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UFC Fight Night 248: Song Kenan vs. Muslim Salikhov odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 248 odds between Song Kenan and Muslim Salikhov, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 3-round welterweight bout on the main card, Song Kenan and Muslim Salikhov battle at UFC Fight Night 248 Saturday at Galaxy Arena in Cotai, Macau. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s UFC odds around the UFC Fight Night 248: Song vs. Salikhov odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at 3 a.m. ET, with the main card beginning at 6 a.m. ET. All events can be viewed or streamed on ESPN+.

Records: Song (22-8-0) | Salikhov (20-5-0)

Song takes the walk to the octagon with a 1.5-inch reach advantage, and he’ll likely have a pro-China crowd on his side in nearby Macau, too. He holds a 4.57-to-3.32 significant strikes landed per minute advantage, although the veteran Salikhov is a lot more accurate on those strikes at 52.86%. He is also better in the takedown average department, posting a 1.12 mark, to just 0.43 for Song.

Kenan has needed the judges in each of his past 3 fights, winning 2 of those outings, including a unanimous-decision win over Ricky Glenn at UFC 305. For Salikhov, he picked up a split-decision win over Santiago Ponzinibbio last time out in mid-July, halting a 2-bout skid.

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UFC Fight Night 248: Song vs. Salikhov odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list UFC odds. Lines last updated Friday at 10:50 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Song +156 (bet $100 to win $156) | Salikhov -186 (bet $186 to win $100)
  • Total rounds: 2.5 Rounds (Over -164 | Under +128)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -132 | No +104)

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UFC Fight Night 248: Song vs. Salikhov picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Salikhov (-186) is just a little too expensive to play straight up. The 40-year-old veteran, a.k.a. the “King of Kung Fu,” has seen it all in his illustrious career. He won’t be fazed by what is expected to be a pro-Song crowd.

While, yes, Salikhov is 2-3 in his past 5 fights, he has fought some of the top fighters in the division, and he had a KO/TKO of Andre Fialho Nov. 2022 during the 5-bout span.

Song (+156) has ended up going the distance in each of his past 3 fights, and he hasn’t fought the same type of top-tier welterweights that Salikhov has faced, nor does he have nearly the same experience.

BACK SALIKHOV BY POINTS (+185) for the chance to nearly double up.

Over/Under (O/U)

Over 2.5 Rounds (-164) is a little more pricey, but you couldn’t be blamed for playing it if you want a little wiggle room in the even of a late finish in Round 3.

Still, the preferred play is simply going YES: WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE? (-132) at a much more economical price. With Song going to the judges in each of the past 3 fights, this could be the best play on the board.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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UFC Fight Night 248: Yan Xiaonan vs. Tabatha Ricci odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 248 odds between Yan Xiaonan and Tabatha Ricci, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 3-round women’s strawweight bout on the main card, Yan Xiaonan and Tabatha Ricci battle at UFC Fight Night 248 Saturday at Galaxy Arena in Cotai, Macau. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s UFC odds around the UFC Fight Night 248: Yan vs. Ricci odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at 3 a.m. ET, with the main card beginning at 6 a.m. ET. All events can be viewed or streamed on ESPN+.

Records: Yan (18-4-0) | Ricci (11-2-0)

Yan had a shot at the women’s strawweight title last time out against Zhang Weili, but she suffered a setback via unanimous decision. The 35-year-old Chinese fighter is now just 2-3 across the past 5 fights. Her last victory came via first-round KO/TKO against Jessica Andrade at UFC 288 in May 2023.

For Ricci, she won against Angela Hill via unanimous decision last time out on Aug. 24, 2024. She has won 2 in a row, and 6 of the past 7, while she has ended up going the distance in 4 straight outings. Her last finish was a second-round submission against Jessica Penne at UFC 285.

Yan holds a 2-inch reach advantage over Ricci, with a slight edge in significant strikes landed per minute and significant strike accuracy percentage, too. Ricci is much better with a 2.99 takedown average, although Yan is significantly more accurate on takedowns at 73.33%.

