Torrez Finney vs. Rob Valentin meet Saturday in the main card opener 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.
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Torrez Finney vs. Rob Valentin UFC on ESPN 65 preview

Finney (10-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) needed a ridiculous three wins on DWCS before he got a UFC contract. Now he brings his unbeaten record and wrestling credentials to a debut against Valentin (10-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC), who was finished in his official promotional debut this past August by Ryan Yoder in the “TUF 32” middleweight final.

Torrez Finney vs. Rob Valentin UFC on ESPN 65 expert pick, prediction

Death, taxes and the UFC matchmakers force-feeding us middleweights on Fight Night main cards.

In this case, the promotion has opted for a lead-in with lesser-proven commodities in Robert Valentin and Torrez Finney – despite having proven bantamweight action fighters stuck on the prelims.

I’ll be curious to see if Valentin can show off any potential improvements after his time spent training at Bang Tao Muay Thai, but I suspect that Finney presents a tough stylistic ask.

Say what you will about Finney’s short stature, but the 26-year-old American knows where his bread is buttered and isn’t afraid to work toward his A game. Finney, who is a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, also shows a solid flow on the mat – making me think he’ll be able to clear whatever submission threats Valentin presents.

The pick is Finney by unanimous decision.

Torrez Finney

Torrez Finney vs. Rob Valentin UFC on ESPN 65 odds

The oddsmakers and the public favor the American fighter, listing Finney (-280) and Valentin (+220) via FanDuel.

Torrez Finney vs. Rob Valentin UFC on ESPN 65 start time, how to watch

Finney and Valentin are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 9:15 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.

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