The top betting picks for UFC 332 highlight the comeback of an iconic former lightweight champion who has been away from the cage for two years.
A vacant women’s flyweight championship matchup serves as the main event for UFC 332, pitting elite contenders Natalia Silva and Wang Cong against each other. Following Valentina Shevchenko’s decision to relinquish the title earlier this year because of physical setbacks, Silva and Cong are determined to outdo modest projections and stage a legendary battle this Saturday evening.
Even though the main event of UFC 332 may not have generated massive buzz, the overall lineup is packed with fascinating fights. Most notably, this event marks the return of ex-lightweight titleholder Rafael dos Anjos, who steps back into active competition after a two-year hiatus.
This weekend, the organization heads back to Salt Lake City, Utah, for UFC 332. Having hosted numerous action-packed spectacles in the past at this altitude, this upcoming card holds the potential to be an unexpectedly thrilling show.
Before the fights kick off this weekend at UFC 332, here is a breakdown of key insights to help you make informed and profitable wagers.
All wagering lines are provided by BetOnline.
Damian Pinas via Knockout or Technical Knockout (-185)
Rising middleweight contender Damian Pinas is set to step back inside the cage for his third appearance of the calendar year at UFC 332.
With five straight opening-round finishes by way of strike, Pinas has built quite a reputation. His boxing pedigree stands out as some of the sharpest in the 185-pound weight class, a claim backed up by his dominant victories over Wes Schultz and Cesar Almeida.
At UFC 332, Pinas is heavily favored to win against Andrey Pulyaev, who holds a 10-5 professional record. Although Pulyaev has dropped three of his previous four contests, he has demonstrated durability by surviving to the judges’ scorecard against dangerous strikers like Ateba Gautier and Christian Leroy Duncan.
Even with Pulyaev’s proven toughness, odds of -185 for Pinas to secure another KO/TKO represent strong value for a multi-fight wager. Given his current trajectory, it is highly likely that the rising middleweight will deliver another explosive finish.
Rafael dos Anjos vs. Alexander Hernandez Under 2.5 Rounds (+120)
Following a frustrating two-year span marred by injuries in training camp, Dos Anjos is making an unexpected comeback. The former 155-pound king has remained inactive since suffering a lower-limb injury during his bout with Geoff Neal at UFC 308.
The 41-year-old veteran has been handed a difficult assignment for his return. Dos Anjos will lock horns with Alexander Hernandez, with both fighters looking to gain momentum and push toward the lightweight top fifteen after experiencing mixed results in their recent outings.
The thin air in Salt Lake City, paired with Dos Anjos dropping back down to 155 pounds for the first time in nearly 31 months, suggests a high-tempo clash. Hernandez historically starts his fights at an intense pace, a strategy that proved successful in past performances against Chase Hooper and Carlos Ferreira.
Anticipate a high-intensity affair where either combatant could find a stoppage before the final bell at UFC 332.
Ismail Naurdiev Moneyline (-136)
Aiming to break a four-fight losing streak, former title contender Marvin Vettori returns to action this Saturday. However, as the focus centers on Vettori’s comeback, the recent accomplishments of his adversary, Ismail Naurdiev, seem to be flying under the radar.
Naurdiev has capitalized on his return to the promotional ranks, securing victories in three out of his last four matches. His most recent outing saw him deliver a devastating single-strike knockout against Ryan Loder at the Qatar event, marking the 25th victory of his career.
Vettori spent nearly a year away from competition to realign with his previous training camp in California under the guidance of Beneil Dariush. While the former title challenger has always possessed an elite chin, his stamina has occasionally faltered, hindering his path back to the division’s upper echelon.
With a diverse and complete skill set, Naurdiev is well-equipped to test Vettori’s conditioning at UFC 332. Backing Naurdiev at -136 looks like a smart play, especially considering Vettori’s recent slump and extended period on the sidelines.
How do you see the clash between Natalia Silva and Wang Cong unfolding? Let us know your predictions in the comment section below!
Originally published on BJPENN.COM
