The UFC had a wild year in 2020. After the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March, causing a number of fight cards to be cancelled, the UFC regrouped and came back with a vengeance, putting on 33 fight cards in 35 weeks to close out the year. Because of that incredibly high volume, the UFC spent the last few weeks enjoying a well-deserved break.

That break ends for UFC betting when the circuit returns with UFC Fight Island 7 from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

This event, which begins a run of three events over the span of a week, is headlined by former featherweight champion Max Holloway competing in his first non-title fight in four years. Perhaps even more important though, this event marks the UFC’s debut on ABC. All eyes will be on Fight Island this weekend. Let’s check out the best bets on the card.

UFC on ABC Betting Lines & Picks

Additional UFC on ABC Prop Bet To Back

Joaquin Buckley over Alessio Di Chirico by Decision at +280 with FOX Bet

UFC on ABC: Holloway vs Kattar Prediction

This is a fairly straightforward pick. Max Holloway is the former featherweight champion and is coming off a controversial loss to current champion Alexander Volkanovski in his quest to regain the title. In that fight, Holloway showed that he is still one of the best two featherweights in the world, if not the best outright, and at only 29 years old, he still clearly has plenty left in the tank.

Meanwhile, Calvin Kattar is a promising contender and one of the best action fighters in the division, but he has not proven that he is on Holloway's level. This will be almost entirely a striking match and, in that category, Max works at a higher pace and is the better defensive fighter. This should be a pretty clear win for “Blessed.” Grab him at -160 at William Hill.

UFC on ABC: Condit vs Brown Prediction

Carlos Condit vs. Matt Brown is a fight that hardcore MMA fans have dreamed about for nearly a decade. This fight isn’t as spectacular as it would have been a few years ago, but this should still be a scrap for however long it lasts. In that regard, Condit most certainly has the advantage. Condit has one of the most legendary chins in the sport and should hold up against Brown’s pressure and return fire to great effect.

Meanwhile, Brown’s wrestling has never been great and Condit should have enough footwork to keep it upright. Given their age, a KO is always possible. But if Condit comes in wary, this will most likely go to the scorecards, so a straight bet is the recommended play. Bet on Condit at -154 at FOX Bet.

UFC on ABC: Li vs Ponzinibbio Prediction

This recommendation is a straight up fade of Santiago Ponzinibbio. When last he fought, Ponzinibbio was one of the top-ranked welterweights in the world and a dark horse contender for the title. The problem is that Ponzinibbio, 34, hasn’t fought in over two years and a lot can change in that amount of time.

Any fighter coming in after two years off is at risk of a poor performance and there were already concerns over how good Ponzinibbio actually was before his hiatus. Meanwhile, Li Jingliang has been fighting steadily and improving that whole time. If Ponzinibbio comes in at his best, he may well win, but this line is out of whack and the value is on The Leech. Li to win is good value at +260 at Caesars.

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UFC on ABC: Buckley vs Prediction

Joaquin Buckley is one of the hottest fighters in the UFC. He is coming off of the 2020 Knockout of the Year so there is every reason to believe he will win this fight. However, against Alessio Di Chirico there is plenty of reason to think he’ll have to settle for a decision instead of adding another highlight to his reel.

Di Chirico is a very solid middleweight and quite durable. He has never been finished in a fight and, though I don’t think he has enough offense to win, I think he’s savvy enough to make it to the final bell. Bet Buckley by decision at +280 at FOX Bet.

UFC on ABC: Fight Island 7 Date, Time & TV Information

When is UFC on ABC Fight Island 7?

UFC Fight Island 7 is Saturday, Jan. 16, at Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

What Time is UFC Fight Island 7?

The main card is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. ET; prelims begin at noon.

Where Can I Watch UFC Fight Island 7?

The UFC Fight Island 7 main card is on ABC-TV; prelims are on ESPN+.