Fanil Rafikov opens as massive underdog ahead of Fight Nights 136 rematch

Fanil Rafikov is a staggering 6.35 underdog for his Fight Nights 136 main event rematch with Andrey Goncharov on April 24 in Rostov-on-Donu. The odds seem extreme considering Rafikov has been unbeaten for three years and holds wins over notable opponents including Nariman Abbasov, Marif Piraev, Ahmed Aliev (in boxing), Muhammad Kheibati, and Rey Cooper III. While Goncharov knocked Rafikov out in their first meeting seven years ago at a lighter weight class, Rafikov was competitive until the finish. The author notes that the 6.35 odds are more than 1.5 times higher than Sean Strickland's odds against Khamzat Chimaev, despite Strickland's lack of wrestling prowess. Though not offering a guarantee, the author finds the odds puzzling given Rafikov's recent form.