Joel Alvarez vs Elves Brener prediction, pick, start time and odds for UFC on ABC 7

[autotag]Joel Álvarez[/autotag] It is [autotag]Brener Elves[/autotag] face each other on Saturday on the main card of UFC on ABC 7, at the Etihad Arena, in Abu Dhabi. Check out this quick recap of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.

Last event: 3-2

Main UFC cards, 2024: 64-56-3

Joel Alvarez vs Elves Brener UFC in ABC 7 preview

After a four-fight winning streak snapped by Arman Tsarukyan in a fight where he suffered a nasty cut, Alvarez (20-3 MMA, 5-2 UFC) bounced back to win his most recent fight by choking out Marc Diakiese for second. round D’arce choke in July 2023. … Brener (16-4 MMA, 3-1 UFC) began his UFC tenure by winning his first three fights, but the streak came to an end after he lost by decision unanimous for Myktybek Orolbai in May.

Joel Alvarez vs Elves Brener UFC in ABC 7 Expert Pick, Prediction

While I generally criticize UFC matchmakers for their choice of main card opener, I have to give them credit for once again returning to Joe Silva’s surefire card formatting signature of avoiding heavyweight fests for prelims while using weights. lightweights and featherweights to correctly start the highlighted fights.

This week, Mick Maynard and Sean Shelby smartly picked a fight between Alvarez and Brener to kick off the main card.

Even though Alvarez has some obvious advantages on paper when it comes to reach and height, I’d say the abnormally large lightweight will likely finish his career at middleweight given everything he must sacrifice just to make the scale.

Don’t get me wrong: Alvarez seems to have some solid skills to be a clear-sized bully; I simply don’t believe he can continue to fight effectively after the first frame, considering the diminishing returns shown from his weight cut.

For that reason, I’ll happily take a flyer on a durable, hard-nosed underdog like Brener to weather the opening storm and push through the home stretch.

The choice is Brener via technical knockout in the third round.

Joel Alvarez vs Elves Brener UFC at ABC 7 odds

Oddsmakers and the public are on the Spaniard’s side, listing Alvarez -188 and Brener +152 via FanDuel.

Joel Alvarez vs Elves Brener UFC on ABC 7 start time, how to watch

As the main card opener, Alvarez and Brener are expected to step out into the cage at approximately 3pm ET. The fight will air on ABC and will be broadcast on ESPN+.

For more information on the card, visit the MMA Junkie events hub to UFC on ABC 7.

This article was originally published on MMA Junkie: Joel Alvarez vs Elves Brener prediction, pick, start time and odds for UFC on ABC 7