Kamaru Usman Wins by Decision (+165)
Jorge Masvidal loves losing decisions to wrestlers. Not to mention elite wrestlers such as Usman. I understand Masvidal has reinvented himself and really been going for the kill and not allowing the judges to screw him over but this is one of those matchups where I can’t see him winning outside of an early knockout. Askren and Usman are so far apart in terms of talent and skill level that I can’t even begin to compare the two. I’m not sure what gameplan Masvidal will try to employ here but, it is either go for the quick finish or try to pick him apart and try to find the knockout finish at some point in the fight. Neither will be easy to obtain as it is almost a guarantee Masvidal will find himself on his back multiple times in this fight. The longer the fight goes, the harder it is to obtain a finish as he will be very tired with Usman taking him down and beating him up. I don’t think Usman finishes him but if he does it could probably be a late submission against a very tired Masvidal that gives up his back and neck for a rear naked choke. However, I’m picking the more likely outcome which will be a one sided decision victory.
Alexander Volkanovski wins by Unanimous Decision (+150)
Another likely outcome in the rematch as I think Volkanovski’s power, counters, and quickness will be too much for the former champion in Holloway to overcome. And this is coming from a huge Holloway fan who has been following his career ever since he stepped foot in the UFC years ago. Holloway is a fantastic fighter and I honestly thought he would dominate the featherweight division for years but, this is just one of those style matchups where it is a difficult fight for him to win. Holloway lives off of volume and his unique striking abilities but Volkanovski has him beat in speed and it is lopsided in the power area. Not to forget that recently in an interview Holloway mentioned he has been doing training all on his own from his home. He has had zoom calls with his trainers to help him prepare but aside from that he has been preparing this camp all on his own. I’m picking Volkanovski to retain the championship here but Holloway should be more competitive I think.
Petr Yan wins by Unanimous Decision (+400)
I believe the first few rounds will be slow and competitive but, I still have Yan winning those rounds most likely off of volume and how little Aldo tends to throw now. As the fight progresses more and Aldo starts to slow, Yan will eventually take over and be in the control of the fight (which should take place on the feet for nearly all of the fight) using his volume and striking to win the exchanges and break down Aldo. A unanimous decision victory for Yan is not out of the realm of possibility by any means. I don’t see a finish either as both men will be tentative to strike early on in the fight until they get more comfortable in the exchanges.
Amanda Ribas wins by TKO (+375)
Ribas wins however she wants in this fight (I mean she is a -900 at some books) as she is just a much, much better fighter. Vanzant will try to shoot in and score a takedown over and over again but Ribas is too good and will see it coming from a mile away. On the feet Vanzant has never been good with her hands so she can definitely get lit up in the striking affair. I took the TKO prop for the better value and the possibility that Ribas could just beat her up on the feet until the ref has seen enough.
Jessica Andrade vs Rose Namajunas Doesn’t Go to Decision (+105)
I think Namajunas will come out the victor in this fight and I do think it could be by TKO. However, I’m taking the safer route and choosing to pick the fight ending by finish. Whether it’s in the favor of Namajunas or Andrade we’ll have to wait and see. I think many have forgotten that Rose actually hurt Andrade in the fight as she was picking apart her opposition with her powerful jabs until eventually getting dumped on her head enroute to a TKO loss. I’ll take the slight dog money and see if Namajunas can avoid history repeating itself and get her hand raised by a TKO finish. And if not, Andrade is always coming forward and can certainly hurt and finish Rose herself as she packs a heavy punch in the division.
