Vitaly Minakov vs. Oli Thompson: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

Former Bellator heavyweight champion and four-time world champion in sports sambo Russian Vitaly Minakov returns to the octagon against former UFC fighter and Englishman Oli Thompson in the main event of the REN TV fight club super series. Both veteran mixed martial artists will be debuting in the “boxing with MMA gloves” format. Vitally Minakov is a huge favorite ahead of this weekend’s fight at the Dynamo Volleyball Arena in Moscow.

MMA: Ren TV Fight Club Heavyweight

Venue: Volleyball Arena, Dynamo, Moscow

Where to watch: Ren TV

Date: 30.03.2024 02:10

At 39, Vitaly Minakov is one of Russia’s best martial artists. “The New Emperor” won Russian Sambo championships from 2008-2011. He turned to pro-MMA in 2010 and was undefeated until losing to Cheick Kongo in 2019 at Bellator 216. The Russian heavyweight claimed Bellator World heavyweight gold 2013 with a TKO (punches) of Alexander Volkov at Bellator 108. A judoka who competed in Fight Nights Global and M-1 Global, Vitaly Minakov has delivered thirteen knockouts in his twenty-two MMA wins. Minakov has not competed since a 2021 defeat to Said Sowma at Bellator 269, suffering the loss due to a broken finger.

• Age: 39
• Height: 6’3”
• Weight: 265 lbs (120kg)
• Reach: 76”
• Record: 22-2-0

Britain’s 2006 strongest man, Oli Thompson, has competed in many regional and top promotions since debuting in pro-MMA in 2009. The 44-year-old has fought in UFC, Bellator, and KSW. Although the Englishman has lost to the most serious fighters in the heavyweight class, he has shown heart and continues to compete even at 44. Last May, “The Spartan” shocked the Russian MMA World by defeating Alexey Oleynik with a first-round knockout. That sensational victory ended the Englishman’s four-fight skid.

• Age: 44
• Height: 6’1’’
• Reach: 75”
• Weight: 223 lbs (101kg)
• Record: 22-16

Oli Thompson is a 6.76 underdog on 1XBET. Yes to the start of round two is priced at 1.9 odds on Betwinner while the No is available at 1.8 on 1XBET.

PS: I saw lines on only 1XBET and Betwinner.