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UFC Fight Night 248: Yan vs. Ricci odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list UFC odds. Lines last updated Friday at 10:30 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Yan -184 (bet $184 to win $100) | Ricci +154 (bet $100 to win $154)
  • Total rounds: 2.5 Rounds (Over -410 | Under +290)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -350 | No +250)

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UFC Fight Night 248: Yan vs. Ricci picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Yan (-184) is fighting in Macau, which is much closer to her native China, so the crowd will presumably be behind her.

Ricci can match Yan in the significant strikes department, but the favorite is much more accurate, and that will likely mean the difference when the judges go to the scorecards.

We’re expecting this fight to go the distance because 3 of Yan’s past 5 fights, and 9 of her 11 fights at the UFC level, have ended up going all the way.

For Ricci, she also gets the judges involved frequently, with 4 straight decisions, while going the distance in 6 of the past 7 outings.

Play YAN BY POINTS (-105) at near even-money for the best play on the board.

Over/Under (O/U)

You can’t play Over 2.5 Rounds (-410) or Yes: Will the fight go the distance? (-350), whether it’s straight up or as part of a multi-leg parlay. The risk outweighs the reward way too much.

PASS, and simply focus on the Method of Victory and winner instead.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and us on Facebook.

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UFC Fight Night 248: Petr Yan vs. Deiveson Figueiredo odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 248 odds between Petr Yan and Deiveson Figueiredo, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 5-round bantamweight bout in the main event, Petr Yan and Deiveson Figueiredo battle at UFC Fight Night 248 Saturday at Galaxy Arena in Cotai, Macau. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s UFC odds around the UFC Fight Night 248: Yan vs. Figueiredo odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at 3 a.m. ET, with the main card beginning at 6 a.m. ET. All events can be viewed or streamed on ESPN+.

Records: Yan (17-5-0) | Figueiredo (24-3-1)

Yan, a former champ, is looking to work his way back to the top of the division. He lost his strap to Aljamain Sterling at UFC 273 in a split-decision setback April 9, 2022.

Yan also lost via split decision to Sean O’Malley at UFC 280, before a unanimous-decision loss to Merab Dvalishvili in March 2023. He finally stemmed the tide of losing with a unanimous-decision victory over Song Yadong at UFC 299. You’re probably noticing a pattern, as that’s 5 straight fights to go the distance.

Figueiredo, also a former champ, has posted 3 straight wins over quality opponents since losing his belt to Brandon Moreno at UFC 283 in the fourth fight of their rivalry. Figueiredo topped Rob Font via unanimous decision, he submitted Cody Garbrandt in Round 2 at UFC 300, and he won via unanimous decision against Marlon Vera in Aug. 2024.

Figueiredo holds a slight 1-inch reach advantage, while Yan has a solid 5.14-to-3.01 significant strikes landed per minute advantage. The difference is negligible in significant strikes accuracy percentage, with Figueiredo holding an advantage by less than 1%.

The same holds true in takedown average, with Yan leading 1.73 to 1.68, although he is much more effective at 51.02% in takedown accuracy percentage, to just 35.94% for the Brazilian. When Figueiredo gets you on the canvas, though, he is much more effective with a 1.60 submission average, to just 0.14 for Yan.

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UFC Fight Night 248: Yan vs. Figueiredo odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list UFC odds. Lines last updated Friday at 10:10 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Yan -310 (bet $310 to win $100) | Figueiredo +250 (bet $100 to win $250)
  • Total rounds: 4.5 Rounds (Over -174 | Under +138)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -172 | No +132)

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UFC Fight Night 248: Yan vs. Figueiredo picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Call me crazy, but FIGUEIREDO (+250) looks like a live ‘dog at this price. He will help you more than double up, and really, he has been fighting better than Yan (-310) lately.

The Brazilian has 3 straight victories over Font, Garbrandt and Vera — some of the biggest names in the division — as Figueiredo looks to position himself for 1 final shot at the strap.

