The Fourth of July has passed, but the celebration is not over quite yet; the first fight on UFC 264 should be fireworks, as well. But, not those well put together, professional, and reliable fireworks the cities light off.
Amedovski vs. Yaozong is more like the illegal firework show your slightly intoxicated uncle lights off in a nearby parking lot. Benefits to buying illegal fireworks- they’re big, fun, and always have a boom. The downside? Poorly designed, sloppy, and can really ruin someone’s night. Amedovski vs. Yaozong is the UFC’s attempt at joining the Fourth of July festivities with their own version, and all the downsides, of illegal fireworks. But, wow, if they don’t make a big boom.
Amedovski vs. Yaozong Betting Odds
Opening the card for UFC 264, Amedovski is a slight betting favorite over Yaozong. Fighting out of American Top Team Rome, Amedovski is -150 over the ET MMA product out of China, Yaozong, at a +120.
- Alen Amedovski: -150
- Yaozong Hu: +120
Amedovski vs. Yaozong Breakdown
Amedovski is 33-years-old but only has 10 professional fights. He boasts an 8-2 record with all eight wins coming via knockout. In the UFC though, Amedovski is 0-2, losing by decision to Krzysztof Jotko and a 17-second KO to John Phillips. On the other side of the octagon, we have another fighter 0-2 in the UFC, the 26-year-old Yaozong. “Totoro” went 3-0 with three stoppage victories on the regional circuit; but, may have joined the UFC too early. Yaozong lost his debut to the 9-4 Cyril Asker and lost his next bout to the 9-5 Rashad Coulter.
Prior to joining the UFC, Amedovski showed real firepower; and, moving up from 185 to fight at 205, he should be the quicker striker. On the other side, the Yaozong supporters would likely cite that he has never been KO’d, boasts finishing ability himself, and will be the bigger man. Ultimately, I expect this fight to be a sloppy slugfest until one man drops. The one left standing will likely be the only one left on the UFC roster come Monday morning.
Amedovski vs. Yaozong Prediction
Normally, as a handicapper, finding value in losses can lead you down a dangerous, narrative-driven road; but, in this case, with both men not having any UFC wins, we have to look to the losses.
While both Amedovski and Yaozong are 0-2 in the UFC, Amedovski has at least lost to UFC talent— Jotko and Phillips. To put it kindly, Yaozong has lost to lesser talent— Asker and Coulter.
Amedovski has the edge in experience, speed, and power. Therefore, I’m leaning his way. Amedovski vs. Yaozong is going likely going to be the equivalent of illegal, parking lot fireworks – over quickly but with a big boom. Take Amedovski by KO, sit back, and enjoy the show.
Prediction: Alen Amedovski to win by knockout
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How to watch Alen Amedovski vs. Hu Yaozong
Watch Alen Amedovski vs. Hu Yaozong and the complete UFC 264 fight card featuring Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier 3 only on
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