It’s time to release our UFC Fight Night predictions. Using industry-leading tools, data and best UFC Fight Night odds, let’s get on with it by providing our Cub Swanson-Hakeem Dawodu pick and prediction.
In the men’s featherweight division, Cub Swanson takes on Hakeem Dawodu as a +190 underdog in the co-main event. Swanson lost his most recent fight via knockout at the hands of Jonathan Martinez in October of last year. Dawodu also lost his last fight to Julian Erosa via unanimous decision last September.
Looking for other UFC Fight Night predictions? There’s a lot more going on than just our Cub Swanson-Hakeem Dawodu pick, prediction and odds. Use our industry-leading best bets tool to get ahead! If you’re looking for the DFS side of things, Stokastic has MMA projections, UFC ownership, and UFC top fighters data!
UFC Fight Night Predictions: Cub Swanson-Hakeem Dawodu
Best UFC Fight Night Bets: Cub Swanson vs. Hakeem Dawodu Odds
Cub Swanson: +190 | Hakeem Dawodu: -250
Swanson has a diverse mixed martial arts background, with a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu but also often looking to his striking. Inside the Octagon, Swanson lands 4.68 significant strikes per minute while absorbing 3.73. On the mat, he averages 1.09 takedowns per bout while defending them at 61%. Swanson now has a 28-13 professional record with 13 knockouts and four submissions. In defeat, Swanson has been knocked out three times and submitted seven times. With Dawodu on the other side, Swanson’s primary worry should be damaging strikes. Luckily, Swanson has 60% striking defense, which has been tested often recently. Swanson has been knocked out in two of his last three fights.
Dawodu has a 13-3 professional record. He has seven knockouts and just one finish loss, which came via submission. Dawodu lands 5.33 significant strikes per minute while absorbing 3.15. He is defending strikes at 57%, so Dawodu should be more worried about the takedown. He only defends takedowns at 65%, where Swanson theoretically has an advantage.
At this point in his career, Swanson has struggled against the superior fighters in this division. While Dawodu has a stronger win/loss record, most of his fights came against the bottom of the division. The biggest question for Swanson will be durability and his willingness to pursue takedowns. A true standup war favors Dawodu, and Swanson’s reluctance to shoot takedowns in recent bouts raises major concerns. For those reasons, Dawodu at -250 will be the official pick.
