Azamat Murzankanov vs. Brendson Ribeiro prediction, picks, odds for UFC 316

Check out my Murzankanov vs. Ribeiro prediction for UFC 316 on Saturday, June 7.

Here’s my Murzankanov vs. Ribeiro prediction for tonight.

Azamat Murzankanov vs. Brendson Ribeiro Odds

Murzankanov vs. Ribeiro Pick

Azamat “The Professional” Murzakanov will look to extend his unbeaten run on Saturday against Brendson Ribeiro, who I would argue is a significant step down in competition relative to his recent opponents, Dustin Jacoby and Alonzo Menifield.

Murakanov is an overly patient but vicious and dynamic counter striker, who can get lulled into boring fights and drop minutes on the scorecards. Still, he has finished 11 of his 14 career wins, including five of six under the promotional banner.

Muzakanov doesn’t look particularly athletic (being kind) and at 5″10″ he is small for the Light Heavyweight division (Ribeiro is 5″ tall with a 10″ reach advantage). Still, he is a very educated striker and well-rounded fighter, and he remains an intriguing contender in the division despite his advanced age (36).

Ribeiro seems like a potential highlight reel win in the making; however, he resembles a Bond villain, but has been knocked out four times in the first round and submitted in the second round twice, in just 24 career fights.

Unfortunately, the lines on the fight to end inside the distance (-700), Murzakanov to win inside the distance (-340), or his odds to win in Round 1 (+125) are not playable. And while the Under 1.5 Rounds (-159) is tempting, Murzkanov is very patient and happy to wait for the right opportunity.

I’d imagine he will be cautious early, given the 10-inch reach discrepancy. And I could even see Murzkanov mixing in some grappling.

Apart from Murzakanov winning by submission (projected +1028, listed +1600), I’m not interested in betting on this matchup. And while he has completed two takedowns in the UFC, he hasn’t attempted a submission. His lone win via submission came by way of a neck crank, which isn’t very repeatable. Murzkanov can wrestle, but I’m uncertain that he has a deeper jiu-jitsu game to go along with it.

Murzankanov vs. Ribeiro Predictions

Picks:

• Pass