UFC on ESPN 48: Fight date, schedule, undercard & betting odds

bet365 News Team Updated: 26 Jun 23 13:42 Published: 14 Jun 23 14:02

Middleweight hopefuls Sean Strickland and Abusupiyan Magomedov will headline UFC on ESPN 48 on 2nd July.

The two heavy hitters will fight for a chance to climb the rankings at the UFC Apex in Enterprise, Nevada, and both men will be desperate to have their hand raised.

Strickland ranked #7, will take part in his fifth UFC main event as he tries to move into the top five in the division. The veteran has beaten the likes of Nassourdine Imavov, Jack Hermansson, and Uriah Hall over the years, but he will need to be at his best to stop Magomedov.

The Russian will record the biggest victory of his career if he can beat Strickland, but he has caught the eye already in the UFC. He stopped Dustin Stoltzfus inside 20 seconds on his UFC debut, and he is now on a three-fight winning streak.

Fourteen knockout finishes prove he has the power to trouble anyone in the division, but Strickland has nine first-round stoppages of his own. This contest should provide fireworks for as long as it lasts, and either man could end the bout with one punch.

Strickland has gone to the scorecards in his last two UFC bouts, but he will need to be wary of Magomedov's power throughout their contest in Enterprise.

When is UFC on ESPN 48?

The card is scheduled to take place on Sunday 2nd July 2023.

What time is UFC on ESPN 48?

The preliminary card gets underway at 21:00, and the main card is due to begin at 12:00, with Strickland and Magomedov expected to walk to the Octagon at around 02:30.

Where is UFC on ESPN 48?

UFC on ESPN 48 will take place at the UFC Apex in Enterprise, Nevada, which is a purpose-built facility that is close to the UFC Performance Institute. The UFC own the arena, with the first event taking place there in May 2020, when Tyron Woodley fought Gilbert Burns.

Twenty Fight Night cards took place at the Apex in 2022, but there have been fewer in 2023. Strickland's clash with Magomedov will be the 10th card at the venue this year.

Strickland has already fought at the UFC Apex this year, and he was able to defeat Nassourdine Imavov via an unanimous decision after a tough matchup.

Can I watch UFC on ESPN 48?

Yes. Both the preliminary card and the main card will be available to watch on BT Sport.

Are there any belts on the line at UFC on ESPN 48?

No. There aren't any belts on the line at UFC on ESPN 48, but the winner of the contest could catapult themselves up the rankings and ensure a shot at the world title soon becomes a reality.

Strickland is currently ranked seventh in the middleweight division, but Magomedov is ranked outside the top 15, so a win for him could be huge for his career.