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An exciting lightweight fight headlines the UFC’s return to Paris. Dan Hooker looks to spoil Salahdine Parnasse’s UFC debut on Sept. 5.
Hooker (24-14) is 2-2 in his last four fights. The Auckland-born fighter, ranked 12th at lightweight, has faced some of the best in the division over the years.
Parnasse (23-2) makes his UFC debut. He has held the KSW featherweight and lightweight titles. The 28-year-old from France looks to make more fans after beating Kenny Cross on the Ronda Rousey-Gina Carano fight card.
Also on the card, Michael “Venom” Page returns to action, while Fares Ziam looks to return to his winning ways.
The Sporting News breaks down everything you need to know to bet on the UFC Paris main card, including odds for each fight, the most popular betting markets and best bets. Plus, new users can bet $5 on UFC Paris and get $200 in Bonus Bets instantly at DraftKings Sportsbook.
MORE: Breaking down the best UFC betting sites
How to bet on UFC Paris
Betting on the UFC Paris fight card is quite simple. First you need to choose a sportsbook to bet with. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, bet365, theScore Bet and Fanatics all offer odds on the entire UFC Paris fight card.
1. Choose your sportsbook and claim your welcome bonus
Once you choose your sportsbook, you can claim a welcome bonus. First, you must sign up and enter all of your verification information such as your name, address, social security number and other details. Once your account is confirmed you can claim a welcome bonus from one of these sportsbooks below.
2. Learn the main MMA bet types
There are a variety of ways to bet on MMA, including several popular bet types. Moneylines allow users to pick an outright winner and profit if their fighter comes out victorious. Total round betting provides betters with the opportunity to call their own shot on how many round a fight will last. Prop betting has all the niche markets that an MMA bettor could ask for. To learn more about the variety of bet types, check out our full guide below.
3. Research
Successful MMA betting requires analyzing fighter statistics like strikes and takedowns, recent form, style matchups and training camps to identify value in odds. Key factors include researching a fighter’s opponent quality, whether or not ring rust (long layoffs) plays a factor and overinflated lines.
4. Place your bet
Pick the fighter that you like to win or the method of victory you like that fighter to win by, and enjoy the fights.
MORE: Beginner’s guide to parlay betting
Where to bet on UFC Paris
If you’re looking to get in on the betting action for UFC Paris but are new to some of the best sportsbooks in your area, take advantage of their new user promos and welcome bonuses.
MORE: Best sportsbook promos and betting app bonuses
UFC Paris odds and best bets
The following odds are all courtesy of the DraftKings Sportsbook.
Dan Hooker vs. Salahdine Parnasse (Lightweight)
| Fighter | Point spread | Total rounds | Moneyline |
| Dan Hooker | +13.5 (+225) | O 3.5 (+195) | +440 |
| Salahdine Parnasse | -13.5 (-320) | U 3.5 (-260) | -600 |
Hooker vs. Parnasse prediction and best bet
Hooker lands 4.82 significant strikes per minute. He is also susceptible to getting hit, absorbing 4.94 strikes per minute. “The Hangman” averages 0.68 takedowns landed per 15 minutes. His fights are never boring.
Parnasse made his name known to casuals when he took out Kenny Cross in one minute. A former KSW champion, the French fighter has eight knockout wins and seven submission wins.
Not only is Parnasse younger, but he’s also a dynamic striker with quick hands. If you’re not quick enough, he can take you out with a kick. Hooker has octagon experience, and he doesn’t care if you boo or cheer him. He’s also sustained plenty of damage in his career. Hooker is known for comebacks, but he didn’t fare well against Arman Tsarukyan and Benoit Saint-Denis.
Upsets happen in the UFC. Anything is possible, especially if Parnasse gets too excited or makes one small mistake. However, Parnasse has momentum and will look to make a statement on fight night.
Fares Ziam vs. Axel Sola (Lightweight)
| Fighter | Point spread | Total rounds | Moneyline |
| Fares Ziam | -3.5 (+120) | O 2.5 (-230) | -155 |
| Axel Sola | +3.5 (-160) | U 2.5 (+175) | +130 |
Ziam vs. Sola prediction and best bet
Ziam lands 2.68 significant strikes per minute and averages 1.86 takedowns landed per 15 minutes. He lost his momentum against Tom Nolan in June. Sola lands 4.50 significant strikes and averages 1.89 takedowns. Though he got outlanded by Mason Jones, he recovered with a D’Arce Choke against Ismael Bonfirm. The French fighter has six knockout wins.
It’s a high-level collision between unranked lightweights. On paper, Ziam should be able to control range and work some wrestling into his offense. However, Sola is a gifted striker who can maintain control across all levels. Sola may have what it takes to take it to Ziam, tire him out, and maybe even take him down for the win.
