Last week’s UFC Fight Night: Munhoz vs Edgar was a night for the underdogs, as five of the nine fights that ended up happening that night (many got cancelled last minute due to COVID) saw the betting dog get his/her hand raised. This includes Trevin Jones (+450) and Shana Dobson (+800). Here’s hoping you hit on those two. With no help from me, sadly.
Here are all the winner winner chicken dinners for this week’s UFC Fight Night: Smith vs Rakic.
All odds courtesy of MyBookie
Aleksandar Rakic (-300) vs Anthony Smith
Light heavyweight prospect Aleksandar Rakic lost his last fight, making it the only pro fight he’s lost since his pro debut nine years ago. The 12-2 28-year-old should get back on track this week, as he’s younger, bigger and just plain more talented than journeyman Anthony Smith, who got TKO’d his last fight. Might be worth a KO prop bet here.
Neil Magny (-255) vs Robbie Lawler
Former welterweight champion Robbie Lawler seems to be on his way out, as he’s 38-years-old and has lost his last three fights. Not only is Neil Magny younger, he’s much bigger (four inches of height, six inches of reach). If he can avoid Lawler’s scary power (if he still possesses it), he should get the W.
Alexa Grasso (-315) vs Ji Yeon Kim
Former bantamweight ‘Firefist’ (cool moniker) Ji Yeon Kim will be the larger fighter in this women’s flyweight bout, but Alexa Grasso will be just better. Hopefully. But the -315 line is pretty steep.
Ricardo Lamas (-240, but not posted on MyBookie yet) vs Bill Algeo
Ricardo Lamas has been a top UFC featherweight for almost a decade, and Bill Algeo will be making his UFC debut last minute. Easy pick in this one – surprised the line is as low as it is.
Magomed Ankalaev (-340) vs Ion Cutelaba
These two squared off this past February, with Magomed Ankalaev winning via a controversial TKO that was considered an early stoppage by the referee. They’ve been scheduled to fight a couple of other times since before the fights fell through. Lots of bad blood between the two, and I’m expecting Anakalaev to win this time again, hopefully with less controversy.
Impa Kasanganay (-130) vs Maki Pitolo
‘Tshilobo’ Impa Kasanganay will be making a quick turnaround, as he just punched his ticket into the UFC by winning a couple of weeks ago on Dana White’s Contender Series. Still, the 7-0 Kasanganay should be able to get the job done against ‘Coconut Bombz’, as his superior gas tank should be able to drag Pitolo into deep waters as the fight goes on.
Mallory Martin (-315) vs Hannah Cifers
Two women who could really use a win meet up in this one, as Mallory Martin dropped her UFC debut and Hannah Cifers has lost three straight. Make that four straight after Saturday night, as Martin is a better and bigger fighter.
Alessio Di Chirico (-115) vs Zak Cummings
This one is a toss up, with both men coming in at -115 currently at My Bookie. It’s a toss up in my mind too, but after looking over each men’s striking and grappling stats, I’m leaning ever-so-slightly towards ‘Manzo’.
Alex Caceres vs Kevin Croom
This fight was just added late on Tuesday after Giga Chikadze pulled out of this fight. I’m going with ‘Bruce Leeroy’, Alex Caceres, over newcomer Kevin Croom. But I’m betting that once odds are posted it won’t be worth the risk.
Polyana Viana (-110) vs Emily Whitmire
Another pick ’em on the board, as Emily Whitmire is only at -120 to Polyana Viana’s -110. They were scheduled to fight earlier this year before Whitmire missed weight and then was hospitalized. I’m going with Viana due to her size advantage (four inches of reach) and superior finishing skills (four knockouts and six submissions in 14 wins).
Sean Brady (-400) vs Christian Aguilera
Sean Brady is a very impressive welterweight prospect, sporting a perfect 12-0 record as a pro. He should be too good everywhere for Christian Aguilera during Saturday’s curtain jerker.
Overall Results
Record: 109-69
Earnings: $131.01
Return on Investment: 0.7%