Serhiy Sidey vs. Cameron Smotherman prediction, pick, start time for UFC on ESPN 67
Serhiy Sidey and Cameron Smotherman meet Saturday on the main card of UFC on ESPN 67 at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.
Last event: 2-4
UFC main cards, 2025: 37-33-1
Serhiy Sidey vs. Cameron Smotherman UFC on ESPN 67 preview
Sidey (11-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC) will look to keep the momentum after picking up his first UFC victory. Both of Sidey's outings have resulted in split decisions, of which he has experienced the joy and agony. Sidey ended up on the wrong end in his debut against Ramon Taveras last January, while his second appearance under the UFC banner was a win over Garrett Armfield. ... Smotherman (12-4 MMA, 1-0 UFC) will aim to extend his four-fight winning streak. In October, Smotherman made a successful UFC debut in a unanimous decision win over Jake Hadley.
Serhiy Sidey vs. Cameron Smotherman UFC on ESPN 67 expert pick, prediction
In keeping with the spirit of solid card formatting, Des Moines' main card is blessed with more bantamweights in the form of Sidey and Smotherman.
Although both fighters tend to operate out of orthodox stances, this matchup reminds me of Nate Diaz vs. Donald Cerrone from a stylistic perspective. Sidey, who is Cerrone in this analogy, is a kick-heavy kickboxer with some quiet submission threats (that I suspect we'll see more of as his career progresses). Whereas Smotherman, the Diaz analog, is the more "steady Eddie" type regarding the smothering pressure and punch count that he likes to put on his opponents.
I think that Sidey will be able to find a finish early due to Smotherman's propensity to sometimes get stung in fights. However, I'll ultimately be siding with Smotherman to survive the early scares and pull away down the stretch with his straight punches and bodywork.
'A line beats a circle,' as the old martial arts adage goes, and I suspect that remains true here.
The pick is Smotherman to edge out a decision that the local and traveling judges are likely split on.
Serhiy Sidey vs. Cameron Smotherman UFC on ESPN 67 odds
Despite the oddsmakers opening the American as the favorite, public money has flipped the line in the Canadian's favor, listing Sidey -142 and Smotherman +116 via FanDuel.
Serhiy Sidey vs. Cameron Smotherman UFC on ESPN 67 start time, how to watch
Sidey and Smotherman are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 10:40 p.m. ET. The fight broadcasts on ESPN 2 and streams on ESPN+.
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