Get Ready for Ryan Loder vs Azamat Bekoev: A Middleweight Battle

The anticipation is building as fight fans and bettors alike gear up for an electrifying matchup between Ryan Loder and Azamat Bekoev in the upcoming UFC middleweight bout. Scheduled to explode into action on May 3, 2025, at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa, this bout promises a hefty serving of punch-for-punch action that’s sure to keep everyone on the edge of their seats. With the fight slated as a preliminary card in the much-anticipated "Sandhagen vs Figueiredo" event, it’s a clash that should not be underestimated by the savvy bettor or fight aficionado. Bookmark those sportsbooks for this UFC showdown as we'll be diving deep into the heart and grit of both competitors in search of winning UFC betting tips.

In one corner, we have the Russian dynamo, Azamat Bekoev, entering the octagon with an impressive professional record of 19 wins and only 3 losses. Bekoev, a formidable force known for his versatility, stands tall at 6 feet and has been dishing out a flurry of top-tier performances since his UFC debut. His fight style is a compelling cocktail of agility and strength, blending MMA techniques with a significant knack for first-round finishes—don’t blink, or you might miss the KO! With a significant strike accuracy of 81% and a respectable takedown accuracy, Bekoev is shaping up as the favorite in this matchup, as recent betting odds from top bookmakers have him at around -360, showcasing the high likelihood of him dictating the terms of the battle.

On the other corner, there’s Ryan Loder, hailing from the United States. Loder might just be the dark horse in this race with a solid record of 8 wins and only 1 defeat, maintaining an aura of promise as he aims to extend his winning streak. Loder is not just about raw power; he’s a savvy wrestler who’s honed his skills to effectively guard against takedowns, boasting a 100% takedown defense. Despite the bookmakers marking him as the underdog—with odds ranging from +260 to +315—Loder’s determination to leave the octagon victorious is anything but diminished. Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall, his reach and strategic brain could turn the tables come fight night.

This intriguing UFC face-off is set against a larger narrative of momentum versus experience, with Loder looking to cement his place among the UFC elite and Bekoev aiming to further prove his mettle as a top contender. For bettors and fight fans buzzing with excitement, this fight is a golden nugget, ripe for analysis and speculating. The odds provide an enticing play for those willing to place their bets on either seasoned strategy or the rising underdog's grit and resilience. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to witness a potential game-changer in the middleweight division. Get your popcorn ready and get the best odds at your favorite UFC betting platforms.

Live odds

Live and historic odds as well as more fighter statistics and insights for Ryan Loder vs Azamat Bekoev can be found on the fighter matchup page. All the fighter matchups and live odds for Sandhagen vs Figueiredo can be found on the Sandhagen vs Figueiredo event page.

Fighter Profiles: Ryan Loder vs Azamat Bekoev

Ryan Loder: The American Contender

Hailing from the United States, the 33-year-old Ryan Loder is a wrestling powerhouse with an 8-1-0 record that he’s eager to extend. Loder entered the UFC scene on August 24, 2024, showing promise with his balanced blend of strength, technique, and tactical nous. His fighting style leans heavily into his wrestling background, making him extremely formidable during ground exchanges.

Recent Form:

Despite a limited number of fights, Loder has shown immense potential. In his debut against Robert Valentin Frey, Loder clinched victory through a second-round TKO, displaying not only his striking capability but also his ability to adapt and dominate as the fight progresses.

Strengths:

• Takedown Defense: Loder boasts an impeccable 100% takedown defense, which hinders opponents' attempts to bring him down—a key asset against grapplers.
• Significant Strike Accuracy: With an 81% strike accuracy, Loder proves to be precise and calculated in his stand-up game, ensuring that his hits count and conserving energy efficiently.

Weaknesses:

• Takedown Accuracy: Although his defense is rock-solid, his offensive takedowns land at a modest 33%, indicating room for improvement in initiating those explosive ground maneuvers.
• Limited Submission Game: With zero wins via submission, Loder might be less versatile on the mat compared to his peers, which could be exploited by more submission-savvy fighters.

Azamat Bekoev: The Russian Powerhouse

At 29 years old, Azamat Bekoev is no slouch, hailing from the vast lands of Russia. Known for his MMA fighting style, Bekoev stepped into the UFC limelight in January 2025, already carving a path as a prominent figure in the middleweight landscape with an impressive 19-3-0 record. This dynamic fighter is a versatile threat, both standing and on the ground.