If he is to win this bout, he’ll need to avoid a toe-to-toe brawl with Yan, and it would behoove him to get to the canvas as early as possible. Figueiredo will win this bout with a solid showing with plenty of top position, especially since neither of these fighters has had a lot of finishes lately, and it’s all about style points.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 4.5 ROUNDS (-174) is slightly more expensive, but it gives you a little big of wiggle room in the event of a potential late finish in Round 5. Yes: Will fight go the distance (-172) is slightly cheaper, but not as good of a play.

Again, Yan has ended up going the distance in 5 consecutive fights, while Figueiredo has ended up going all the way in 3 of the previous 5 outings.

FIGUEIREDO ON POINTS (+460) is also too tempting to pass up. If you like the underdog to win, that’s certainly worth a roll of the dice.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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UFC 309: Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC 309 odds between Charles Olivera vs. Michael Chandler, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 5-round lightweight bout on the main card, Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler battle at UFC 309 on Saturday at Madison Square Garden. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s UFC odds around the UFC 309: Oliveira vs. Chandler odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The early prelims begin at 6 p.m. ET on hulu/ESPN+, while the prelims get started at 8 p.m. ET on ESPNews/FX/hulu/ESPN+. The main card begins at 10 p.m. ET on Pay-Per-View (PPV).

Records: Oliveira (34-10-0) | Chandler (23-8-0)

Oliveira is looking to rebound after a split-decision loss to Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300 in mid-April. He lost his lightweight strap to Islam Makhachev at UFC 280, and while he followed that up with a first-round KO/TKO of veteran Beneil Dariush at UFC 289, after the loss to Tsarukyan, he is currently considered the No. 2 contender.

Chandler is also looking to bounce back from a loss, as he was submitted by Dustin Poirier at UFC 281 in his most recent showing Nov. 12, 2022. He is also looking for redemption, after eating fists at UFC 262 against Oliveira in their first matchup for the title on May 15, 2021. Oliveira won that fight via KO/TKO just 19 seconds into Round 2.

The 35-year-old Brazilian Muay Thai specialist Oliveira has a 2.5-inch reach advantage over the 38-year-old American fighter. Chandler holds a 4.89-to-3.39 significant strikes landed per minute advantage, although Oliveira is a little more accurate at 61.97% to just 51.79% for Chandler.

On the ground, Oliveira is deadly, posting a 2.81 submission average, to just 0.87 for Chandler. Both have a 2.17 takedown average, with Oliveira slightly more accurate on takedowns at 40.0%.

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UFC 309: Oliveira vs. Chandler odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list UFC odds. Lines last updated at 3:10 p.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Oliveira -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | Chandler +205 (bet $100 to win $205)
  • Total rounds: 1.5 Rounds (Over -112 | Under -112)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +590 | No -1100)

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UFC 309: Oliveira vs. Chandler picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Oliviera (-250) has done it before against Chandler, knocking him out in short order in the first meeting. However, both fighters are coming off a loss, and risking 2½ times the potential return is not a smart investment. Let’s get a little more specific.

OLIVEIRA BY SUBMISSION (+150) is a much more attractive play, with much less risk, too. When the Brazilian can get fighters to the ground, it usually doesn’t end well for the opposition. He uses punishing Muay Thai kicks to the calves, weakening the legs of his opponent early on, before getting them to the canvas for the finish. He has been one of the best in UFC history, and while Chandler is a tremendous wrestler, it’s hard to come back from those devastating kicks to the calves.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 1.5 ROUNDS (-112) is the best play on the board. While Oliveira will be trying to get this down to the mat early and often, Chandler is smart enough to hang around. This won’t be easy by any stretch, and it will be a lot more entertaining than that farce we saw on Netflix Friday night.

However, you can’t play the distance props as there is literally zero chance this fight goes all the way, yet you can’t play No (-1100): Will the fight go the distance, risking 11 times the potential return. That makes no sense, either.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and us on Facebook.

