They did it to us again – the UFC stuck us with no event last week, the second time in three weeks. Thankfully they are back at it this weekend, and won’t be taking another break until late November. For the second straight event, the ladies have been given the main event slot. Here are my UFC Vegas 62 predictions.
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UFC Vegas 62 Predictions
All odds courtesy of WynnBet
Alexa Grasso (-235) vs Viviane Araujo
I thought long and hard about going with the underdog in this main event, but I’ve decided to back favorite Alexa Grasso. She’s going to be the better striker in this matchup with Viviane Araujo, and while Araujo may be the better grappler, she doesn’t do much with her takedowns once she lands them. I like Grasso winning a five-round striking affair.
https://twitter.com/Evaaaaaand/status/1578957673428529152
Cub Swanson (+175) vs Jonathan Martinez
However, I am going to pull the trigger on a big underdog in the co-main event. While I do have concerns about the soon-to-be 39-year-old Cub Swanson inexplicably deciding to cut down to bantamweight for the first time for this fight, he’s done nothing but exceeded my expectations for him as of late. He’s won three of four, only fights the toughest of competition, and is a comparable – and harder-hitting – striker as Jonathan Martinez. Let’s roll the dice on the old dog.
Askar Askarov (-240) vs Brandon Royval
Top flyweight prospect Askar Askarov was upset by Kai Kara-France earlier this year, being dealt the first loss of his pro career. I expect the wrestling monster to bounce back on Saturday against Brandon Royval. Royval’s 39% success rate stuffing takedowns in the UFC sticks out like a sore thumb heading into this fight.
Jordan Wright (+175) vs Dusko Todorovic
Yep, another big dog for me. Neither of these guys are very good, even for middleweights. I’ll go with Jordan Wright due to his reach advantage, finishing ability, and grappling edge. But I still don’t think he’s very good. But better than Dusko Todorovic. Hopefully.
https://twitter.com/PureKnockouts/status/1579860035009904640
Alonzo Menifield (-215) vs Misha Cirkunov
The bloom is off the Misha Cirkunov rose. He’s lost three straight and four of five. I think he’s pretty much shot. Alonzo Menifield is just the better fighter at this point, winner of three of four. But this is more of a fade on Cirkunov than anything else.
Mana Martinez (-155) vs Brandon Davis
Mana Martinez is six years younger than Brandon Davis, is the better striker and grappler, and has knocked out eight of his nine pro victims. What’s not to like here?
https://twitter.com/Evaaaaaand/status/1579643885462392832
Victor Henry (-425) vs Raphael Assuncao
Former top bantamweight contender Raphael Assuncao is 40 and hasn’t won a fight since July of 2018. Victor Henry is younger, bigger, and a much better striker. Easy pick.
Jacob Malkoun (+110) vs Nick Maximov
Nick Maximov got exposed in his last fight against Andre Petroski, one in which he entered as a heavy favorite. Now he’s up against a fellow grappler (a grappling champ, no less) in Jacob Malkoun, who is also a better striker. I’m liking this underdog pick.
Joanderson Brito (-390) vs Lucas Alexander
Lucas Alexander is making his UFC debut on Saturday on short notice. That’s never a situation conducive to winning. I’ll take Joanderson Brito, who also happens to be on a hot 11-1 streak over his last 12 fights, including a quick finish of tough veteran Andre Fili.
Sam Hughes (+140) vs Piera Rodriguez
I’m seeing some wise people getting in on Sam Hughes for this week, and I’m throwing my hat in the ring as well. She’s looked like a new fighter since moving to Fortis MMA, relying more on her wrestling, and I like her resume better than Piera Rodriguez. Give me that plus money!
Tatsuro Taira (-260) vs Carlos (C.J.) Vergara
Former Shooto champ Tatsuro Taira is a perfect 11-0 as a pro, with eight finishes, impressive for a flyweight. He’s also nine years younger than C.J. Vergara and a much better striker.
Pete Rodriguez (-735) vs Mike Jackson
Mike Jackson has somehow turned his gig as a UFC opponent for pro wrestler CM Punk into a fourth UFC fight. It should end here. He’s not UFC caliber, and Pete Rodriguez is 11 years younger and has scored knockouts in all four of his pro wins.
Overall Record: 864-591
2022
Record: 258-137
Earnings: $432.77
Return on Investment: 1.1%
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