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Rafael Fiziev has eight years on Rafael dos Anjos and that has been reflected in UFC betting markets.
The 11-1 Fiziev is expected to beat the vastly more experienced dos Anjos, who seeks his 32nd MMA victory.
The sportsbook has Fiziev at -220 to continue his rise up the lightweight ranks. However, disregarding dos Anjos is never a smart move.
Let’s check the latest UFC news, stats, injury reports, and UFC odds for Dos Anjos vs Fiziev. We’ve plenty of UFC picks and predictions for you to consider.
Underdog Not Done
The 37-year-old might have the best part of his career behind him but recent wins over Renato Moicano and Paul Felder could prove otherwise.
Dos Anjos improved to 31-13 with a win over Moicano at UFC 272, which was enough to prevent his career from ending. A loss against Fiziev might not end his career but it would be tough to come back from.
The Brazilian is a former lightweight UFC champion, so he knows what it takes to get to the top, which is where Fiziev is trying to get to. His experience can’t be understated, especially as the +175 underdog.
He wants to pressure his opponent and make it a tough five-round affair.
“You can expect a fight with a lot of action,” dos Anjos told Bloody Elbow. “I want to test his skills in a five-round fight since it’s the first time he has a fight like that. My plan is to pressure right from the start. I know he’s quick and I won’t be as fast as him, but I believe the pressure I’m able to put on will make a difference.
“I’ll try to land some hard shots, get some takedowns and give him no room to move.”
UFC odds have dos Anjos at backable odds and he could turn the division on its head.
Fiziev Riding Winning Streak
Fiziev hasn’t lost since his UFC debut in 2019 to Magomed Mustafaev, which spans five fights.
During that stretch, the Kazakhstani has beaten the likes of Moicano, Brad Riddell, and Bobby Green. It’s an impressive list of opponents and he could add a legend to the list on Saturday.
He has moved into the top 10 in the lightweight division, and despite being ranked worse than dos Anjos, he’s the overwhelming betting online favorite.
The objective is a simple one for Fiziev.
“This sport means so much to me because I don’t know how to make money without this,” Fiziev said late last year. “I have only my hands. I can beat faces and make money. I can knock him out and I can make more money if I knock him out, which is nice.”
The -220 for Fiviez to win is on the shorter side of value but there are exotic betting markets. He is paying better value to win by knockout, and given that he wants the bonus, he’ll be headhunting from the outset.
Dos Anjos vs Fiziev Head-to-Head
This is the first meeting between dos Anjos and Fiziev.
Dos Anjos vs Fiziev Fight Information
- Game: dos Anjos (31-13) vs Fiziev (11-1)
- Location: UFC Apex, Las Vegas
- Day/Time: Saturday, July 9, 6 p.m. ET
- Dos Anjos vs Fiziev Live Stream: UFC Fight Pass
Dos Anjos vs Fiziev Betting Lines
| Team | Moneyline | Total |
| Rafael Dos Anjos | +175 | 4½-155o |
| Rafael Fiziev | -220 | 4½+125u |
Dos Anjos vs Fiziev Prediction
We’re respecting the experience and ability of dos Anjos but we can’t overlook the stellar form of Fiziev.
He has been on a tear in the division and he could rise well up the ranks and potentially earn a title fight in a year or two.
Beating dos Anjos is a must and we’re prepared to include him in our UFC bets at the -220. There is also value in Fiziev winning by knockout.
