UFC 170 Date: February 22, 2014 Arena: Mandalay Bay Events Center City: Las Vegas, NV If interested in wagering on the UFC 170 three-team parlay I will be recommending in this article, or any other match-up on this sure-to-be-exciting fight card, you may do so at Several Bookmakerss. Here are the picks and predictions for my preliminary card parlay: Bantamweight bout: Aljamain Sterling (-255) vs Cody Gibson (+215) Fight Prediction: To put it simply, I think Sterling is going to prove he is on another level and a serious prospect at 135 pounds. He is going to be too fast, and too good. I think the fight will hit the mat, and he will catch Gibson with a sub. This is a fight I am looking forward to, as I have had high expectations for Sterling. In fact, I was beginning to write a Prospect Watch article on him when I read about his signing. Really looking forward to his debut. Gabe’s Pick: Aljamain Sterling by Submission (rear naked choke, 2:32 round 2)) Lightweight bout: Erik Koch (-425) vs Rafael Oliveira (+340) Fight Prediction: At 145 pounds, after finding success against fighters who are now at 135 pounds and getting beaten by natural 145ers, Koch has decided to move up to 155 pounds and fight bigger guys. If you don’t get it, it’s okay. Neither do I. I heard about him cutting too much weight for 145 pounds. I suppose it’s true, but he did not really have a physical size advantage in his featherweight bouts, and he will surely be at a size disadvantage at 155 pounds. That said, I don’t expect size to be in issue in this match-up, as he simply outclasses Oliveira on the feet, and is good enough with takedown defense to keep the fight from going into Oliveira’s world. I think he will defend takedowns, and eventually stop Oliveira, if not earn a convincing decision. Oliveira knows his back is against the wall, so he should be giving it everything he has. I think he is dangerous going into this fight, but it would be a fluke for him to catch Koch with something. Gabe’s Pick: Erik Koch by TKO (strikes, 2:34 round 2) Lightweight bout: Ernest Chavez (+250) vs Yosdenis “Pink Panther” Cedeno (-300) Fight Prediction:To make it short and sweet, I think Cedeno is going to be steps ahead of Chavez from the opening bell. I could see him getting the stoppage, but Chavez has heart and a good chin, so I would not be surprised if this fight goes the distance. Keeping that in mind, I’m going to say – Gabe’s Pick: Yosdenis Cedeno by KO (punch, 0:16 round 1) Gabe’s Recommended Parlay: Sterling (-255), Koch (-425), and Cedeno (-300) for +129 3.1u to win 4u
