Odds provided by Duelbits accurate as of 7/31/2024

Cory Sandhagen +245 vs. Umar Nurmagomedov -313

This very intriguing matchup will determine the next title challenger at Bantamweight. Cory Sandhagen is a very creative striker who uses his long reach effectively to outstrike opponents, although he has also improved his ground game drastically, having used his wrestling a lot in his wins over Marlon Vera and Rob Font. Umar Nurmagomedov will finally be tested here after having dominated his way to the rankings with the wrestling his name would suggest and striking that earned him a highlight knockout over Raoni Barcelos.

At these odds, it's underdog or nothing for me as I just can't bring myself to take such an unproven fighter against someone as skilled as Sandhagen, although I do like a bet on the fight to go the distance as both men will be tough to finish.

Prediction: Sandhagen by Decision

Shara Magomedov -270 vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk +215

Middleweight finishers square off in this must-see matchup. Shara Magomedov has become known for his incredibly fast kicks, although his game also lacks much else, with his grappling game being non-existent. Michal Oleksiejczuk is a very powerful puncher who will walk forward and force action; he also lacks much ground game to speak of, as was shown after he dropped Kevin Holland and was quickly subbed in his last fight.

I'll pick Magomedov here as I see the speed and power of his kicks being too much for Oleksiejczuk, although the price makes him tough to bet on, as he is facing a power striker and has been cracked before.

Prediction: Magomedov by Decision

Marlon Vera +119 vs. Deiveson Figueiredo -147

Veterans who have seen it all face off are looking to enter the title picture at Bantamweight. Marlon 'Chito' Vera is one of the most dangerous finishers in the division, with very powerful striking; although his volume can be low at times, we have seen him controlled on the ground. Deiveson Figueiredo looks to continue his run at this weight after showing his power translates against Rob Font and using his dangerous ground game to submit former champion Cody Garbrandt for his last time out.

I like Vera as the underdog here, as he is the bigger and more powerful guy with all the finishing upside and can still take a decision based on damage.

Prediction: Vera by 3rd Round TKO

Tony Ferguson +420 vs. Michael Chiesa -667

Welterweights are looking to end their losing skids clash in this one. Tony Ferguson looks to avoid a record-losing streak here after dropping his last seven fights; now, at forty years old, it's clear Ferguson doesn't have much of the dangerous pace and ground game he once did and now poses little threat to anyone in the cage. Michael Chiesa is a big, strong wrestler who has recently dealt with several injuries, limiting his time in the octagon, with his last showing being an early loss to Kevin Holland.

As tempting as the odds are, I can't go with Ferguson here as any explosiveness he had is long gone now, and despite Chiesa's recent struggles, he should have a big wrestling advantage here.

Prediction: Chiesa by 2nd Round Submission

Mackenzie Dern -122 vs. Loopy Godinez +100

Two high-level grapplers will go head-to-head here at Strawweight. Mackenzie Dern is a high-level BJJ practitioner with a dangerous submission game, although her striking leaves much to be desired as she is very hittable, having been stopped by Jessica Andrade and hurt badly by Amanda Lemos. Loopy Godinez is a strong wrestler with solid boxing as well, although, at times, she can be frustrating to watch as she was against Angela Hill, where she was content with a striking match while seemingly having a massive grappling edge.

I bet Godinez here as I see her using her wrestling to keep this standing where she has a clear advantage or even getting some top time on her way to a clear decision.

Prediction: Godinez by Decision

Joel Alvarez -196 vs. Elves Brener +160

All action finishers matchup in this can't-miss Lightweight affair. Joel Alvarez is a massive guy for the division with a powerful and dangerous striking attack along with a nasty submission game that he used to finish his last fight against Marc Diakiese; although his wrestling is not great, giving up takedowns with relative ease at times. Elves Brener is a well-rounded action fighter with solid striking that he used to come back against Guram Kutateladze and the ground skills that come with training with Charles Oliveira, although he can be inconsistent, with some performances being lackluster compared to others.

