Battle vs. Ruzioboev UFC 319 Prelims Picks
This The last time the UFC was in Chicago was June 2019 for UFC 238. Henry Cejudo faced Marlon Moraes for the vacant bantamweight title. That tells you how long ago it was in the MMA world. Both fighters have fallen from the top to give rise to the new era of fighters.
UFC 319 brings the return of Khamzat Chimaev, who will challenge Dricus Du Plessis for the middleweight title. It is one of the most anticipated fights of the year, and comes along with a stacked card. The early prelims begin at 6 p.m. EDT, the prelims at 8 p.m., and the main card at 10 p.m. on pay-per-view. Here are my top UFC 319 prelims picks for Battle vs. Ruzioboev.
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UFC 319 Prelims Picks: Battle vs. Ruzioboev
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Bryan Battle vs. Nursulton Ruzioboev
Bryan Battle is moving up to middleweight to fight Nursulton Ruziboev. Battle has missed weight at welterweight on multiple occasions and is moving up to make weight easier. He usually has the physicality advantage, but he will not against the 6-foot-5 Ruziboev.
These two have similar wrestling ability, but Ruziboev could have some success if he is offensive with his wrestling. Battle is not accurate when he shoots, and he only defends 53% of takedowns.
Ruziboev is the faster striker and likely has the edge on the feet, especially with his punch power. He fights well at range and will not let Battle clinch along the fence. It is a good spot to take the underdog, with Battle moving up to middleweight.
Pick: Nursulton Ruziboev Moneyline (+142)