One of the key fights of UFC Vegas 65 will come in the form of a main-card welterweight bout between two upcoming contenders.
Andre Fialho (16-5) will meet Muslim Salikhov (18-3) in the APEX octagon this weekend. Read this Fialho vs. Salikhov betting analysis to decide the best bets for this bout.
Last Fight Record
- Fialho is making his 5th appearance of 2022, coming off a KO loss to Jake Matthews in June.
- Salikhov is trying to bounce back from a TKO loss to Jingliang Li back in July.
Matchup Information
- November 19, 2022
- UFC APEX, Las Vegas, Nevada
- ESPN+
Fialho vs. Salikhov Betting Analysis
Andre Fialho
Fialho is one of the most exciting prospects to watch in the UFC. His constant pressure style and ability to put himself into harm’s way to chase a finish is must-see TV.
He will always be in the fight, even after getting hurt, because of the heart he shows in the octagon.
The welterweight prospect has some interesting UFC stats. While he lands 3.78 strikes per minute, he absorbs a ridiculous 6.65 strikes per minute.
Fialho’s Big Issue
This is a big issue with durability and can impact the length of his career quickly if he doesn’t take fewer shots.
He hasn’t landed a takedown in the UFC yet, so it is clear that Fialho is there to strike and knock his opponent out. Along with that, he has a solid 75% takedown defense going into this weekend.
Muslim Salikhov
Salikhov has about ten years of age over Fialho, coming into this bout the much more experienced combat sports athlete. He has excellent counter-striking with a lot of power in his hands.
He will mix in level changes when the timing is right, averaging 1.17 takedowns per 15 minutes in the UFC. You haven’t seen Silikhov as often on the UFC fight schedule compared to Fialho due to his age and different style of fighting.
Salikhov Averaging Numbers
This guy is much more calculated than Fialho. Salikhov averages only 2.56 strikes absorbed per minute, proving to be a big test for Fialho to land heavy shots in the cage on Saturday.
The Russian will be very bouncy on his feet and look for quick counters to Fialho’s big swings and misses.
UFC Injury Report
No injuries were reported in the lead-up to this fight.
Andre Fialho vs. Muslim Salikhov Betting Preview
According to UFC odds, the lines to his fight have changed a few times in the lead-up to this weekend. Currently, this bout is basically a pick ‘em fight with both men at -110 odds. Opening lines had Salikhov at least with -150 odds and down to -180 in some sportsbooks.
The over/under lines are interesting too. It is set at 2.5 rounds, and the over is in plus odds. You would think that 1.5 rounds would be a better line. This fight is full of interesting lines, proving how close of a matchup it is.
With both men having very good power, this fight will likely be finished. The line for it going the distance is +130 currently.
We know Fialho will go for the kill, and Salikhov has a measured and lethal approach to the fight.
The Fialho vs. Salikhov betting analysis would suggest that Fialho would have trouble landing against Salikhov.
But that also depends on the game plan of both fighters. Styles make fights, and this one will surely be a banger.
Fialho vs. Salikhov Betting Predictions
With all the different outcomes possible with these two fighters and breaking down the Fialho vs. Salikhov betting analysis, it is very tough to predict this fight.
Salikhov could out-class Fialho this weekend, using his strengths against him. But if you plan to make a play on this close fight, you have to go with Fialho.
He is up there as one of the most active fighters on the UFC roster, and that always plays a big part in UFC picks. Activity is very important for a guy like Fialho, just breaking into the scene.
The only question mark is Fialho’s chin. He has taken some big shots this year, and surprisingly, he is competing for the 5th time in 2022. But if his durability holds up, he will get the job done.
Who to Bet On?
The first round might go to Salikhov. I can see a counter landing clean and hurting Fialho, but he will survive; that is when he comes alive. When Salikhov starts fading in the second and third rounds, Fialho will exert pressure and start landing big shots.
Maybe this fight going to a decision is a good play for plus odds. It is very plausible that these two will cancel each other out and end up having a 15-minute war this week
UFC Pick: Salikhov (-150)
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