RAC Arena, Perth, Australia
Where to watch: ESPN+
12.02.2023, 06:00
Justin Tafa versus Parker Porter is a heavyweight fight on the main card of UFC 284 that is looking very likely to be an all-out striking battle. Expectedly, the two heavyweights will be looking to get a KO/TKO, a scenario that is not too far-fetched as the Australian southpaw packs legitimate power in his shots. UFC 284 takes place at the RAC Arena, Perth, Australia, this Saturday. We preview the fights and provide expert betting tips here.
Claim Your Welcome Bonus!Justin Tafa
Justin Tafa comes from a family of martial artists. Fighting on the Tafa Gang Fight Team with his brothers, the former Rugby League junior debuted in the UFC in 2019. Two wins in five UFC matches may seem less than average but the former XFC Heavyweight champion has two first-round finishes in those wins. In eight professional fights, he has amassed five knockouts, a hint at the tremendous punching power he packs. In his last fight - a win over Harry Hunsucker - Tafa became the first fighter in UFC history to miss weight in the heavyweight division when he weighed in at 267 pounds.
Parker Porter
37-year-old Parker Porter was on a three-match streak when he was stopped in his last fight by Jailton Almeida last May. The American finally made it to the UFC in 2020 after stints at several American regional organizations and Bellator since making a 2007 professional bow. Parker Porter is 3-2 in the UFC losing only to ranked fighters Chase Sherman and Jailton Almeida. In total, Parker Porter has twelve wins from nineteen professional fights, with eight finishes.
| STATS | JUSTIN TAFA | PARKER PORTER |
|---|---|---|
| AGE | 29 | 37 |
| HEIGHT | 6.0" | 6.0" |
| REACH | 74" | 75" |
| UFC RECORD | 2-3 | 3-2 |
| STREAK | 1 | 0 |
Expert Betting Tips
The odds have moved a little since opening but Justin Tafa still remains a slight favorite to win the bout. The Aussie southpaw has moderate volume and little wrestling and grappling. Already promising fireworks, Tafa will be counting on his striking to end the night early. Parker Porter is a good striker too and he’s also good in the clinch. The American has decent offensive grappling and wrestling skills which will be useful in overcoming Tafa. Porter must lean on his grappling skills in this one and resist the urge to make the fight a slugfest as that will play into Tafa’s left hand perfectly. Looking at Porter’s resume and stats, he is the more rounded fighter and has not lost to anyone outside the top fifteen. I go for a Porter win and predict the fight will go beyond the first round.
- Over 1.5 rounds at 1.57 odds on 1xbet
- Porter win at 2.01 odds on Coinplay
- Fight to Go the Distance at 2.37 odds on Bet365