Jordan Leavitt vs. Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady: Fight Night Preview
UFC enthusiasts and sports bettors, it’s time to set your sights on one of the most anticipated lightweight clashes of 2025. The cage doors will close and adrenaline will spike on February 1st at the iconic anb Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as "The Monkey King" Jordan Leavitt steps in against the formidable Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady. With both fighters hungry for a win and ready to make a statement, this bout promises electrifying action and some intriguing opportunities for those placing wagers.
In this high-stakes showdown, Jordan Leavitt, the freestyle fighter from the fight capital, Las Vegas, boasts a commendable record of 11 wins and 3 losses. Known for his grappling prowess, he's tallied six wins by submission and two by knockout, making him a versatile threat inside the octagon. Leavitt has proven he's not to be underestimated by any opponent. With a high significant strike accuracy of 61%, he’s a precision striker who can capitalize on openings with cold efficiency. His ability to finish fights quickly is underscored by his average fight time of just 6:52, indicating Leavitt never intends to leave his fate in the hands of judges.
On the other side of the octagon stands Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady, an MMA specialist based stateside in Baton Rouge. With a fight record featuring an impressive 15 wins and only 4 losses, Al-Selwady is a seasoned gladiator with a head for combat that’s as sharp as his fists. Eight of these victories came via knockout, and his incredible agility and resilience enable him to keep opponents at bay and pile on the pressure. His odds as the slight favorite at -260 reflect his capability to control the bout with a measured pace, as seen in his longer average fight time of 12:55.
While Al-Selwady will be entering the octagon with an imposing takedown record, his defense has shown vulnerability, deflecting only 20% of takedown attempts. Contrast that with Leavitt’s 57% significant strike defense, and we have a standoff that primes both fighters for an explosive contest. Not to forget, Al-Selwady’s most recent encounter ended in a knockout loss to Loik Radzhabov, potentially leaving him with something to prove and a fire to reignite; whereas Leavitt is keen to bounce back from his recent submission setback to Chase Hooper and continue climbing the ranks.
This exceptional UFC betting opportunity pits skill against strategy and sees two warriors at pivotal points in their careers. As the event draws closer, fans and bettors alike are encouraged to stay tuned for insightful fight analysis to inform their predictions and wagers. All eyes on Riyadh for an unforgettable night when these titans clash in an epic battle of fists and wits!
Live odds
Live and historic odds as well as more fighter statistics and insights for Jordan Leavitt vs Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady can be found on the fighter matchup page. All the fighter matchups and live odds for Adesanya vs Imavov can be found on the Adesanya vs Imavov event page.
Fighter Profiles: Jordan Leavitt vs. Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady
As the clock ticks down to the thrilling face-off between two outstanding lightweights, Jordan Leavitt and Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady, let’s dive into the detailed profiles of these warriors to better understand their backgrounds, recent form, and what makes them formidable opponents. This analysis is a treasure trove for UFC betting enthusiasts seeking comprehensive insights into this exciting matchup.
Jordan Leavitt: The Promising Freestyle Maverick
Jordan Leavitt, affectionately nicknamed "The Monkey King" due to his quirky and enigmatic personality, hails from Las Vegas, Nevada. At the age of 28, he brings youthful energy and ambition to every bout. Standing 69 inches tall with a reach that stretches 71 inches, Leavitt is perfectly crafted for a freestyle fighting style that melds striking with effective grappling. He made his UFC debut on December 5, 2020, and has since carved out a niche as a grappling specialist, having secured six of his 11 career victories via submission.
In his recent outings, Leavitt’s form has been varied:
- A first-round submission loss to Chase Hooper (Nov. 2023) saw him succumb early, highlighting potential vulnerabilities when facing elite ground technicians.
- His impressive knockout victory against Victor Martinez (Feb. 2023) showed his striking improvements, especially in the first round.
- He endured a submission defeat against Paddy Pimblett (Jul. 2022) underlining a susceptible defense under pressure in grappling exchanges.
- Previously, he edged out Trey Ogden in a split decision (Apr. 2022), demonstrating resilience and strategic fighting.