Recent Form:

Bekoev's latest outing was a spectacle of dominance, as he secured a swift first-round KO/TKO against Zachary Reese. With such confident performances, Bekoev encapsulates the very essence of Russian tenacity and precision.

Strengths:

• First Round Finishes: Bekoev has racked up 9 first-round finishes, underscoring his ability to start strong and apply pressure from the get-go—a nightmare for anyone hesitatingly easing into the fight.
• Submissions: His arsenal includes 8 submissions, making him a dual threat both in stand-up exchanges and on the mat.
• High Strike Accuracy: Sharing Loder’s 81% significant strike accuracy, Bekoev ensures his dominance in striking exchanges with sharp, pinpoint hits.

Weaknesses:

• Takedown Defense: A surprising chink in the armor, Bekoev’s takedown defense stands at 0%, suggesting a potential vulnerability to wrestlers like Loder who might seize any opportunity to exploit this gap.
• Strike Defense: With a 46% strike defense rate, Bekoev shows a slight susceptibility to receiving significant strikes, potentially leaving openings for a skilled striker to capitalize.

As fight night looms, Ryan Loder and Azamat Bekoev stand prepared to showcase their strengths, expose their opponents' weaknesses, and possibly redefine their trajectories in the UFC’s middleweight division. Bettors tuning in should keep their eyes on these key statistics and dynamics, blending them into their UFC betting strategy for this thrilling matchup.

Betting Odds Analysis: Ryan Loder vs Azamat Bekoev

If you’re thinking about tying your fortunes to either Ryan Loder or Azamat Bekoev in their April showcase in Des Moines, few can blame you. Right now, many of the top sportsbooks have lined up to cash in on the action with intriguing betting lines, turning this middleweight duel into an enthralling opportunity for gamblers looking to find an edge in UFC betting.

Current Betting Odds

As we look into the present odds, Azamat Bekoev commands the arena as the clear favorite. At bookmakers like FanDuel, BetMGM, and DraftKings, Bekoev’s odds float from -360 to -395, suggesting not just confidence in his winning capability but also a consensus across sportsbooks on his potential dominance.

On the flip side, Ryan Loder steps into the Octagon as the underdog. With odds stretching from +260 to +315, his potential to upset Bekoev is reflected in these lucrative odds, offering significantly greater returns on a wager placed on him.

Best Sportsbook for Your Bet

DraftKings stands out in the crowd, currently listing Bekoev at -395. If you believe in his ability to conquer the American wrestler, this book may provide the best option given its tighter odds. However, if you’re feeling a bit adventurous and see Loder as the come-from-behind victor, BetOnline.ag offers enticing odds at +315, providing the juiciest potential payout should Loder rise to the occasion.

Payouts and Probabilities

So what’s really at stake here? If you were to put down a hefty $1,000 on Azamat Bekoev at the current best odds of -360, your winnings would be approximately $277.78 given a Bekoev win—a safe bet with a favorite’s return. Yet, swing your stake the other way, wager the same on Ryan Loder at +315, and you’re looking at a substantial haul of $3,150. Dramatic differences like these showcase the intriguing balance between risk and reward that makes UFC betting so exhilarating.

Odds History and Movement

A peek into the odds history reveals that FanDuel has witnessed significant fluidity, with Bekoev’s odds jumping notably—from -250 to -360 over a short span. This showcases a dynamic betting environment and underpins a shift in favor towards the Russian, perhaps in response to public betting patterns or late-breaking insights.

Meanwhile, BetMGM has offered some stability, with Bekoev’s odds seeing a slight decline to -375, albeit relatively steady. However, the astute bettor recognizes that rapid fluctuations in odds across different sportsbooks—especially at volatile stages close to the fight—suggest there might be an evolving sentiment in the betting community, perhaps offering an underdog like Loder more pull as the fight nears.

Wrapping It Up

This clash between Ryan Loder and Azamat Bekoev is not just a fight in the Octagon, but a mental tug-of-war for bettors. Who stands in your corner? Considering the odds and the current climate in MMA betting, there’s plenty of room to make tactical plays. Whether you lean toward the safe bet with Azamat Bekoev or decide to take a chance on Ryan Loder, this fight promises a whirlwind of emotional peaks and valleys that could transform careful gamblers into big-time winners. So, keep those odds in mind, and may the most deserving bet win!