UFC Fight Night: Hall vs. Strickland betting odds, preview, and pick

Uriah Hall and Sean Strickland will face off, with major implications in the middleweight division on the line, during the Aug. 7 edition of UFC Fight Night. 

We have the preview and picks you’ll need before this intriguing clash.

Strickland has been on a tear

Since he fell victim to an incredible roundhouse heel kick from Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos, Strickland has got back to his winning ways, with four victories in a row. Though he was out of action for two years to recover from a major car accident, he is a top-tier middleweight.

Strickland is an active striker who connects roughly five significant strikes per minute and moves like a boxer. He utilizes good footwork and head movement behind a heavy jab.

The strength of his recent performances indicates he may be hitting his stride as a fighter.

Hall’s streak is misleading

Hall has also won four in a row since his last defeat, but those wins are hardly inspiring.

Beating the bones of a 46-year-old Anderson Silva and watching in horror as Chris Weidman snapped his tibia in their rematch was more about how little his foes had to offer.

To his credit, Hall fights with intent and has significant stopping power. What Hall does not have is time. At 37, a loss may permanently derail his title chances.

Strickland will stop an overmatched Hall

Hall turns from wolf to sheep when his opponents hang around after they take his best shots. He has also been stopped in three of his last four losses, all against diligent strikers. Strickland may not be as heavy-handed as Costa or Derek Brunson, but he is busy and accurate. Outside of a slight advantage in reach, Hall is outgunned.

We should see a pronounced difference in striking, as Strickland will pepper Hall with shots as the latter loads up for a big shot. Once Strickland gets his timing and establishes his range, he’ll land a stiff shot that puts Hall down, with a ground-and-pound follow up to close up shop.

In what should be a lopsided affair, expect Strickland to continue his streak and stop Hall in two rounds.

MMA free pick: Strickland