Nassourdine Imavov vs Chris Curtis 6/10/2023 Predictions, Expert Picks and Odds
This weekend, UFC Middleweight strikers Chris Curtis and Nassourdine Imavov are set to face off at UFC 289 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on Saturday, June 10, 2023. The opening odds favor Imavov at -150, while Curtis is priced at +125.
Imavov, 28 years old, enters the bout with a record of 12 wins and 4 losses. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing in at 185 lbs, he fights as an orthodox fighter with a reach of 75″. On the other hand, Curtis, known as “Action-Man,” stands at 5’10” and weighs 185 lbs. He also fights as an orthodox fighter and looks to add another victory to his career record of 30 wins and 10 losses. Curtis shares the same arm span of 75″ as Imavov.
In terms of significant strikes, Imavov lands an average of 4.32 per minute, while Curtis connects with 5.59 significant strikes per minute. Imavov has a success rate of 51% in landing significant strikes, slightly edging out Curtis at 50%. Defensively, Imavov absorbs 3.81 significant strikes per minute, while Curtis absorbs 6.22. Imavov also displays better defense, with a 59% success rate in avoiding significant strikes compared to Curtis’ 55%.
Imavov has the advantage as the more skilled wrestler in terms of takedowns. He secures a takedown 0.68 times per 3 rounds, scoring 22% of his attempts and defending against 72% of takedown attempts against him. On the other hand, Curtis has not been successful in taking his opponents down in any of his attempts, but he boasts a perfect takedown defense rate of 100%. When it comes to submission attempts, Imavov has a higher frequency of 1.7 submissions per 15 minutes, while Curtis attempts 0.7 submissions per 15 minutes.
In his previous Octagon appearance, Imavov faced Sean Strickland and suffered a unanimous decision loss in the fifth round. Strickland landed 194 of 420 total strikes, while Imavov landed 131 of 277 total strikes. Regarding significant strikes, Strickland landed 182 of 405, including 134 significant strikes aimed at the head. Imavov, on the other hand, landed 123 of 269 significant strikes, with 67 aimed at the head. Most significant strikes landed by both fighters were executed at a distance.
Nassourdine Imavov vs Chris Curtis 6/10/2023 Predictions, Expert Picks and Odds
Curtis took a less conventional path to his UFC debut, competing in various organizations nationwide. Since joining the UFC roster, he has climbed the Top 15 rankings and delivered remarkable knockouts. However, he has yet to break into the division’s upper echelons. Imavov has less experience and enters this bout following a main event loss to Sean Strickland, who happens to be his long-time training partner of Curtis. This adds an intriguing layer of interest to their matchup, which serves as the headliner of the “Prelims.”
Chris Curtis boasts an impressive professional record of 30 wins and 10 losses. Notable victories on his resume include wins over Brendan Allen at UFC Vegas 54, Joaquin Buckley at UFC 282, Rodolfo Vieira at UFC Vegas 57, and Phil Hawes at UFC 268. However, he has also faced defeats against Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 287, Jack Hermansson at UFC London, and Ray Cooper III at PFL 7 2019.
One of Curtis’ key strengths is his extensive experience, having competed in 40 professional bouts. His fearless fighting style has earned him the nickname “Action Man.” Curtis is comfortable engaging in close-quarters exchanges, holding his ground in the pocket while meticulously analyzing his opponent’s movements. He patiently waits for the opportune moment to deliver a devastating blow that can incapacitate his adversary instantly.
In his most recent Octagon appearance, Curtis faced Kelvin Gastelum and suffered a unanimous decision loss in the third round. Throughout the bout, Curtis consistently looked for countershots while initiating exchanges and maintaining a high volume of strikes, particularly targeting the midsection. Gastelum connected on 91% of significant strikes from a distance, while Curtis landed 90% of his attempted significant strikes from distance. Curtis connected on 70 of 201 significant strikes attempted, with 44 directed at the head. Conversely, Gastelum landed 83 of 188 significant strikes, including 63 directed at the head. Gastelum landed 88 of 195 total strikes, while Curtis landed 80 of 216 total strikes.
In this fight, Curtis is likely to adopt a similar game plan. Imavov will likely utilize his height and reach advantage, relying on distance kickboxing. Therefore, it is crucial for Curtis to push forward and engage in combinations. If he can effectively target the body, it could lead to Imavov’s fatigue and increase the likelihood of Curtis landing his 18th knockout victory.
Nassourdine “Russian Sniper” Imavov vs Chris “Action Man” Curtis. Nassourdine “Russian Sniper” Imavov -150 is the favorite to win this duel.
Date: Saturday, June 10
Time: 10 p.m. ET / 3 a.m. BST
Main event cage walks (approx): 1 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. BST
TV: U.S.: ESPN+ PPV, UK: BT Sport, Austria, Germany, and Italy: DAZN
UFC 289 odds have Imavov at -150 while Curtis is priced at +125.
Venue: Rogers Center in Vancouver, Canada
