We are back on track! UFC Vegas 54 was a profitable endeavor, thanks to Andre Petroski coming through at +300. This week we return to the UFC Apex, with two women bantamweights headlining the Fight Night Card. Here are my winning (hopefully) UFC Vegas 55 predictions.
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UFC Vegas 55 Predictions
All odds courtesy of PointsBet
Holly Holm (-240) vs Ketlen Vieira
Former UFC Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm finally returns to the octagon after the longest layoff of her career (her last fight was October 2020). Despite this, and the fact that she is 10 years older than opponent Ketlen Vieira, I’m still picking her in his fight. Her striking is too good, and Vieira is an inconsistent fighter who hasn’t proved she can beat the elite.
Michel Pereira (-125) vs Santiago Ponzinibbio
The walking highlight film known as Michel Pereira seems to finally be putting it together.
The ‘Demolisher’ has toned done the wildness a bit and finds himself on a four-fight winning streak inside the octagon. I expect the streak to make it to five this weekend, as I think Santiago Ponzinibbio is past his peak, Pereira is much younger (seven years), and is the superior grappler here.
Chidi Njokuani (-230) vs Dusko Todorovic
Veteran Chidi Njokuani, after 28 pro fights, finally made it to the bright lights of the UFC and hasn’t disappointed. Coming off of a knockout win in his debut (and a TKO win on Dana White’s Contender Series), ‘Chidi Bang Bang’ should use his six-inch reach advantage to pick apart Dusko Todorovic on the feet, and maybe get himself another KO.
Jun Yong Park (-210) vs Eryk Anders
Former college football champion Eryk Anders has only won once in his last four fights, and his striking just hasn’t been good over his UFC career. ‘The Iron Turtle’ Jun Yong Park should be the better, more active striker, as well as the better grappler in his matchup.
Polyana Viana (+108) vs Tabatha Ricci
‘Dama de Ferro’ (Iron Lady) Polyana Viana is a finishing machine, stopping all 12 of her pro victims (four knockouts, eight submissions). She also has four inches of height and six inches of reach on this week’s opponent, Tabatha Ricci. Throw in the fact she also has superior striking and grappling stats, and I think we have a live dog on our hands.
Jailton Almeida (-650) vs Parker Porter
Jailton ‘Junior’ Almeida was one of the breakout stars from last season of Dana White’s Contender Series, and he’s moving up to heavyweight for this fight with Parker Porter after his original 205-pound matchup fell through. He’s too talented, big, and young for Porter to handle.
Joseph Holmes (-195) vs Alen Amedovski
‘Ugly Man Joe’ gets a nice matchup in his second UFC fight, as Alen Amedovski hasn’t fought since September 2019 and has never won a UFC fight. Holmes has a half-foot of height and reach on Amedovski, and is seven years younger than him as well.
Uros Medic (+125) vs Omar Morales
I’ll back ‘The Doctor’ Uros Medic for another plus score here in his fight against Omar Morales. He’s 7-1 with seven finishes (five knockouts, two submissions), is eight years younger than Morales, and lands three times the strikes Morales does. Not sure why he’s an underdog, but I’ll take it.
Jonathan Martinez (-230) vs Vince Morales
I complete my fading of fighters named Morales this week by backing Jonathan ‘The Dragon’ Martinez. Pretty simple analysis here – he’s the better striker, and younger, so he’s the pick.
Chase Hooper (+150) vs Felipe Colares
Speaking of young, next I’m backing the 22-year-old Chase Hooper, formerly known as ‘The Teenage Dream’, now just ‘The Dream’. He’s the much better grappler here, plus way bigger.
Elise Reed (-165) vs Sam Hughes
In the curtain jerker, I’ll go chalk with Elise Reed. Once again, the better striker so she’s the pick.
Overall Record: 734-523
2022
Record: 128-66
Earnings: $545.19
Return on Investment: 2.8%
And make sure to check out Jeff’s new Money MMA newsletter/site for more UFC Vegas 54 content, including a free Pick ‘Em Contest where you can win fabulous prizes!
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