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UFC 309: Bo Nickal vs. Paul Craig odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC 309 odds between Bo Nickal vs. Paul Craig, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 3-round middleweight bout, Bo Nickal and Paul Craig battle at UFC 309 Saturday at Madison Square Garden on the main card. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s UFC odds around the UFC 309: Nickal vs. Craig odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The early prelims begin at 6 p.m. ET on hulu/ESPN+, while the prelims get started at 8 p.m. ET on ESPNews/FX/hulu/ESPN+. The main card begins at 10 p.m. ET on Pay-Per-View (PPV).

Records: Nickal (6-0-0) | Craig (17-8-1)

Nickal has picked up 3 wins in 3 appearances at the UFC level, and he has had finishes in each of the outings. Nickal wasted no time with a first-round submission of Jamie Pickett in his company debut at UFC 285, while making quick work of Val Woodburn in just 38 seconds with a KO/TKO at UFC 290.

Nickal had to go a little deeper against Cody Brundage last time out at UFC 300, but he ended up with the submission win in Round 2, his second victory via the method in 3 UFC battles.

Craig lost via KO/TKO to Caio Borralho last time out at UFC 301, falling in 2 rounds, and he is just 1-4 in the previous 5 fights. His lone win was a KO/TKO is Andre Muniz on July 22, 2023. He has been knocked out twice in the past 5 fights, while losing via submission once, with a unanimous decision setback, too.

The reach length for both fighters is identical at 76 inches. The southpaw Nickal has just 1.64 significant strikes landed per minute, but he is very accurate at 72.94% on those strikes. He also has a ridiculous 7.46 takedown average and submission average. Once you go to the mat with Nickal, it’s not going to end well.

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UFC 309: Nickal vs. Craig odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list UFC odds. Lines last updated at 2:27 p.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Nickal -1400 (bet $1,400 to win $100) | Craig +830 (bet $100 to win $830)
  • Total rounds: 1.5 Rounds (Over +142 | Under -180)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +610 | No -1100)

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UFC 309: Nickal vs. Craig picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Nickal (-1400) will set you back 14 times your potential return. It’s not wise to bet such a strong favorite straight up. Even if it seems like a sure thing, there is just no value betting such a heavy favorite for such a small return. Even as part of a multi-leg parlay, it makes no sense.

You can make money in this fight by playing a 4-leg Same Game Parlay, however, using these plays:

  • Nickal by submission: Method of victory (+200)
  • Nickal: Most significant strikes (-235)
  • Under: 1.5 total rounds (-180)
  • No: Will the fight go the distance?

If you bet this 4-LEG SAME-GAME PARLAY (+444), a $10 wager nets a profit of $44.40 with a total payout of $54.40.

Over/Under (O/U)

If you prefer not to do the SGP above, or are perhaps worried about the potential of a knockout, UNDER 1.5 ROUNDS (-180) is pricey, but still the best play in terms of fight length. You can’t mess with No: Will fight go the distance? (-1100) as that requires risking 11 times the return.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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UFC 309: Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC 309 odds between Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 5-round heavyweight championship bout in the main event, Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic battle at UFC 309 Saturday at Madison Square Garden. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s UFC odds around the UFC 309: Jones vs. Miocic odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The early prelims begin at 6 p.m. ET on Hulu/ESPN+, while the prelims get started at 8 p.m. ET on ESPNews/FX/Hulu/ESPN+. The main card begins at 10 p.m. ET on pay-per-view.

Records: Jones (27-1-0) | Miocic (20-4-0)

Jones returned to the octagon after a 3-year absence, posting a first-round submission win over Ciryl Gane to snatch the heavyweight strap at UFC 285 in his step up to the heavyweight division. The 37-year-old is making his way back from a torn pectoral muscle, which pushed this event back more than a year.

Miocic last fought at UFC 260, losing in a second-round KO/TKO against Francis Ngannou in a championship bout. The greatest heavyweight in UFC history now gets a shot at the most decorated fighter in company history in an epic showdown between 2 fighters at the tail end of their careers.

Miocic is a punching machine who will want to try and keep this an upright brawl, while Jones will want to get him down to the canvas to get all serpentine on the former champ, looking for a submission victory.

Jones has a 4.5-inch reach advantage, while the difference in significant strikes landed per minute, as well as the accuracy on those strikes, is fairly negligible.

