matchup could very well play out as a striking match, but it could be Dos Anjos’ wrestling that makes the difference. Saffiedine excels in a standup match, but his recent 1-3 record, with losses to Dong Hyun Kim, Rick Story and Rory MacDonald imply that he struggles against strong wrestlers.
Still, the fact he almost beat Dong Hyun Kim - a huge welterweight with fantastic judo skills - suggest that he should be able to fend off Dos Anjos’ takedown attempts. Dos Anjos was able to take down fighters like Nate Diaz and Anthony Pettis, but Saffiedine is a true 170-pounder with an 85% takedown defense.
How You Should Bet
It’s doubtful that Dos Anjos can take down Saffiedine at will, which means this fight will likely be contested on the feet. In this scenario, the Belgian’s technical skill and accuracy gives him a great shot at pulling off the upset. Lay a small bet on Saffiedine for the chance to win nearly twice than what you put in.
UFC odds pick: Saffiedine to win at +105
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UFC Fight Night 111 takes place on Saturday, June 17 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore. The fight airs live on UFC Fight Pass.
