Luis Gurule vs. Ode Osbourne prediction, start time: UFC on ESPN 65

Luis Gurule vs. Ode Osbourne meet Saturday on the main card of UFC on ESPN 65 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.
Last event: 3-3
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Luis Gurule vs. Ode Osbourne UFC on ESPN 65 preview

Gurule (10-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) makes his UFC debut off a contract-winning decision over Nick Piccininni on DWCS this past October. He’ll get a stiff test in longtime UFC flyweight Osbourne (12-8 MMA, 4-6 UFC), who is mired in a three-fight skid and looking for his first win in more than two years.

Luis Gurule vs. Ode Osbourne UFC on ESPN 65 expert pick, prediction

In an audible that actually suits their card format, the UFC matchmakers have smartly substituted a lower-level heavyweight affair with a flyweight fight between Luis Gurule and Ode Osbourne.

Although there’s an argument that Osbourne should’ve gotten the nod (or at the very least a draw) in his most recent appearance at UFC Noche, the Jamaican-American sadly finds himself on a three-fight skid heading into this fight.

I really wish the UFC matchmakers were kinder to some of their more proven action fighters who are on losing skids rather than pitting them against prospects, but that’s the game, I suppose.

I’d love to take a flier on Osbourne to tax Gurule’s wrestle-boxing archetype with power kicks from the rear, but Gurule is training with other high-level southpaws and strikers like Brandon Royval and Cory Sandhagen who should have him prepared for the variety coming his way.

More importantly, Gurule – despite being less proven than Osbourne on paper – does appear to look the part when it comes to his ability to flow with transitions and punctuate his presence within a fight.

I feel like Gurule’s head-and-arm choke could be something to watch out for, but suspect that the 31-year-old’s steady pressure will allow him to pull away down the stretch for a decision win.

Luis Gurule

Luis Gurule vs. Ode Osbourne UFC on ESPN 65 odds

The oddsmakers and the public favor the UFC newcomer, listing Gurule (-260) and Osbourne (+205) via FanDuel.

Luis Gurule vs. Ode Osbourne UFC on ESPN 65 start time, how to watch

Gurule and Osbourne are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 9:45 p.m. ET. The fight airs on ESPN and streams on ESPN+.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 65.