Andre Fili (photo via UFC)

The UFC machine is moving on from Boston to Charlotte this week, and the card’s co-main event will feature a pivotal match-up at 145. The bout will see long time contender Dennis Bermudez take on Andre Fili, in what is likely the latter’s biggest fight to date. Bermudez, meanwhile, is looking to reassert his presence in the division’s top ten ranks, and could do so, with a win on Saturday.

If you’re interested in putting some money down on this weekend’s fights, or any other sports action, be sure to read the best sportsbook reviews.

Questions for Bermudez

As UFC on FOX 27 approaches, Bermudez is looking to end a two fight losing skid. Although the powerful fighter is coming off a tightly contested, split decision loss to Darren Elkins, prior to that, the 31 year-old was KO’d by Chan Sung Jung.

Although those defeats followed two victories for “The Menace”, the featherweight has gone 2-4 in his last six bouts. So, it will be interesting to see how Bermudez looks in this weekend’s fight, and if he’s tentative at all, as a third straight loss would be a massive setback.

But, it’s important to remember that it wasn’t that long ago when Bermudez was in the title shot mix, thanks to a seven fight winning streak. When Bermudez is on, he’s one of the toughest outs in the division, due to his explosiveness, underrated striking and top tier wrestling.

Questions for Fili

There’s certainly considerable pressure riding on Bermudez heading into this bout, but one could say the same about Fili. The Sacramento fighter is coming off a much discussed, decision win over Conor McGregor’s teammate, Artem Lobov. But, this Saturday’s co-headliner with Bermudez is definitely on a bigger stage.

Fili has scored some big wins in the past, but he’s also faltered in the follow up fights. For example, back in 2015, the Team Alpha Male bombed out Gabriel Benitez with a highlight reel, head kick, but in his next bout, he suffered that same fate against Yair Rodriguez.

Then, Fili went on to defeat the veteran Hacran Dias, but then proceeded to lose by UD to Calvin Kattar in his next outing. In fact, the 27 year-old has yet to win consecutive fights in the Octagon.

So, it will be fascinating to see how Fili handles the spotlight and pressure, in a fight that’s against one of the division’s best. If Fili defeats the #11 ranked Bermudez, he will almost certainly moved into the coveted, top 15.

So Who’s Going to Take It?

Fili has had moments of brilliance in the cage, and against Lobov, he also showcased an impressive fight IQ, by turning to his wrestling to exploit the latter where he’s weakest. Further, as a member of TAM, there’s no doubt that Fili has sparred countless hours with top notch wrestlers.

But, when you consider all the tools Bermudez has, his athleticism, and his experience fighting other top contenders, it’s not surprising that he’s the betting lines favorite as UFC on FOX 27 nears.

If Fili can’t score a fight ending shot early, look for Bermudez and his wrestling to grind out a win, or score a late submission.

Thinking about putting some money down on some of this weekend’s sports action? Be sure to read some best sportsbook reviews before you do.