Matthew Semelsberger vs Martin Sano Odds, Preview and Prediction, September 25 (9/25): UFC

Credit: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via USA TODAY Sports

Odds

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Preview

In one of the more curious fights on the card, a welterweight contest pits Matthew Semelsberger against UFC debutant Martin Sano. Semelsberger enters this fight off a loss to Khaos Williams. Before the defeat, Semelsberger had won five consecutive fights, two of which came in the UFC. Meanwhile, Sano is not your typical UFC debutant. The former Bellator competitor has not fought since 2017, nor won a fight since 2014. In Sano’s last three fights, he has lost two and fought to a draw in his most recent fight. This isn’t your typical UFC signing, but given Sano is a Nick Diaz product, I sense Diaz had something to do with this debut happening.

Prediction

With the little tape I’ve seen of Martin Sano, he seems to be a grappler. Not really a high caliber one, but good enough to escape positions or throw up submissions. On the feet, Sano is an aggressive striker who wings punches with little to no technique. Now, given this tape is over four years old, it’s more of a mystery what to expect from Sano come Saturday. However, there is no mystery with Matthew Semelsberger’s game. He is a striker, who has excellent cardio and throws strikes at a high output. Boasting solid takedown defense and durability, Semelsberger has a bright future ahead.

As for a prediction, I have Semelsberger. Other than the wild card aspect of Sano, there is no reason to back him. Semelsberger is a solid fighter in his own right and I believe he is going to make quick work of this fight as he should. So with that, I predict Semelsberger wins via TKO.

PICK: Matthew Semelsberger (-490)

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