UFC 297 boasts many appealing fights that are excellent betting opportunities to consider. One battle to check out in the early prelims, is the last battle on that card featuring a welterweight showdown between Yohan Lainesse and Sam Patterson. 

This will take place on Saturday, January 20, at 6:30 PM ET in Toronto's Scotiabank Arena, with Lainesse as a slight favorite with a moneyline at -145.

Lainesse has gone 1-2 in his last three fights and needs to find consistency soon. His previous matchup was a first round arm-triangle choke submission defeat against Mike Malott back at UFC Fight Night 220 in February of last year.

He has put together a fighting resume showing nine wins consisting of six knockouts and three decisions. Out of his six knockouts, five of them have been first round finishes. As for losses, he has one each by knockout and submission.

“White Lion” has landed 43 percent of his strikes each fight, but just 25 percent of his takedowns. He also carries a negative significant strike ratio, as he delivers 2.34 significant strikes and absorbs 3.44 from opponents. This will need to change considerably if he wants a shot at success.

Lainesse averages 1.00 takedown and 0.50 submissions per 15 minutes of fight time. He also defends well with a 59 success rate against significant strikes and an 80 percent success rate against takedowns.

Patterson had a six-fight win streak snapped when he stepped foot in the octagon for the first time with the UFC. His most recent bout was his debut for the promotion against Yanal Ashmoz back at UFC 286 in March of last year.

He has developed a fighting resume of 10 wins that showcase four knockouts, five submissions, and one decision. He has earned four first round finishes in his 10 wins. He also has both of his losses coming by knockout.

“The Future” has a striking accuracy at 37 percent but nothing yet for takedowns. He lands 2.56 significant strikes and absorbs 3.98, which is slightly worse in comparison to Lainesse’s.

Patterson does not offer much ground action in the UFC just yet, but can handle himself when needed. He also averages a 45 percent defense against significant strikes and a fairly low takedown defense at 33 percent.

MyBookie is your betting source for UFC 297, with odds showing that Yohan Lainesse is slightly favored for success. They each have appealing strengths and stack up well on paper.

Both fighters have struggled heading into this fight and are both having issues with their striking. However, Lainesse provides the best opportunity of getting a win here based on slightly better striking.