Jones has an ever-so-slight 1.93-to-1.86 takedown average, with a 45.36% takedown accuracy percentage, to just 34.25% for Miocic. Bones has a 0.48 submission average, too, which he’d love to improve.

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UFC 309: Jones vs. Miocic odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list UFC odds. Lines last updated at 1:24 p.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Jones -700 (bet $700 to win $100) | Miocic +475 (bet $100 to win $475)
  • Total rounds: 2.5 Rounds (Over +110 | Under -145)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +300 | No -500)

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UFC 309: Jones vs. Miocic picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Jones (-700) will cost you more 7 times your potential return, if you’re looking to back him straight up. That’s way too much risk for not enough reward.

As far as Miocic (+475) is concerned, the layoff has just been too much, and that makes him a super risky pick. It would be an amazing upset, and frankly, it’s stunning to see the former champ, and one of the most dominant heavyweights in UFC history, as such a heavy underdog. It’s tempting to play him straight up.

The best course of action is to take JONES BY KO/TKO OR DQ (+100) at even money. Miocic has been away a while, and it won’t end well against Jones, one of the best to ever do it.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 2.5 ROUNDS (-145) may be the best play on the board.

Jones has actually ended up going the distance in 3 of his past 4 fights, but those distance bouts were from March 2019 to Feb. 2020. In his most recent bout in March 2023, he needed just 2:04 to submit Gane.

For Miocic, he has seen just 2 of his past 10 fights go the distance, and 5 of those fights didn’t make it out of the first round. It would be stunning to see this one last into the night.

As far as No (-500): Will fight go the distance?, that’s just way too much risk for not nearly enough reward.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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UFC Fight Night 246: Erin Blanchfield vs. Rose Namajunas odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 246 odds between Erin Blanchfield vs. Rose Namajunas, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 5-round women’s flyweight bout in the co-main event, Erin Blanchfield and Rose Namajunas meet Saturday at UFC Fight Night 246 — also known as UFC on ESPN+ 104 — at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s UFC odds around the UFC Fight Night 246: Blanchfield vs. Namajunas odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN+, while the main card begins at 8 p.m. ET.

Records: Blanchfield (12-2-0) | Namajunas (14-6-0)

Blanchfield suffered a unanimous-decision loss against Manon Fiorot March 30 in a Fight Night main event. It was her first loss at the UFC level after winning her first 6 fights with the company. She has ended up going the distance in 4 of her 7 UFC fights, while recording 3 submission victories.

Namajunas has recorded 2 straight unanimous-decisions wins over Amanda Ribas and Tracy Cortez, and she has ended up going the distance in 5 consecutive fights.

Blanchfield has a slight 1-inch reach advantage over “Thug,” and she has a 5.47-to-3.70 significant strikes landed per minute advantage. Blanchfield is much more accurate with those strikes, too, hitting at a 54.04% clip, while Namajunas lands just 46.66% of those significant strikes.

In the takedown average, Blanchfield has managed a 2.05 mark, while Namajunas checks in at 1.55. Namajunas is much more accurate in takedown accuracy, posting an impressive 53.19% mark, while Blanchfield has a solid 1.02 submission average.

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UFC Fight Night 246: Blanchfield vs. Namajunas odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of UFC odds. Lines last updated at 12:20 p.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Blanchfield -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Namajunas +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -250 | No +175)

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UFC Fight Night 246: Blanchfield vs. Namajunas picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

BLANCHFIELD (-140) is an outstanding play straight up. As long as she can avoid going to the mat with Namajunas (+115) — where the former 2-time strawweight champ is at her best — Blanchfield will get the job done.

This is a fight that should be able to go the distance. Backing BLANCHFIELD BY DECISION/TECHNICAL DECISION (+125) at plus-money to win on points has good value, too, if you want to get specific. However, playing the moderate favorite straight isn’t terrible and gives you a win if she gets a KO/TKO or submission, too. It really depends on how conservative of a bettor you are.