I see the dangerous striking of Alvarez being too much for Brener early, resulting in a finish, whether it be a knockout or club and sub.

Prediction: Alvarez by 1st Round TKO

Alonzo Menifield +170 vs. Azamat Murzakanov -208

Powerful Light Heavyweights will clash in this high-stakes matchup. Alonzo Menifield is a big and powerful guy with solid punching power and an improved ground game, which he showed in his battles with Jimmy Crute. Azamat Murzakanov is an undefeated knockout artist who is returning here after a year away since his win over Dustin Jacoby, where he showed he can compete with established veterans of the sport.

I'm gonna pick Menifield here, as he has been more active and can match the power coming back his way with the ability to mix in the grappling to steal some rounds.

Prediction: Menifield by Decision

Mohammad Yahya +285 vs. Kaue Fernandes -370

Lightweights, each looking for their first UFC win, go head-to-head in this one. Mohammad Yahya looks to make right on a tough debut against Trevor Peek, where he struggled to get much going in the striking or grappling, having looked slow. Kaue Fernandes is a kickboxer with a solid kicking game where he shows his speed early, although his wrestling is a big concern, with Marc Diakiese having taken him down and controlled him with ease.

I'll pick Fernandes here, but I have no interest in betting on this matchup, as the price is far too much for someone with his skills.

Prediction: Fernandes by Decision

Shamil Gaziev -233 vs. Don'Tale Mayes +185

Unranked Heavyweights look to work their way up in the division here. Shamil Gaziev is a dangerous finisher early in fights, having shown good power in his hands and decent wrestling, although his cardio is terrible, with him having lost his last fight because he gassed out quickly. Don'Tale Mayes is an athletic guy for his size, with decent power in his striking and some wrestling, although his fight IQ can sometimes be questionable.

At this price, I'll go, Mayes, as if he can survive the early push from Gaziev he can take over the second half of the fight.

Prediction: Mayes by Decision

Guram Kutateladze -222 vs. Jordan Vucenic +180

This might be my favorite matchup on the entire card as two men who are fun to watch and have high ceilings in the UFC square off at Lightweight. Guram Kutateladze has shown the skills to be one of the top Lightweights in the world with incredible speed and power on the feet and a grappling game that makes it difficult to hold him down, as Mateusz Gamrot experienced in their fight. Jordan Vucenic makes his debut up in weight and on short notice here, but aside from those factors, I quite like him and believe he will have a successful UFC run as he has shown polished striking and a strong ground game that has helped him submit four straight opponents.

I've got Kutateladze here, as although I am high on Vucenic, this is a brutal matchup on such short notice, with Kutateladze being able to match his skills anywhere.

Prediction: Kutateladze by Decision

Jai Herbert -145 vs. Rolando Bedoya +119

Lightweights looking to get back in the win column will face off here. Jai Herbert is a tall kickboxer who uses his range well, keeping opponents at a distance when he can, although his durability is a concern as he has suffered three brutal knockout losses. Rolando Bedoya is now looking for his first UFC win at his natural weight class after a debut where he went to war with Khaos Williams, showing his durability and volume striking.

I lean toward Bedoya here as I like him better at this weight, and he should be the higher-volume fighter with the finishing upside here.

Prediction: Bedoya by 2nd Round KO

Sedriques Dumas -222 vs. Denis Tiuiulin +175

Middleweights open the card here, looking to establish their place in the division. Sedriques Dumas is a long kickboxer who has rounded out his game since joining the UFC, having leaned on wrestling against Cody Brundage and Abu Azaitar. Denis Tiuiulin is a high-paced brawler with solid boxing, although his grappling has been a problem in the UFC, and he enters this one on a three-fight losing streak as a result.

It's tough to back Dumas at these odds, but he has an easy path to victory on the ground with his improving skills there.

Prediction: Dumas by 1st Round Submission