UFC Fight Night 117: St. Preux vs. Okami
Date: September 22, 2017
Arena: Saitama Super Arena
City: Saitama, Japan
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) will be back in Saitama, Japan for the fifth time in promotional history with UFC Fight Night 117: St. Preux vs. Okami. There will be a lone Fight Pass prelim bout at 7:30 p.m. ET, and the rest of the prelims will be live on FXX at 8 p.m., with the main card getting going on the same channel at 10 p.m. If interested in wagering on any bouts for these fight cards, all betting lines are made available at Several Bookmakers.
Here are my plays…
Flyweight bout: Jussier Formiga (-450) vs. Ulka Sasaki (+360)
Gabe’s Thoughts: This is a matchup between two of the best back-takers in the UFC’s flyweight division, and if either one of these guys take the others’ back, it isn’t going to be fun. I think they are both capable of submitting each other but I favor their submission defenses to hold up, so if either fighter latches on to a hook, I think he is more likely to use the position to win the round rather than sink in a rear naked choke and get a tap. Formiga is more likely to take the back but Sasaki is more than capable of creating his opportunities to do so, as well. On the feet, I think it will be close. Formiga is the better striker, but I think Sasaki could keep it close using his size, reach and unorthodox attacks. I think this fight is much closer than the betting odds suggest and see value in Sasaki at his current offering price of +360. Even if he gets edged out, I could see him taking a hometown decision in Saitama.
Gabe’s Call: Sasaki by Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Gabe’s Recommended Play: Sasaki (+360)
Welterweight bout: Hyun Gyu Lim (-125) vs. Daichi Abe (+105)
Gabe’s Thoughts: A lot of people are fading Lim here. I can’t really blame them, as he is coming off back to back knockout defeats and is facing a talented, undefeated striker. That said, I personally think this is a good matchup for him to come out on top. I think Lim is a major step up in competition for Abe and could very will prove to be too much too soon. Lim will have the size advantage in this bout, as well as the edge in experience. Octagon jitters and everything taken into consideration, I favor Lim to finish this fight, as well as win a decision, should the fight go 15 minutes, which I am not counting on. I think Lim should be a -170 betting favorite here, so I like him for a play at his current asking price of -125.
Gabe’s Call: Lim by T/KO (strikes, 1:52 round 1)
Gabe’s Recommended Play: Lim (-125)
