Kai Kara-France and Amir Albazi fight Saturday in UFC on ESPN 46 at the UFC Apex. Kara-France enters this fight with a 24-10 record and has won 46 percent of his fights by knockout. Albazi enters this fight with a 16-1 record and has won 56 percent of his fights by submission.

Kai Kara-France Betting Preview

Kara-France has won 10 of his last 13 fights, and he’s coming off a July loss to Brandon Moreno. Kara-France is averaging 4.70 significant strikes per minute, with an accuracy percentage of 40 percent. Kara-France is averaging 0.51 takedowns with an accuracy percentage of 25 percent. Kara-France is coming off a knockout loss at UFC 277 where he landed 66 total strikes and ate 59 total strikes. Kara-France looks to avoid back to back losses for the first time since 2014-15. Kara-France is now 7-3 under the UFC banner. Kara-France comes from a kickboxing background, has a blue belt in BJJ and has 11 knockout victories. Kara-France has pop in both hands, mixes in his legs well, and while he’s not the most accurate striker, his pace makes up for it. Kara-France also has good cardio that’s helped him win 10 of his 14 career decisions. This will be Kara-France’s fourth career fight in Nevada.

Amir Albazi Betting Preview

Albazi has won 5 straight fights, and he’s coming off a December win over Alessandro Costa. Albazi is averaging 3.54 significant strikes per minute, with an accuracy percentage of 43 percent. Albazi is averaging 2.47 takedowns with an accuracy percentage of 50 percent. Albazi is coming off a knockout win at UFC Fight Night 216 where he landed 62 total strikes and ate 38 total strikes. Albazi is now 4-0 under the UFC banner and this is his biggest fight yet, as he headlines a card. Albazi is a balanced fighter with a puple belt in BJJ, and he has 14 career finishes. Albazi works well behind his jab, has a nice uppercut, and he’s been accurate with his strikes through 4 bouts. Albazi has 9 career submissions, and 5 of those have come by rear-naked choke. Albazi is very active on the ground, and he’s always looking to be the aggressor as he works for a submission hold. This will be Albazi’s second career fight in Nevada.

H2H History

There’s no fight history between these 2 fighters.

Randy’s Free Pick

You can make a case for either fighter here, and Albazi probably has a clear edge if this thing goes to the ground. However, Kara-France is the more proven fighter up to this point and that’s where I tend to lean in a near pick em spot. Busier on the feet, Kara-France could make Albazi uncomfortable and land just enough to get the edge in a decision. I’d need more big for my buck to back Albazi.

Give me Kara-France.