UFC Edmonton: Buckley vs. Malott continues on the prelims with a fight between Julien LeBlanc and Nick Galanti in the middleweight division. Check out our UFC Edmonton odds series for our LeBlanc-Galanti prediction and pick.
Julien LeBlanc (10-3) comes into this weekend's fight card looking to bounce back from a tough first-round submission loss to Robert Valentin in April, he previously secured a second-round rear-naked choke victory over Ryan Rohovich, as he comes into his fight this weekend against Nick Galanti.
Nick Galanti (8-1) brings a promising professional record into his Octagon debut. Riding a six-fight win streak, he recently secured a UFC contract with a blistering 35-second knockout over Carlos Petruzzella on the Contender Series, following a grueling five-round championship victory over Austin Clayton, as he comes into his fight this weekend against Julien LeBlanc.
UFC Edmonton Odds, courtesy of DraftKings:
UFC Edmonton Odds: Julien LeBlanc-Nick Galanti Odds
Julien LeBlanc: +500
Nick Galanti: -700
Over 1.5 Rounds: +140
Under 1.5 Rounds: -180
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)Why Julien LeBlanc Will Win
Julien LeBlanc possesses the veteran savvy and well-rounded skill set necessary to hand Nick Galanti his first Octagon defeat at UFC Edmonton. Fighting in front of a passionate Canadian crowd, LeBlanc will leverage his significant experience advantage to weather the American prospect's explosive early storms.
Galanti has built his impressive record largely by relying on sheer athleticism and rapid first-round finishes against regional-level competition. However, LeBlanc’s proven durability and defensive composure will force the UFC newcomer into deep waters he has rarely, if ever, experienced.
Once the initial adrenaline dump subsides, LeBlanc’s technical kickboxing fundamentals will begin to shine on the feet. By utilizing a crisp jab and stiff teep kicks, the Canadian middleweight will systematically break down Galanti's aggressive forward pressure while maintaining a safe distance.
Furthermore, LeBlanc’s underrated defensive grappling ensures he will not be easily overwhelmed if Galanti decides to change levels out of desperation. Should the fight hit the canvas, LeBlanc’s active guard and scrambling ability will prevent Galanti from securing dominant control or opportunistic submissions.
Ultimately, this matchup strongly favors the proven durability and cardio of the hometown veteran over the raw, untested explosiveness of the prospect. Expect LeBlanc to comfortably take over in the later rounds, picking apart a fading Galanti to secure a clear unanimous decision victory.
Why Nick Galanti Will Win
Nick Galanti enters UFC Edmonton riding an incredible wave of momentum following his blistering 35-second knockout on the Contender Series. Carrying an impressive 8-1 professional record and youth on his side, the explosive American prospect possesses the exact tools to spoil Julien LeBlanc’s homecoming.
While LeBlanc is a durable Canadian veteran, he will struggle to handle Galanti’s aggressive southpaw striking and devastating right hook. Galanti excels at applying suffocating forward pressure that forces his opponents into making costly defensive mistakes inside the pocket.
If the striking exchanges become too chaotic, Galanti boasts a distinct advantage on the canvas as a highly skilled Brazilian jiu-jitsu brown belt. LeBlanc recently suffered a first-round submission loss, highlighting a glaring vulnerability that a dangerous chain-grappler like Galanti will relentlessly target.
Furthermore, the former CFFC Middleweight Champion has already proven his deep-water grit by winning a grueling five-round title fight. This battle-tested cardio ensures that even if LeBlanc survives the terrifying early onslaught, Galanti will maintain a frantic pace throughout the entire contest.
Article Continues BelowUltimately, Galanti’s seamless ability to blend heavy knockout power with an elite, opportunistic submission game makes him an absolute nightmare matchup. Expect the surging American prospect to decisively silence the Edmonton crowd by securing a spectacular early finish in his promotional debut.
Final Julien LeBlanc-Nick Galanti Prediction & Pick
This Saturday at UFC Edmonton, Canadian veteran Julien LeBlanc faces highly touted American prospect Nick Galanti in a fascinating middleweight clash. The dynamic of this matchup hinges entirely on whether LeBlanc can survive the terrifying early storm from the surging Contender Series standout.
Galanti possesses devastating knockout power and an opportunistic submission game that makes him incredibly dangerous in chaotic first-round scrambles. However, LeBlanc boasts significant experience and the defensive composure required to drag this fight into deep waters.
If the hometown favorite can utilize his crisp kickboxing to manage distance, he could frustrate the newcomer and take over late. Ultimately, Galanti’s seamless combination of heavy striking and elite grappling presents too steep of a challenge for the veteran.
Expect the aggressive American to blitz early, rock LeBlanc on the feet, and transition to a decisive first-round submission victory. This spectacular promotional debut will silence the Canadian crowd and announce Galanti as a serious divisional threat.
Final Julien LeBlanc-Nick Galanti Prediction & Pick: Nick Galanti (-700), UNDER 1.5 Rounds (-180)