Second Biggest UFC Bet of the Year

This weekend will have our second biggest bet of the year, second only to Max Holloway to beat Conor McGregor, will be on the rising Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani to defeat Farman Hasanov.

Both men are relatively new to the UFC scene they are far from commonly known names and that may be why we are getting a discount on a major mismatch. Hasanov is 5-0 with a heavy wrestling style, lacking the BJJ to go with it and a very basic striking style of wide looping hooks and lacking any crisp technique or variety. Now in the first round Hasanov has explosive impressive takedowns but as was seen in his UFC debut he lacks the control on the ground once he gets the takedown. He secured 17 takedowns against Eric Nolan who was popping back up consistently allowing this number to be so high.

Now Hasanov has poor striking and lacks control on the floor but his major flaw is his cardio. This was exposed in his last fight where he was a spent force by the start of the second round but Nolan's takedown defence and BJJ was so poor that he couldn't get himself the win. This is not the only time that this issue has reared it's head, in his second pro MMA fight against the low level Luke Roberts he gassed out by the second round again but due to his poor quality opponent he escaped his first loss.

This is a massive step up for Hasanov, Jean-Paul is coming off wins against Rowe and Ko in which he has shown steady improvements. Jean-Paul is the far better striker in this match up with good kicks, solid high guard and far more technique. This will be one sided on the feet especially as the fight extends, Hasanov deals terribly with leg kicks and will struggle with the variety of weapons that Lebosnoyani brings. How will Lebosnoyani deal with the wrestling of Hasanov is a key question in this match up, and Lebosnoyani is a very slick BJJ Black Belt, having a clear advantage once the fight hits the ground. He showed the ability to use guillotine to sweep and take top position on a good wrestler who was proven at the UFC level. Jean-Paul has good submission attempts off his back, which he can also use to sweep. Hasanov shooting when he is tired is going to put him in a world of danger from being swept, to submissions off the back and the guillotine itself. The ease at which a far worse grappler in Nolan got back up highlights the gulf in BJJ quality here.

Hasanov is going to be outgunned on the feet, in huge danger when shooting takedowns or on the mat, even when on top, and there is a good chance Jean-Paul will end up on top with sweeps or his own wrestling, the timing of his double leg was very impressive against Ko. All these points paint a compelling picture that Jean-Paul will be better everywhere the fight goes and Hasanov will run out of gas, giving Lebosnoyani a great chance to get a finish and look to push on to fight for a ranking spot.

Bets - Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani to beat Farman Hasanov 6 Units (1.31, 31/100, -323)

Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani to finish Farman Hasanov 1.25 Units (1.86, 43/50, -116)