Prediction: Sarvarjon Hamidov VS Magomed Magomedov 2025-06-20
UFC Fight Night in Baku: A European Soirée of Chaos and Hope
Where the only thing more unpredictable than the fights is the weather in Azerbaijan.
Main Event: Jamahal Hill (12-3) vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. (14-6)
Odds Not Provided (Thanks, UFC. Real helpful.)
Key Takeaways:
- Hill, a former lightweight title challenger, is fighting for relevance. His last loss to Alex Pereira in 2024 was brutal, but he’s got the tools to bounce back.
- Rountree, meanwhile, is a walking injury report. He’s coming off a torn ACL and MCL from his loss to Pereira in late 2024. If he’s not 100%, this could be a mercy mission.
- Underdog Win Rate in MMA: 35%. Rountree’s odds (if he’s the underdog) should be ~35%, but his injury status makes him a literal long shot.
Prediction:
Hill by decision. Rountree’s body is a ticking time bomb. If he makes weight and stays upright, he’s got a 35% chance to shock the world. But let’s be real: this is a Hill victory unless the fight is held in a zero-gravity chamber.
Fight to Watch: Rafael Fiziev (12-4) vs. Ignacio “La Jaula” Bahamondes (17-5)
Context:
- Fiziev is fighting at home in Baku, where the crowd’s energy could be a double-edged sword (think: “home advantage” vs. “pressure of expectation”).
- Bahamondes is a Chilean rising star with a 17-5 record. He’s hungry for a top-10 shot.
- Fiziev’s Last Fight: A loss to Justin Gaethje. Not ideal.
Underdog Win Rate in MMA: 35%. Bahamondes is the underdog here, so his implied chance is ~35%. Fiziev’s odds would be ~65%.
Prediction:
Fiziev by split decision. Home crowd or not, Bahamondes is a step below Gaethje. Fiziev’s experience and grappling should prevail. But if Bahamondes lands a clean head kick, we’re all going to need therapy.
The Real Money Fight: Magomed Magomedov vs. Sarvarjon Hamidov (June 20, 2025)
Odds:
- Magomedov (-134)
- Hamidov (+206)
Calculating Expected Value (EV):
1. Implied Probabilities:
- Magomedov: 1 / 1.74 ≈ 57.47%
- Hamidov: 1 / 2.06 ≈ 48.54%
(Note: Total > 100% due to vigorish.)
- Splitting the Difference:
- Magomedov’s Adjusted Probability: 57.47% (bookmaker) vs. 65% (historical favorite win rate). Split = 61.23%
- Hamidov’s Adjusted Probability: 48.54% (bookmaker) vs. 35% (underdog win rate). Split = 41.77%
- EV Calculation:
- Magomedov: (0.6123 * 0.74) - (0.3877 * 1) ≈ +6.44%
- Hamidov: (0.4177 * 1.06) - (0.5823 * 1) ≈ -15.99%
Verdict:
Magomedov is the best bet. His EV is +6.44%, while Hamidov is a -15.99% dog. The split-adjusted probability suggests Magomedov’s actual win chance is ~61%, which aligns with his recent form (assuming he’s healthy). Bet the favorite unless you fancy a 35% shot at a 206% payout. Spoiler: You don’t.
Future Fights to Note
- Pereira vs. Ankalaev Rematch (End of 2025): Pereira’s ego is bruised, but Ankalaev’s defense is impenetrable. Look for a repeat.
- Makhachev vs. Della Maddalena (Oct 20): Henry Cejudo’s podcast prediction is 100% accurate. Makhachev wins, then fights Usman. Usman fights Makhachev. Usman loses. The end.
Final Call
Best Bet: Magomed Magomedov (-134)
Why: The EV is +6.44%, and his adjusted probability (~61%) beats the bookmaker’s 57.47%. Plus, Hamidov’s 48.54% implied win rate is way too generous for a 35% underdog.
Honorable Mention: Jamahal Hill (-200 hypothetical) in the main event. Rountree’s injuries make him a 35% shot, but Hill’s skill edge makes him a safer play.
Worst Bet: Anything involving Khalil Rountree. His body is a cautionary tale.
Stay sharp, bet smarter, and remember: in MMA, the only thing more unpredictable than the fights is the weather in Baku. 🥊
Created: June 17, 2025, 6:19 p.m. GMT