UFC 320 Predictions – Punahele Soriano vs Nikolay Veretennikov Preview, Predictions And MMA Betting Odds

UFC 320 features a welterweight showdown between two fighters on different trajectories. Punahele Soriano vs Nikolay Veretennikov pits a surging former middleweight against a struggling veteran looking for consistency. This matchup could separate contenders from gatekeepers in the 170 pound division.

Soriano has found new life since dropping down to welterweight after years at middleweight. Puna absolutely destroyed Miguel Baeza last year in one of the most lopsided decisions. Then in January, he made an even bigger statement by starching Uros Medic in just 31 seconds with a brutal knockout.

Veretennikov hasn’t done much to inspire confidence in his UFC run so far. He finally got his first promotional win in July, taking a split decision over Francisco Prado. Before that, Austin Vanderford stopped him by TKO in a fight that saw Veretennikov lash out emotionally afterward. This might be his only chance to keep his job in the UFC.

Punahele Soriano vs Nikolay Veretennikov Preview

Soriano (11-4) stands 5’11” with a 72 inch reach. His striking output is steady at 5.00 significant strikes landed per minute with respectable 53% accuracy. Those aren’t spectacular numbers, but they are effective for his aggressive style. He absorbs 3.88 strikes per minute with 48% striking defense. As a southpaw, Soriano creates awkward angles that orthodox fighters often struggle with initially.

Soriano averages 1.47 takedowns per fight at impressive 56% accuracy when he chooses to wrestle. His takedown defense is concerning at just 37%, suggesting he can be put on his back if opponents commit to wrestling. He’s never submitted anyone, averaging zero per fight. At 32 years old with an 11-4 record, Soriano has found his groove at welterweight after struggling to find consistency at 185 pounds.

Veretennikov stands 6’1″ with a 74 inch reach. His striking output is lower at just 3.01 significant strikes landed per minute, though his accuracy is slightly better at 55%. He absorbs 3.43 strikes per minute with poor 46% striking defense.

He averages just 0.55 takedowns per fight at terrible 18% accuracy. That suggests wrestling isn’t a weapon he can reliably use. His takedown defense sits at 62%, which is decent but not elite. He’s never submitted anyone either, averaging zero per fight. At 35 years old with a 13-6 record, Veretennikov is three years older than Soriano and showing signs of decline rather than improvement.

Punahele Soriano vs Nikolay Veretennikov MMA Betting Odds

The betting markets show strong confidence in Soriano’s recent momentum. According to FanDuel, Punahele Soriano is listed at -295. Meanwhile, Nikolay Veretennikov comes in at +240 as a sizable underdog. Those odds suggest bookmakers see limited paths to victory for the Russian fighter.

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The odds for the fight going the distance have also come out. The odds for the fight seeing the judges scorecards stand at +160. The probability of the fight ending before the final bell is higher and the odds (-210) reflect that.

Punahele Soriano vs Nikolay Veretennikov Predictions And Picks

This matchup heavily favors Soriano based on recent form and stylistic advantages. His speed has been a major weapon since dropping to welterweight, allowing him to blitz opponents before they can get set. Veretennikov’s tendency to throw wild spinning attacks plays directly into Soriano’s hands. Every time Veretennikov spins, he will be vulnerable to counter strikes from the quicker southpaw.

The conditioning question looms large over Veretennikov’s chances. He looked tired in the third round against Prado, and Soriano’s aggressive pace will drain the gas tank even faster. If this fight somehow makes it to round two, Veretennikov will likely be fading while Soriano maintains his intensity. The former middleweight has shown no cardio issues at welterweight, suggesting the weight cut is manageable for him.

If we bet on the fight, we are going with Punahele Soriano to win via KO/TKO.

(All odds taken from FanDuel. Bet on the most up-to-date MMA odds, lines, and spreads with FanDuel Sportsbook)

(Image Credit: Dustin Safranek – Imagn Images)

Zaid Quraishi

mma

I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!