UFC 297 Odds, Prediction: Charles Jourdain vs. Sean Woodson

Jourdain, a native of Beloeil, Quebec, also claimed Performance of the Night honours last time out and recorded his second win inside five minutes while going 4-2 over his past six fights. Woodson aims to extend his current undefeated streak to six fights after earning a three-round unanimous decision over Dennis Buzukja last summer at UFC Nashville, and has gone 4-1-1 since earning a UFC contract with a flying-knee knockout of Terrance McKinney on Season 3 of the Dana White’s Contender Series.

Jourdain’s recent success has helped lift him to a substantial -200 favourite on the UFC 297 odds, while Woodson trails as +165 underdog.

Charles Jourdain UFC 297 Odds

Charles Jourdain needed just 3:12 to submit Ricardo Ramos last time out in a battle that was largely fought on the mat from the get-go. Jourdain emerged victorious despite getting taken down twice and surviving a submission bid by Ramos. Staying on his feet has been a challenge for Jordain, who has been taken down a total of 23 times in 12 career UFC contests. However, the 28-year-old has certainly demonstrated his ability to survive, with four of his five defeats in the octagon coming by decision. Jourdain also sports deceiving striking power and ranks seventh among active UFC featherweights with an average of 5.88 strikes landed per minute. However, he has failed to finish an opponent by KO/TKO and has not recorded a knockdown in any of his past six outings.

Sean Woodson UFC 297 Odds

Woodson turned in a dominant performance in his last outing, earning the decision in 146.5 lb catchweight bout with last-minute replacement and promotional newcomer Dennis Buzukja. In addition to outstriking Buzukja by a wide 71-42 margin, Woodson also recorded four takedowns in that win. However, he should expect to face much tougher competition in Saturday’s date with Jourdain. In fact, based on who he has fought previously, drawing Jourdain for this fight is a big upgrade for Woodson, whose other UFC wins have come against the likes of struggling fighters like Kyle Bochniak, Youssef Zalal, and Collin Anglin, who have produced just one total win over their past nine combined fights.

UFC 297 Prediction: Jourdain vs. Woodson

Jourdain will enjoy the support of a friendly crowd in Toronto, providing him with yet another advantage in his date with Woodson. Apart from his domination of Buzukja, Woodson has enjoyed little success fighting on the mat, and will likely have to rely on his impressive 90.2 per cent takedown defence as Jourdain seeks to make level changes. Both these fighters have the striking ability to end things quickly, but Jourdain enters the octagon as the more complete and battle-tested fighter with an ability to finish things standing, on the mat, or by decision. Look for the Quebecois pugilist to earn the win inside the distance.

Prediction: Jourdain (-200)