While the UFC continues to be the king when it comes to MMA and gambling, there is more MMA than ever to bet on now. Promotions all over the world as well as domestic ones are showing up in sportsbooks. The advantage here is that the data is usually quite a bit less sharp than when you’re making MMA predictions for the UFC. So we’ve decided to dig into some each week to get you started on your regional MMA journey. This week we head overseas for UAE Warriors 69 from Al Ain, UAE for our regional MMA pick.
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MMA Regional Pick of the Week: UAE Warriors 69
UAE Warriors Light Heavyweight Fight: Caio Machado vs Magomed Tuchalov
Card Start Time: Saturday (3/28), 10:00am EST (UFC Fight Pass)
It’s always interesting to see where books will line UFC fighters on the regional scene. After getting the big, ugly axe in the UFC, Caio Machado has returned to the cage with a purpose. Now down at light heavyweight, he not only has righted the ship, but done so in a meaningful way. He’s scored five straight first round finishes and looks to be the version of himself that we liked before the UFC.
His biggest knock when he was in the show was that he was too tentative. He seems aware of the power coming back his way and was unwilling to push the pace. That’s simply not the case – or at least hasn’t been – since he’s returned to regional action. And it should be a huge weapon as he steps in with Tuchalov.
The Russian opponent comes with a skill set that you might expect from a 5-0 fighter from that part of the world. He has clear grappling chops, but often does not set up the shots he needs to get the takedowns. While that has worked before, we’re looking at a steep step up in competition. His previous five opponents combined for a total record of just 9-5. That’s less than three pro fights per fighter. Each of them struggled with his strength even when his shots were less than perfect.
I expect the more experienced Machado to be ready for what’s coming his way. If he is, he should be ready to puh the pace and pick up another KO with plus-money attached.
UAE Warriors 69 Pick: Caio Machado ML (+140)
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