Over/Under (O/U)

Yes: Fight to go the distance (-250) will cost you 2½ times your potential return, and that’s quite expensive straight up. However, as part of a multi-leg parlay, it can be excused tossing it in.

However, AVOID playing this prop by itself.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and us on Facebook.

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UFC Fight Night 246: Marc-Andre Barriault vs. Dustin Stoltzfus odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 246 odds between Marc-Andre Barriault vs. Dustin Stoltzfus, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 3-round middleweight bout on the main card, Marc-Andre Barriault and Dustin Stoltzfus meet Saturday at UFC Fight Night 246 – also known as UFC on ESPN+ 104 – at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s UFC odds around the UFC Fight Night 246: Barriault vs. Stoltzfus odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN+, and the main card begins at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Records: Barriault (16-8-0) | Stoltzfus (15-6-0)

The Canadian Barriault fights in his native country looking to snap a 2-bout skid. He suffered a first-round KO/TKO last time out against Joe Pyfer at UFC 303 last time out in late June. Before that, he suffered a split-decision loss against Chris Curtis at UFC 297. His most recent win was against Eryk Anders on UFC 289 in a unanimous-decision victory.

For Stoltzfus, he was knocked out at the end of Round 1 against Brunno Ferreira in early June, and he is just 2-5 in his past 7 fights. He has tapped out twice, while losing via KO/TKO twice, and once via unanimous decision.

Stoltzfus holds a 1-inch reach advantage, although Barriault is well ahead with a 6.12-to-3.51 significant strikes landed per minute advantage. Stoltzfus is slightly more accurate at 56.61%, and he is well ahead in takedown average at 2.45-to-0.21. As such, Barriault will want to avoid going to the mat, where Stoltzfus has a 1.02 submission average.

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UFC Fight Night 246: Barriault vs. Stoltzfus odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of UFC odds. Lines last updated at 12:10 p.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Barriault -200 (bet $200 to win $100) | Stoltzfus +165 (bet $100 to win $165)
  • Total Rounds: 2.5 Rounds (Over -145 | Under +110)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -110 | No -120)

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UFC Fight Night 246: Barriault vs. Stoltzfus picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Barriault (-200) will set you back 2 times your potential return if you were to play him straight up on the 2-way line. That’s too expensive straight up, so let’s get specific.

Barriault will be trying to stay upright, as Stoltzfus (+165) is at his best on the mat, and that’s where he could get the job done against the Canadian fighter.

The favorite will likely be very careful, and this could be a fight where the crowd gets a little impatient with the slow pace. BARRIAULT BY DECISION/TECHNICAL DECISION (+150) is the best way to go.

Over/Under (O/U)

YES (-110): FIGHT TO GO THE DISTANCE? is a safe play, especially if you want a little action on the fight, and you don’t necessarily want to declare a winner.

Barriault has gone the distance in 2 of the past 3 fights, but be careful. Stoltzfus hasn’t gone the distance since July 16, 2022 against Dwight Grant, finishing inside the distance in each of his past 3 bouts.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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UFC Fight Night 246: Brandon Moreno vs. Amir Albazi odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 246 odds between Brandon Moreno vs. Amir Albazi, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 5-round flyweight bout in the main event, Brandon Moreno and Amir Albazi meet Saturday at UFC Fight Night 246 – also known as UFC on ESPN+ 104 – at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s UFC odds around the UFC Fight Night 246: Moreno vs. Albazi odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN+, and the main card begins at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Records: Moreno (21-8-2) | Albazi (17-1-0)

Moreno is looking to bounce back after a split-decision loss to Brandon Royval last time out in the main event on Feb. 24. That setback came on the heels of a championship bout loss to Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 290 in July 2023. His last victory came in a TKO – Doctor’s Stoppage against Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 283 Jan. 21, 2023.

Albazi picked up a split-decision win against Kai Kara-France June 3, 2023, in his most recent appearance in a fight night main event. Since making his UFC debut on July 18, 2020, he has picked up 5 victories, including 2 submission victories, a KO/TKO win over Alessandro Costa, and 2 decision victories.

