UFC Paris preview, betting tips & main card predictions

UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs Saint-Denis at the Accor Arena in Paris this Sunday (AEST) is stacked with French talent. Highlights include the evenly poised co-main event between Nassourdine Imavov and Brendan Allen, a fun welterweight scrap between Kevin Jousset and Bryan Battle, and fan favourite Matt Frevola against emerging Frenchman Fares Ziam. Read on for fight previews and UFC Paris betting picks.

Renato Moicano v Benoit Saint-Denis

Renato Moicano vs Benoit Saint-Denis

Can local hero Benoit Saint-Denis get back on track with a home win over Brazil’s Renato Moicano in the UFC Paris main event? See our UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs Saint-Denis betting preview here.

Nassourdine Imavov v Brendan Allen

Nassourdine Imavov vs Brendan Allen

Nassourdine Imavov (14-4-0) enters this top-10 bout with excellent recent form. The 29-year-old is coming off a TKO win over the ever-dangerous Jared Cannonier and a decision victory over Roman Dolidze. These wins propelled the Frenchman to a top-five ranking at middleweight, where he enjoys a size advantage over much of the division. Imavov has four KO finishes on his record and will be out for another stoppage in front of his home fans.

Brendan Allen (24-5-0) rides a seven-fight win streak into this contest with recent victories over Chris Curtis, Paul Craig and Bruno Silva. The 28-year-old is predominantly a submission fighter but chose to stand and trade with Curtis, demonstrating improved striking and impressive toughness. Allen might be wise to mix in some takedowns against the dangerous kickboxing of this opponent, especially early while the tempo is being established.

William Gomis v Joanderson Brito

William Gomis vs Joanderson Brito

William Gomis (13-2-0) is an exciting French prospect with a perfect 3-0 record in the UFC. The 27-year-old debuted in September 2022 with a win over Jarno Errens and has since beaten Francis Marshall and Yanis Ghemmouri. Gomis mixes volume striking with the occasional explosion of power, but he now faces a steep rise in grade against a more seasoned opponent.

Joanderson Brito (17-3-1) has ended his last five UFC bouts within the distance to earn a reputation as a dangerous and clinical finisher. The Brazilian is one of the shortest betting favourites with leading UFC bookies on the main card and is expected to continue his winning path.

Kevin Jousset v Bryan Battle

Kevin Jousset vs Bryan Battle

Kevin Jousset (10-2-0) has fought twice at UFC level after a lengthy career on the provincial circuit. After a submission victory over Kiefer Crosby and a decision win over Kenan Song, the Frenchman appears to be on an upward trajectory despite some defensive shortcomings. The 31-year-old can be a little tentative at times, and he will need to apply consistent pressure against an elusive opponent if he is to emerge with his hand raised.

Bryan Battle (11-2-0) is a well-rounded MMA athlete coming off a no-contest result against Ange Loosa due to an accidental eye poke that ended the fight. The 30-year-old looked to be winning the fight at that point, and he has shown improved focus and hunger since suffering a decision loss to Rinat Fakhretdinov in December 2022 and subsequently changing up his training regimen.

Morgan Charriere v Gabriel Miranda

Morgan Charriere vs Gabriel Miranda

Morgan Charriere (19-10-1) is a flashy boxer with slick hand speed and great standup technique. He can slide into cruise mode at times, which is reflected in his poor record with the judges. Nine of Charriere’s losses have come via decision, and at least half of those were close and contentious. If he can remain aggressive and active, the 28-year-old should have too many weapons here.

Gabriel Miranda (17-6-0) has an interesting form line through Benoit Saint-Denis, losing to the Frenchman in September 2022 via second-round KO. The Brazilian bounced back with a quick win over Shane Young to record his 16th submission victory. The 31-year-old has battled injuries throughout his career and lacks the striking firepower of this opponent and might be exposed if he is unable to take this contest to the mat.

Fares Ziam v Matt Frevola

Fares Ziam vs Matt Frevola

Fares Ziam (15-4-0) is a careful and cautious fighter who likes to work from either long striking range or rolling on the mat. The Frenchman has won his last three contests by decision and might be content to utilise a long jab and score points without rushing into danger. The 27-year-old has a solid ground game, should a takedown present itself, but he will not want to be underneath a hard-hitting combatant here.

Matt Frevola (11-4-1) is a tough brawler who is reluctant to hand his fate to the UFC judging panel. The 34-year-old’s last five fights have all ended in spectacular first-round knockouts, with three landing in Frevola’s favour. Such a cavalier approach could prove ineffective against a technical and patient striker with a deep skill set; however, if Frevola lands early, he might score the upset at big odds with top UFC betting sites.

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