The opening match on Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 34 main card features Thiago Moises against Jalin Turner in a lightweight bout at the UFC’s APEX Facility in Las Vegas. The prelims kick off at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+, followed by the main card set for 8 p.m. ET.
When Moises (13-4) steps into the octagon it will look like a mismatch from a physical perspective. The Brazilian is six inches shorter than Turner (9-5), along with a seven-inch reach disadvantage. Moises heads into this one just 2-2 since making the leap to the UFC’s top level. However, he’s coming off a submission victory over Michael Johnson May 13, winning just 25 seconds into the second round. It was actually Moises’ first fight in the past four that finished inside the distance.
Turner is also 2-2 since making his debut in the UFC. In his last bout, he defeated Joshua Culibao with a second-round knockout Feb. 22. Win or lose, Turner doesn’t go terribly deep into bouts. Three of his four fights in the UFC have finished inside the distance, and 12 of his 14 professional fights overall have not gone to a decision. He is 8-3 via KO/TKO, and 1-0 by way of submission. “The Tarantula” has landed 5.95 significant strikes per minute, with a 48.51 significant strike-accuracy percentage.
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Jalin Turner vs. Thiago Moises betting odds
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 3:45 p.m. ET.
TURNER (+145) is a solid underdog play on the 2-way line. He is taller, has a tremendous reach, and he’ll keep Moises (-176) at length as a result. While this will easily be the toughest opponent he has faced to date, roll the dice on TURNER BY KO/TKO, DQ or SUBMISSION (+260) on the 5-way line to bump up your bank roll. If you want a safer play, do not pick the specific winner, but take KO/TKO/DQ (+220) for the fight finish.
Roll with UNDER 2.5 ROUNDS (-154), as there is very little chance that this one goes the distance, but this prop is a bit of a better value than taking No (-193): “Will the fight go the distance?”
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Also see:
- UFC on ESPN+ 34 predictions (MMA Junkie)
- Moises ready for challenge (MMA Junkie)
- MMA Junkie – The latest UFC/MMA coverage
If you want some action on this MMA bout, place your wagers at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and analysis, visit SportsbookWire.com.
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