Moreno holds a 2-inch reach advantage, and he has a 3.87-to-2.80 significant strikes landed per minute advantage, too. Moreno is more accurate at 50.29%, while Albazi has managed a 48.57% mark. The takedown average difference is negligible, while Moreno is more accurate in that category, too, going 46.88%.

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UFC Fight Night 246: Moreno vs. Albazi odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of UFC odds. Lines last updated at 12:05 p.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Moreno -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | Albazi +140 (bet $100 to win $140)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -200 | No +150)

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UFC Fight Night 246: Moreno vs. Albazi picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

MORENO (-165) is worth a look as a moderate favorite over the Iraqi challenger. He is just 2 fights removed from fighting for a championship at this weight class, and he is looking to bounce back and position himself for another run at the strap.

Albazi (+140) has won each of his fights at the UFC level, but outside of Kara-France, he hasn’t faced a great level of talent.

We’ll roll the dice on MORENO BY DECISION/TECHNICAL DECISION (+125) at plus-money. He has gone the distance in each of the past 2 outings, and 4 of the previous 7 fights.

Over/Under (O/U)

YES: FIGHT TO GO THE DISTANCE (-200) is a little on the expensive side, costing you 2 times your potential return. Straight up, it isn’t a great wager, but if you fold it into a multi-leg parlay, it can be excused.

Albazi went the distance last time out, and he has needed the judges to determine a winner in 2 of his past 4 fights.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and us on Facebook.

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UFC 308: Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakic odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC 308 odds between Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakic, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 3-round light heavyweight bout on the main card, Magomed Ankalaev and Aleksandar Rakic meet Saturday at UFC 308 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s UFC odds around the UFC 308: Ankalaev vs. Rakic odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at 10 a.m. ET on ESPN+, and the main card begins at 2 p.m. ET on pay-per-view.

Records: Ankalaev (19-1-1) | Rakic (14-4-0)

Ankalaev picked up a 2nd-round KO/TKO against Johnny Walker last time out in the main event in mid-January, rebounding from a 1st-round no contest in late Oct. 2023. Prior to that, he fought to a draw at UFC 282 against Jan Blachowicz in Dec. 2022 in a title fight.

Rakic has dropped the past 2 fights, both via KO/TKO, against Jiri Prochazka and Jan Blachowicz. He also has a losing record, going 2-3 in the past 5 fights.

Rakic enters the octagon with a 3-inch reach advantage, while also posting a 4.26-to-3.64 significant strikes landed per minute lead. The significant strikes accuracy percentage is nearly identical, with Rakic holding a slight lead at 63.74% to 63.20% for Ankalaev.

The Russian fighter has a slight 1.02-to-0.76 takedown average advantage, while posting a 31.25% takedown accuracy percentage.

Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here.

UFC 308: Ankalaev vs. Rakic odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of UFC odds. Lines last updated at 10:25 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Ankalaev -400 (bet $400 to win $100) | Rakic +300 (bet $100 to win $300)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -160 | No +115)

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UFC 308: Ankalaev vs. Rakic picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Ankalaev (-400) will cost you 4 times your potential return if you bet the favorite on the 2-way moneyline. That’s way too much risk for not nearly enough return.

Instead, let’s get a little more specific. The Russian fighter is a punching machine and knockout specialist. He has won 5 of his past 10 fights via KO/TKO, with only 1 of those KOs making it to Round 3. As such, ANKALAEV BY KO/TKO, DQ OR SUBMISSION (+200) is a strong play on the 5-way line. You could play Ankalaev by KO/TKO or DQ (+225) on the 7-way line, but why not add the submission for a small price?

Over/Under (O/U)

NO: FIGHT TO GO THE DISTANCE (+115) is worth a look at plus-money.

Ankalaev has managed to go the distance in just 5 of his 13 fights at the UFC level. On the flip side, Rakic has had just 3 fights go the distance in 7 bouts since Dec. 8, 2018. Ankalaev is trying to get back into the title picture, so he’ll be letting the big punches fly early and often.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and us on Facebook.

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