Usually we get a bad card following a PPV but this is a decent showing by the UFC as its headlined by a fight that could very well be the #1 contender for the light heavyweight title. We see former champion Jan Blachowicz taking on prospect Aleksander Rakic
Here are some specifics. The prelims start at 7:30 with the main card kicking off at 10:oo . All of the action can be seen on ESPN+
I will give you my predictions in the order the fights are to take place. All odds are courtesy of Bet MGM. The King of Sports Books! For new users head on over there and use the promocode PatEgan and get your first bet RISK FREE up to $1K
80-63 this year. 28-16 on locks.
In 2021 I hit on 60% of picks. In 2021 I hit on 61% of “locks” (so a lot of people had keys to that lock.)
(7-7 last fight card. 3-1 on locks)
PRELIMS
Andrei Petroski
Tatsuro Taira
Virna Jandiroba
Alan Patrick
Andrea Lee
Allan Nascimento
MAIN EVENT TIME
Manuel Torres vs. Frank Camacho
In his 7 UFC fights Frank “The Tank” has gone a poultry 2-5. But when you look at his losses it is to some of the best in the division. Beneil Dariush, Drew Dober, Geoff Neal. The Justin Jaynes loss is a bad one and because of it its a little surprising hes getting another fight. But Camacho knows this could be it. Hes facing an exciting up and comer in Manuel Torres who is making his UFC debut after a torrid streak on the regional circuit. I think if Camacho can get out of the first round his experience takes over. Most of Torres fights have barely gone a round. I like Camacho to win this one by a decision.
Frank Camacho.
Katlyn Chookagian vs. Amanda Ribas
Two of the true contenders in the womens flyweight division, this could legitamately be a #1 contenders fight. Ribas was on a tear until she ran into Marina Rodriguez and then she got back into the win column against Virna Jandiroba and she looked better. Her striking looked improved and she is going to need that against Chookagian who doesnt have knockout power but she swarms you with volume. It is VERY likely that Chookagian keeps this fight at range and picks Ribas apart like Rodriguez did (until ultimately finishing her) but I think Ribas is able to close distance in the small cage and get Chookagian onto the mat where she either controls her, or submits her. I would love to be wrong since Chookagian is a local girl.
Amanda Ribas
Louis Smolka vs. Davey Grant
Two guys that desperately need to get back in the win column. Louis Smolka has yet to live up to the hype that came with him when he made his debut in 2018. All 3 of his UFC wins are against fighters who are no longer in the UFC. Quite frankly, hes just a filler at this point and I cant believe this fight is on the main card. Davey Grant has faired slightly better, against better competition. And he shouldnt have a problem with getting back in the win column this week.
Davey Grant (lock)
Ryan Spann vs. Ion Cutelaba
Its forgotten how good Ion Cutelaba is because of the ridiculous back to back fights with Magomed Ankaleav where he was outmatched….twice. But he is a guy who has a win against the current champ under his belt. On the other side Spann is a heavy hitter with the ability to tap you out. The few times he has fought contenders he has come up short. But I love the camp that Spann fights at (Fortis) and the fact this is in a small cage. I think Spann cracks Cutelaba and is able to get the finish.
Ryan Spann
Jan Blachowicz vs. Aleksander Rakic
This very well could be the fight for the #1 contender. I was a little surprised that Jan didnt earn an immediate rematch after losing his title to now champ Glover Teixeira but the UFC is hell bent, and rightfully so, on getting Jiri Prochazka a title fight. So one could assume that with a convincing win either of these men could be the next in line. Rakic is a huge up and comer who’s only blemish is against Volkan Oezdemir and many thought he won that fight. I did think he lost the Anthony Smith fight but I am alone in that mind set. Blachowicz has that legendary “Polish Power” that he will look to put on display, as well as a solid wrestling game. At the end of the day I think Blachowicz’ experience plays a factor. Rakic has never gone 5 rounds, he will have to. I think Jan and his experience get it done.
Jan Blachowicz (lock)
Since BET MGM is the king of parlay’s here is how the parlay odds look!
- f you take every one of my picks and parlay them on BetMGM, wagering $100 you’d win $508,302 (+508202)
- If you just parlay the prelims, using all my picks and wagering $100 you would walk away with $9,849 (+9749)
- Parlay the main card, taking all my picks and wagering $100 you would cash in $5,160 (+5060)
- And if you just want to take my locks and parlay them on BetMGM, wagering $100 you would win $353 (+253)
Odds subject to change. Good luck!