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Sean Strickland says he doesn't fight for fame or fortune, but the eclectic middleweight contender has found that some recognition isn't necessarily a bad thing. The No. 7-ranked veteran contender headlines again Saturday when he faces rising prospect Abusupiyan Magomedov in the main event of UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Magomedov. The five-round matchup will top the main UFC fight card (7 p.m. ET) from the Apex facility in Las Vegas. His rise in the middleweight rankings, which has led to four headlining appearances in his last five bouts, has sparked more marketing opportunities and a bigger bank account than he ever imagined. He told the media this week he plans to keep his momentum going against the unranked Magomedov, who is being thrust into a main event in just his second UFC fight on the premise that he could be the division's next rising star.

Strickland is a -160 favorite (risk $160 to win $100), while Magomedov is offered at +135 in the latest UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Magomedov odds from Caesars Sportsbook. In the co-main event, explosive lightweight prospects collide as Damir Ismagulov (-120) meets Grant Dawson (+100). Before locking in any UFC Fight Night picks, make sure you check out the MMA predictions and betting advice from SportsLine combat expert Daniel Vithlani.

Vithlani is a highly analytical UFC bettor who profited more than $6,200 for $100 bettors in 2022. This includes a documented 24-14 record on his well-respected, two-leg parlays. Every pick was documented on his public Instagram account.

From breaking down film and following fighters and their camps closely, to tracking sharp action and betting market signals, Vithlani covers the breadth of the MMA betting landscape top to bottom. He also trains amateur boxers and speaks regularly with MMA fighters to understand the sport's nuances.

In his SportsLine debut for UFC 283 in January, Vithlani swept the main card and his MMA predictions included advising SportsLine members to back Jamahal Hill (-125) against Glover Teixeira (+105) for the vacant light heavyweight title in the main event. Anyone who has followed him has seen massive returns.

Now, with UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Magomedov in sight, Vithlani has scoured the UFC fight card from top to bottom and released his top MMA picks. Vithlani's UFC Fight Night picks are only available at SportsLine. 

UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Magomedov preview 

Strickland (26-5) has emerged as one of the more popular fighters on the UFC roster because of his brawling style, willingness to take on any opponent and his irreverent sense of humor. Saturday's fight will be his fourth main event in his last five outings.

Strickland has long maintained that although his goal is to eventually compete for the UFC title, he will take any fight offered so long as the compensation is adequate, and the matchup makes practical sense. The 32-year-old North Carolina native told the media this week he accepted the fight against Magomedov because no other ranked competitor would agree to terms, and he wanted to remain active.

He made a similar move in January when, just a month removed from a split-decision loss to No. 3-ranked Jared Cannonier, Strickland stepped in on short notice for a main event against rising prospect Nassourdine Imavov. Strickland dominated most of the way and won by unanimous decision.

Magomedov (25-4) isn't yet a household name to UFC observers, but the Russian fighter had success in numerous promotions such as the Professional Fighters League and Superior FC before the UFC came calling.

The 32-year-old made his UFC debut last September and needed just 19 seconds to dispatch fellow prospect Dustin Stoltzfus. Magomedov circled Stoltzfus and quickly landed a clean head kick that sent his opponent stumbling into the cage. Magomedov followed up with a flurry of punches and notched his debut victory in spectacular fashion.

In a division that could use an infusion of fresh talent at the top, the UFC immediately decided to test Magomedov's readiness for world-class competition and awarded him a main event and ranked opponent in his second fight, both rarities for the promotion. You can only see who to pick at UFC Fight Night here. 

Top UFC Fight Night predictions

One of Vithlani's UFC Fight Night picks: He is backing Michael Morales (-240) to get his hand raised against Max Griffin (+200) in a matchup of explosive welterweights on the main card.

Morales (14-0) is a supremely athletic power puncher who is one of the hottest prospects in the division. He has started his UFC career with knockout wins over fellow prospects Trevin Giles and Adam Fugitt. The 23-year-old Ecuadorian will likely crack the top-15 rankings for the first time with another win Saturday.

Griffin (19-9) is a late-blooming journeyman who has won four of his past five following a stretch in which he lost five of seven and was nearly released from the promotion. But the 37-year-old Californian has steadily improved his striking and defense, with two of his past four wins coming by stoppage. Griffin told the media this week that he was insulted to be the betting underdog amid the perception that he is being used as a springboard opponent for a hot prospect.

"Griffin is a versatile veteran who has a sharp right cross and a lot of heart and toughness. But I think Morales is too dangerous wherever this fight goes," Vithlani told SportsLine. See who else to back here.

How to make UFC Fight Night picks

Vithlani also has strong picks for Strickland vs. Magomedov and other bouts on the UFC Fight Night card. He's backing a fighter who "is a sharp boxer and will have the advantage on the feet" to emerge with a dominant win. See Vithlani's picks and analysis at SportsLine.  

Who wins UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Magomedov, and how exactly does each fight end? Visit SportsLine now to get detailed picks on every fight at UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Magomedov, all from the MMA expert who profited more than $6,200 in 2022, and find out.

UFC Fight Night odds, fight card

See full UFC Fight Night picks, predictions, best bets here.

Sean Strickland (-160) vs. Abusupiyan Magomedov (+135)
Damir Ismagulov (-120) vs. Grant Dawson (+100)
Michael Morales (-240) vs. Max Griffin (+200)
Melissa Gatto (-220 vs. Ariane Lipski (+180)
Ismael Bonfim (-320) vs. Benoit Saint-Denis (+250)
Alexander Romanov (-130) vs. Blagiy Ivanov (+110)
Brunno Ferreira (-170) vs. Nursulton Ruziboev (+145)
Karol Rosa (-165) vs. Yana Santos (+140)
Joanderson Brito (-1,400) vs. Westin Wilson (+800)
Rinat Fakhretdinov (-210) vs. Kevin Lee (+175)