UFC Fight Night 133 takes place tomorrow night (Saturday, July 14, 2018) in Boise, Idaho and features a heavyweight main event between former champion Junior dos Santos and newcomer Blagoy Ivanov.
Here are some props that I think have a good chance of hitting:
Alex Volkanovski vs. Darrin Elkins
Volkanovski is a surging featherweight contender intending to make that next step towards challenging for the title as he meets Darren Elkins this Saturday. To keep it short and sweet I think Volkanovski has all the tools to beat Elkins here with little problems. He has great hands, pressure, and octagon control. Elkins may threaten with takedowns If he isn’t liking the Aussie’s combos but, I believe Volkanovski can keep it standing en route to a 30-27 decision or a finish via strikes. Elkins is very tough though, so I do lean a decision here.
Prop: Alex Volkanovski Wins by -3.5 Points Handicap (The PTS prop wasn’t available at the time of the release of this article, you could wait on that or take your chances on a decision prop.)
Cat Zingano vs. Marion Reneau
While Zingano is dealing with a losing streak, it is coming due to some of the divisions best such as Pena and Vieira. The elder Reneau, might be up in age but she is putting together some of her best performances as of late. While she holds wins over McMann, Bernardo, and Dudieva, none of them are as technical or talented as Zingano is. This probably won’t be an easy fight for either fighter, but I do have to side with Zingano to get it done. I don’t think she finishes Reneau as it may be a competitive fight, so I have to pick decision here.
Prop: Cat Zingano Wins by Decision (+155)
Chad Mendes vs. Myles Jury
Chad Mendes is coming off a two-year layoff due to a failed drug test while Myles Jury is looking to extend his winning streak to three. The layoff does worry me a little as I think Mendes may deal with ring rust and being “off” early on in the fight but should build momentum and timing as it carries on. You don’t forget how to wrestle, and Mendes has a strong wrestling pedigree that he has utilized throughout his mixed martial arts career. This fight should be no different for the him. I expect Mendes to press forward and look to clinch and take Jury down or set up his double-legs with some combinations. Due to being out for a while Mendes may deal with adversity and some strong offense from Jury until he gets the hang of things and really figures out his timing and takedowns. I’m picking Mendes to win by unanimous decision to a victorious return to in-ring competition.
Prop: Chad Mendes Wins by Decision (+170)
Blagoy Ivanov vs. Junior Dos Santos
This last prop I hand out is more-so a fade on Junior Dos Santos. It’s clear he hasn’t been the same fighter ever since the final two fights with Cain Velasquez during their rivalry years ago. Coming off another brutal KO loss to then-champion Stipe Miocic, Dos Santos showed the same poor fighter IQ and just looked like a shot fighter once more. Ivanov may have never fought anyone of Dos Santos’ caliber, but he brings big power coupled with pressure and a good pace. Those three things can be really bad for Dos Santos who keeps his back to the cage far too often along with a depreciating chin. I’m picking Ivanov by TKO for the upset but won’t be surprised if Dos Santos is able to get his hand raised.
Prop: Blagoy Ivanov Wins by Inside the Distance (+250)
Thanks for reading and best of luck with your wagers!