Michael Page vs. Nursulton Ruziboev (Middleweight)
| Fighter | Point spread | Total rounds | Moneyline |
| Michael Page | -3.5 (+120) | O 2.5 (-175) | -166 |
| Nursulton Ruziboev | +3.5 (-160) | U 2.5 (+135) | +140 |
Page vs. Ruziboev prediction and best bet
Page is a former kickboxing champion and Bellator title contender. He landed 41 significant strikes in his octagon debut. In a short period of time, Page has landed 2.28 significant strikes. Ruziboev lands 2.38 significant strikes and averages 1.36 takedowns landed. He has 21 submission wins.
Page is one of the most creative finishers in MMA. He can hang back and land one big counter shot for the win. He takes advantage when his opponents come forward, frustrating them. Is Ruziboev patient enough to outlast Page? Or will “MVP” break down his opponent?
While he’s not recently scoring highlight-reel finishes, Page can take control of the fight, regardless of position. He could force the fight to go the distance and earn a decision win.
Daniil Donchenko vs. Punahele Soriano (Welterweight)
| Fighter | Point spread | Total rounds | Moneyline |
| Daniil Donchenko | -7.5 (-130) | O 1.5 (-175) | -245 |
| Punahele Soriano | +7.5 (-105) | U 1.5 (+135) | +200 |
Donchenko vs. Soriano prediction and best bet
Donchenko has nine knockout wins. The Ukrainian lands 8.07 significant strikes per 15 minutes, landing 100 against Alex Morono. Soriano lands 4.42 strikes and averages 1.97 takedowns landed per 15 minutes.
Soriano has the skills of a great boxer and wrestler. Meanwhile, Donchenko, winner of The Ultimate Fighter, has a high-level offense and hasn’t lost his cool in fights. He has a tough power shot. However, given recent contests, Soriano seems like a massive step-up in competition. Donchenko doesn’t easily falter under pressure, but it’s hard to see him easily ridding himself of Soriano.
Kurtis Campbell vs. Trevor Peek (Featherweight)
| Fighter | Point spread | Total rounds | Moneyline |
| Kurtis Campbell | -3.5 (-205) | O 1.5 (-180) | -410 |
| Trevor Peek | +3.5 (+150) | U 1.5 (+140) | +320 |
Campbell vs. Peek prediction and best bet
Kurtis Campbell to win via KO/TKO/DQ (+225 at DraftKings)
In his first fight since appearing on Dana White’s Contender Series, Campbell lost via knockout. He lands 3.50 significant strikes per minute. Another DWCS alum, Peek has lost two straight and has been taken down 13 times during that time. He lands 4.39 significant strikes and averages 1.45 takedowns landed per 15 minutes. It’s his first contest in two years.
Peek gets hit often, absorbing 3.88 significant strikes per minute. With the time off playing a factor, it’s tough to pick Peek as the winner here. Campbell may want to try and play it safe, but we know that’s not the style of “The Pink Panther.”
Losene Keita vs. Muhammad Naimov (Featherweight)
| Fighter | Point spread | Total rounds | Moneyline |
| Losene Keita | -7.5 (-135) | O 2.5 (-105) | -395 |
| Muhammad Naimov | +7.5 (+100) | U 2.5 (-135) | +310 |
Keita vs. Naimov prediction and best bet
Keita is a former Oktagon champion, winning gold in multiple weight classes. “Black Panther” has 10 wins via knockout but didn’t fare well in his UFC debut against Nathaniel Wood. He also failed to make weight against Patricio Freire. Naimov lands 2.51 significant strikes per minute and averages 1.49 takedowns landed per 15 minutes.
The loss and weight issue took some shine off of Keita. Realistically, he should fare well against Naimov, who has gotten finished in two of his last four fights. A nice comeback for the former champion would certainly give him good standing with UFC brass and fans.
UFC Paris prelims and full card
Main Card
- Dan Hooker (+440) vs. Salahdine Parnasse (-600); Lightweights
- Fares Ziam (-155) vs. Axel Sola (+130); Lightweights
- Michael Page (-166) vs. Nursulton Ruziboev (+140); Middleweights
- Daniil Donchenko (-245) vs. Punahele Soriano (+200); Welterweights
- Kurtis Campbell (-410) vs. Trevor Peek (+320); Featherweights
- Losene Keita (-395) vs. Muhammad Naimov (+310); Featherweights
Prelims
- Morgan Charriere (+164) vs. Felipe Lima (-198); Featherweights
- Mario Pinto (-325) vs. Ryan Spann (+260); Heavyweights
- Oumar Sy (-230) vs. Modestas Bukauskas (+190); Light Heavyweights
- Nathaniel Wood (-298) vs. Pavel Andrusca (+240); Featherweights
- Michael Aljarouj (-125) vs. Fabia Sintes (+105); Flyweights
- Nora Cornolle (-115) vs. Klaudia Sygula (-105); Bantamweights
- Matthieu Letho Duclos (-118) vs. Luis Felipe Dias (-102); Middleweights
- Delphine Benouaich (-148) vs. Sofia Montenegro (+124); Strawweights
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