Leavitt’s strengths lie in his exceptional precision and submission prowess, capturing victories in swift and strategic manners. However, with a takedown accuracy of 25% and defense at 30%, he needs to bolster his grappling defenses to thwart aggressive takedown attempts.
Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady: The Knockout Artist
Equally ambitious, 28-year-old Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady from Baton Rouge, USA, channels his diverse MMA background into a striking-centric approach. Standing an inch shorter than his opponent, with a reach of 69 inches, Al-Selwady's strength lies in his ability to deliver powerful, conscience-altering knockouts. Since making his UFC debut on March 2, 2024, he has collected eight of his 15 wins due to his lethal striking capacity.
Here’s a glimpse into Al-Selwady’s recent form:
- He suffered a knockout at the hands of Loik Radzhabov (Mar. 2024), signaling a need to refine his striking defense.
- His consistent record includes spectacular performances with knockout prowess, ensuring he’s nearly always a threat on his feet.
Al-Selwady’s stellar knockout power manifests his prime offensive strength, capable of turning fights with a single strike. However, a significant area of concern is his takedown defense, which stands shaky at a mere 20%, making him vulnerable to adept grapplers like Leavitt.
Key Takeaways
With these profiles in mind, it becomes clear that this bout will likely be determined by who can better impose their strengths while mitigating their vulnerabilities. Leavitt’s ground game against Al-Selwady’s striking promises a classic battle of skill versus power. As our UFC betting tips suggest, the narrative of each fighter's recent form and technical strengths presents a dynamic that could swing wildly once the first bell rings, providing endless intrigue for spectators and bettors alike.
Betting Odds Analysis: Leavitt vs. Al-Selwady
In the realm of UFC sports betting, understanding the odds can be just as thrilling as the fight itself. For the upcoming Jordan Leavitt vs Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady bout, bettors are presented with an intriguing odds dynamic that could sway the stakes in multiple directions. Let’s delve into the current betting landscape and explore what these odds signify.
Current Betting Odds Overview
As it stands, Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady is positioned as the favorite with odds of -260, while Jordan Leavitt enters the fight as the underdog with odds at a compelling +196. These odds, available through the reputable sports book FanDuel, present an opportunity for bettors to weigh the risk against potential reward suitably.
Detailed Odds History and Sportsbook Analysis
FanDuel, known for its competitive and frequently updated odds, has consistently reflected these differential odds since early in 2025. FanDuel’s ability to swiftly adjust odds has favored it among bettors, ensuring real-time updates aligned with shifting perceptions around fighters’ readiness and market dynamics. The odds have remained stable over recent weeks, illustrating confidence in Al-Selwady’s standing as the favorite despite his last setback.
Underdog Dynamics
Positioned as the underdog, Jordan Leavitt offers a lucrative opportunity for bettors who believe in his potential to upset. At +196, wagering $1000 on Leavitt could net you a $1960 payout, reflecting his outsider status yet offering significant potential returns if he triumphs. His underdog positioning reflects perhaps, the bookies’ recognition of his inconsistency in recent fights but also the purveyor of a sizeable payout for risk-takers.
Favorite Forecast
Conversely, a $1000 bet on Al-Selwady would result in a more conservative payout of approximately $1385 given his -260 odds. This prediction aligns with his favorable market positioning, the culmination of a robust knockout record and bettors’ faith in his ability to dictate the fight rhythm despite previous discrepancies in his defense strategies.
Probability Implications
In terms of probability, the odds imply a rough 72% chance of a victory for Al-Selwady, while Leavitt stands at around a 34% chance to succeed. These figures are essential for bettors weighing the statistical likelihood of outcomes against potential monetary return.
Betting Takeaway
Ultimately, the decision boils down to how one appraises the strengths and weaknesses of each fighter. Al-Selwady’s odds and consequent lower payout reflect expectations of dominance, possibly incentivizing safe bets. Meanwhile, Leavitt beckons to those willing to capitalize on unpredictability for greater returns.
As fight night looms, tuning into updated odds and adjusting strategies based on weigh-in insights and fighter demeanor offers an edge. Whether favoring stability or embracing chaos, the Leavitt vs. Al-Selwady fight propels a fascinating betting scenario. Given the insights derived from these odds, both fighters beckon to bettors as tantalizing avenues in an ever-changing betting landscape.