The first UFC pay-per-view of 2022 goes down this weekend – UFC 270 – from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. The card is headlined by two title fights, including a heavyweight championship unification fight in the main event. Let’s try to build off last week and hit some more winners with my UFC 270 predictions.
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UFC 270 Predictions
All odds courtesy of PointsBet
Ciryl Gane (-155) vs Francis Ngannou
I’m taking the challenger in the main event (that belt he’s wearing in the photo above is only an interim belt and I don’t count those) and I’m only getting -155?! What’s up with that?! Regardless of the unfavorable line, I like Ciryl Gane’s chances at beating current ‘real’ champ Francis Ngannou on Saturday night. He’s got the cerebral style and defensive chops to pick away at the champ and probably win via decision. But avoiding Ngannou’s famous power for 25 minutes will be a high-stakes ordeal.
Brandon Moreno (-180) vs Deiveson Figueiredo
In the co-main event, for the UFC Flyweight Championship, I’ll go chalk again and pick champ Brandon Moreno to beat former champ Deiveson Figueiredo for the second time in a row (they fought a third time in a fight that went to a draw). Moreno seems to have Figueiredo figured out after their first match went to the draw, dominating the champ in the rematch before finally submitting him in the third round. I see no reason why the outcome on Saturday will be any different.
Michel Pereira (-290) vs Andre Fialho
Former wildman Michel Pereira has toned down his act as of late but has continued to find success, winning his last three fights. ‘Demolidor’ (Demolisher) is facing a fighter making his UFC debut on short notice in Andre Fialho, never a good formula for success (for the newcomer). Regardless of what version of Pereira shows up in the cage this weekend, he’s going to win.
Said Nurmagomedov (-200) vs Cody Stamann
A famous last name, but Said Nurmagomedov isn’t directly related to the legend Khabib. And it shows in the cage, as he’s far more of a striker than a grappler. I expect him to put it on Cody Stamann on the feet on Saturday, while also having the grappling chops to keep Stamann off of him.
Rodolfo Vieira (-240) vs Wellington Turman
Two Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts collide in this one, but there are levels to this game, and the man pictured above, Rodolfo Vieira, is a multi-time world champion in that sport. He’s going to outgrapple the younger Wellington Turman this weekend and probably earn himself yet another submission victory.
Raoni Barcelos (-500) vs Victor Henry
Victor Henry will be making his UFC debut after 26 pro fights, but he’s getting a very tough matchup right off the bat in Raoni Barcelos. Barcelos won his first five UFC fights before dropping one his last time out. He gets back on a winning streak this weekend.
Ilia Topuria (-600) vs Charles Jourdain
My fellow Canadian Charles Jourdain will be stepping into this fight on short notice and is probably going to get pieced up. Ilia Topuria is one of the best young fighters in MMA, sporting an 11-0 record, finishing all of his opponents but one. Fighting him without proper preparation isn’t a good idea.
Jack Della Maddalena (-350) vs Pete Rodriguez
Aussie Jack Della Maddalena was one of the fighters who impressed the most on the most recent season of Dana White’s Contender Series. After losing his first two pro fights, he’s gone on a 10-fight winning streak. Pete Rodriguez is only 4-0 and is stepping in on short notice. Della Maddalena rolls.
Trevin Giles (+100) vs Michael Morales
Finally an underdog, but the line has moved quite a bit and it’s only even money coming back on Trevin Giles. I like his size advantage and his experience to carry the day against heralded newcomer Michael Morales, another DWCS alum.
Tony Gravely (-250) vs Saimon Oliveira
Saimon Oliviera is yet another fighter from last season’s DWCS to debut on this card (there are five in total), but I’m picking against him as well. Tony Gravely has fought quite a few better grapplers than Oliveira in the past, and I think he’s got the goods to beat him.
Vanessa Demopoulos (-145) vs Silvana Gomez Juarez
Two women strawweights looking for their first UFC win lock up in the early prelims. I think Vanessa Demopoulos is better in all aspects of the game and will get her hand raised for the first time in a UFC cage on Saturday.
Genaro Valdez (+160) vs Matt Frevola
I’m loving the +160 line for Genaro Valdez. A perfect 10-0 as a pro, with all his wins coming via finish, and fresh off a TKO finish on the Contender Series, Valdez should be able to best Matt Frevola, who is a pedestrian 2-3-1 in the UFC.
Kay Hansen (-240) vs Jasmine Jasudavicius
I’m fading another Canadian (and another DWCS fighter) in the curtain jerker and going with veteran Kay Hansen. Despite being 10 years Jasmine Jasudavicius’s junior, Hansen has way more high-level experience and is a strong grappler, which is what Jasudavicius leans on to win fights.
Overall Record: 612-461
2022
Record: 6-4
Earnings: -($97.34)
Return on Investment: -9.7%
Listen to this:
UFC 270 Betting Guide (The Be Sharps) | MMA Gambling Podcast (Ep.109)
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