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Flyweights

Assu Almabaev (17-2, 0-0 UFC) vs. Ode Osbourne (12-5, 4-3 UFC)

ODDS: Almabaev (-185), Osbourne (+154)

There have been some setbacks, but Osbourne has quietly been putting things together over the last few years. Osbourne came to the UFC as a talented but inconsistent bantamweight. “The Jamaican Sensation” could pull out any manner of dynamic finishes on either the feet or the mat, but he was just as prone to charging directly into danger. That lack of defense is still present in Osbourne’s game, but he has made some clear improvements around the margins in terms of adding some safety to his style. He is finally more willing to take advantage of his considerable length at flyweight and fight from range, and his last win over Charles Johnson saw him lean on his wrestling to salt away some time with control. It is all an interesting grab bag that means Osbourne typically at least finds some big moments in all of his fight, win or lose, and it will be fascinating to see how he matches up with Almabaev. The latest entrant from an increasingly relevant scene in Kazakhstan, Almabaev is capable of some moments of dynamism when needed, but fights against weaker competition have seen him take things to the mat early and often when the moment allows. Almabaev’s shorter frame could give his adversary the opportunity to stay defensive and coast out a safe win, but that has never really been Osbourne’s approach. That should give the UFC newcomer opportunities to absorb some damage in the name of turning this into a grinding win. The pick is Almabaev via decision.

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