Brash lightweight slugger Al Iaquinta (13-3, 7 KOs, 1 SUB) meets underrated Paul Felder (15-3, 10 KOs, 1 SUB) at UFC 223 on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The card airs live on pay-per-view starting 10 p.m. ET, following the FS1 prelims. Get the latest UFC odds and get previews, predictions and betting picks at BookMaker.eu now.
Ever since yelling the immortal line, “you booin’ me!?” at a jeering crowd years ago, Ragin’ Al has been dropping vocal bombs - on Twitter and in interviews - making him one of the most unique characters in the UFC right now. Whether he’s cussing out Dana White and the UFC or trash talking his peers, Iaquinta is a lot of fun.
Luckily, his fists can back up the checks his mouth is cashing. And if he’s serious about the fight game, this is a dude that has the tools to become a contender. This Saturday, Iaquinta gets another chance to get on the mic at a major event when he meets Paul Felder on the main card of UFC 223.
In a vacuum, it’s an excellent fight between two hard hitters. According to the odds, it’s an extremely competitive one as well, despite the fact that Felder is unranked and largely unknown to the casual fanbase. So how should you bet this scrap? Let’s take a look at the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu and break down your betting options.
UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Al Iaquinta -125
Paul Felder -105
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -130, under +100
Striking Stats
Strikes landed per minute: Iaquinta 4.95 / Felder 3.49
Accuracy: Iaquinta 41.42% / Felder 43.26%
Absorbed per minute: Iaquinta 3.7 / Felder 2.8
Defense: Iaquinta 64.31% / Felder 52.44%
Grappling Stats
Takedown average: Iaquinta 1.22 / Felder 0.4
Takedown accuracy: Iaquinta 29.63% / Felder 37.5%
Takedowns defended: Iaquinta 84.85% / Felder 60.98%
Submission average: Iaquinta 0.46 / Felder 0.4
Matchup Breakdown
This projects to be a boxing matchup, as neither fighter really relies on their wrestling and both have good takedown defense. That gives us good reason to be stoked for this fight, since these guys bring two dynamic striking styles with plenty of KOs on their resumes.
Iaquinta is a boxer first, and he’s not afraid to square up and throw. Especially dangerous in punching range, the 30-year old expertly sets up angles and launches bombs, attacking both the head and body with tight, technical combinations. He has a nice low kick, though never throws it consistently enough to make it a factor.
Felder is a creative and unpredictable striker, and that works both for and against him. He’ll throw crazy spinning strikes and high risk karate kicks while eating jabs and leg kicks. Look at his stoppages and you’ll see spinning back first KOs, spinning heel kick KOs, a few elbow finishes and a knee finish. He’s got a lot of tools to work with, but his commitment to risky shots has led to a few bad losses as well.
UFC Odds Pick: Iaquinta to win at -125
We’re leaning towards Iaquinta, though it will likely be pretty close. Felder tends to wilt against powerful, high-level strikers, and Ragin’ Al definitely qualifies. Iaquinta’s pressure will be suffocating against a guy that needs space to operate, and he’ll do enough damage to take the decision.
UFC Odds Pick: Over 2.5 rounds at -130
We like the over here as Iaquinta’s only stoppages have come by submission and Felder has only been knocked out once. Felder is not a big submission threat, and he’s got a solid chin on him. Iaquinta might crack him a few times, but he should make it to the final bell.
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UFC 223 takes place on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The card airs live on pay-per-view starting 10 p.m. ET, following the FS1 prelims.
