Former UFC middleweight title challenger Jared Cannonier looks to end a two-fight losing streak as he takes on rising contender Gregory Rodrigues in the main event at UFC Fight Night at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on Saturday night (7 p.m. ET on ESPN+, with prelims at 4 p.m. on ESPN+).

Cannonier, ESPN’s No. 9-ranked middleweight, challenged then-champion Israel Adesanya for the belt at UFC 276 in July 2022 but has struggled to string together wins since. He is 2-2 in his last four bouts, including losses in his last two fights against Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho, respectively.

Rodrigues, unranked by ESPN, enters the fight riding a three-fight winning streak, including a win over Christian Leroy Duncan most recently.

Brett Okamoto spoke to ESPN analyst and veteran MMA coach Din Thomas to get his perspective on the UFC main event. ESPN betting expert Ian Parker adds insight and analysis on the main event and other intriguing bets he likes on the card.

Editor’s note: Responses have been edited for brevity and clarity.

Middleweight: Jared Cannonier vs. Gregory Rodrigues

Din Thomas, ESPN analyst and veteran MMA coach

How Cannonier wins: Three years ago, Cannonier appeared tailor made to beat a guy like middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis, because he can counterpunch. He’ll have to use that counterpunching ability in this fight. Rodrigues will take the fight to him.

This fight comes down to two things for Cannonier. He needs to fire off really good leg kicks and counterpunch effectively. He’s 40 years old, though, and I’m worried about his age. As you get older, there are three things to go: speed, reflexes and balance. They didn’t look the same in his last fight, but we can’t count him out too early.

How Rodrigues wins: He’s got to put pressure on Cannonier. As the older fighter, Cannonier will want to fight as efficiently and economically as possible. If Rodrigues forces him to fight at a faster pace, he’s going to make more mistakes. If I’m Rodrigues, I’m coming out faster than normal. Rodrigues also needs to use his jiu-jitsu. He’s an eight-time national champion in Brazil, yet he doesn’t use it in fights.

X factor: Rodrigues’ power. If he starts marching Cannonier down, he might be able to hurt him.

Prediction: I want to pick the underdog in Cannonier, but I can’t take the older fighter in this spot. I’m going with Rodrigues. I think he stops Cannonier.

Betting analysis

Odds accurate as of publication. For the most up-to-date odds, visit ESPN BET.

Parker: Rodrigues to win inside the distance. Rodrigues is taking on his highest-ranked opponent in Cannonier. Rodrigues is a world-class grappler and has shown serious knockout power. Although Cannonier is a former title challenger, Rodrigues is catching him at the perfect time. Rodrigues is one of the few fighters that can match Cannonier’s strength, and if he puts Cannonier on his back, he has a major advantage. Look for “Robocop” to utilize his ground game and get this win inside the distance.

Parker’s best bets on the rest of the card

Featherweight: Calvin Kattar vs. Youssef Zalal

Zalal to win by submission or decision. Since his return to the UFC, all three of Zalal’s wins have come by way of submission. He now takes on his toughest opponent to date in Kattar. Kattar is as tough as they come, but he is riding a three-fight losing streak. This fight feels like a showcase for Zalal against a household name. Kattar’s durability will keep him in the fight, but after seeing Aljamain Sterling out-wrestle him for three rounds, I feel that we are going to see the same from Zalal.

Middleweight: Rodolfo Vieira vs. Andre Petroski

Vieira to win by submission. Both men have a grappling-heavy fighting style. However, Vieira’s submission game is world-class and he might be the better striker. We have seen Petroski struggle if he can’t get his opponent to the mat. He also appears to gas out toward the end of Round 2 in fights. Look for Vieira to defend the early onslaught of takedown attempts from Petroski and likely end up in top position on the mat following a scramble. When Petroski fades as the fight goes on, look for Vieira to get the submission win in Round 2 or 3.

Strawweight: Angela Hill vs. Ketlen Souza

Hill to win (-110). Hill has proven time and time again that her age is not a factor. Even at age 40, she is a tough out for any opponent in her division. The betting line for this fight is shocking. I would have made Hill a -150 favorite. Hill is the better striker and has developed a solid ground game along the way. She has also competed against the best in the division. Souza hasn’t fought anyone as highly ranked or skilled as Hill. Look for Hill to win this one on the feet, taking out another prospect.