After what feels like a goddamn eternity, the UFC has returned with a little tease of a card. This feels like a middle of COVID event where half the fights would get cancelled and they were only able to pull together some random dudes that live in the area. The small cards greatly affect making a DFS lineup so do not put too much faith in what I put together down at the bottom, but I am feeling pretty good about some of these picks otherwise. I actually had to redo a few picks after I realized I did not pick a single underdog on the whole card, I am no square and will not be viewed as one by my constituents. This Calvin Kattar vs Giga Chikadze fight could be one for the ages and potentially sets up a fight against Volkanovski. The rest of the card is pretty mid, but as a gambler the lines aren’t to steep and the props are pretty juicy. Let’s get into these picks.
Main Card
Calvin Kattar vs. Giga Chikadze Featherweight Bout
Oh what a fight Dana put together for the UFC’s return in 2022. Giga Chikadze has been on an absolute tear since looking very beatable against Irwin Rivera. I have bet against Giga so many times thinking that it was all a fluke until he beat the ever living shit out of Edson Barboza. My eyes are now open, and the only stupid decision I am likely making is that I think this will go to the judges. Calvin Kattar is so close to being an amazing fighter, he can beat probably 99% of 145 fighters in the world. His issue is that once he has to go up against someone with elite, potentially championship level talent, he has fallen flat. He will go in there and try to get some of his boxing going, but Giga’s kicks will keep the distance and this will be a gruesome beatdown until the final bell rings.
Giga Chikadze by Decision (Prop Line) +260 1 unit
Jake Collier vs. Chase Sherman Heavyweight Bout
One of my New Year’s resolutions was to be less negative in 2022, but holy shit how the fuck is this 2nd to last fight on the card? I refuse to call this a Co-Main event, as I am sure they will not call it that either. Chase Sherman fucking sucks, Jake Collier fucking sucks so I am betting on the guy that could at least potentially end it quick. I have no desire to watch this fight for 15 min as these guys gas out and are slobbering all over each other. Gimme Chase.
Chase Sherman by 1st Round TKO 1 unit
Brandon Royval vs. Rogério Bontorin Flyweight Bout
This by all means should be the Co-Main for this card. Brandon Royval has dropped his last 2 to championship level competition in Pantoja and Moreno, but his fight before that against Kai Kara-France was beautiful. He is such a good grappler and really knows how to use his length to get out of and into tricky situations. Rogerio Bontorin also had a great recent performance against Matt Schnell (my number 1 overrated fighter every year) after dropping 2 to Ray Borg and Kara-France. Bontorin also has elite grappling, but I do not believe he will be able to implement any of his submissions against Royval due to the length difference. Taking Royval to win this by submission prop, might take the juice if I am doing well before this one.
Brandon Royval by 2nd Round Submission (Prop Line) +195 1 unit
Katlyn Chookagian vs. Jennifer Maia Flyweight Bout
I flip flopped a lot on this one. Jennifer Maia got pieced up in their last encounter, until she landed a takedown in the 3rd that Katlyn was not able to get up from. She still lost the fight, but it leaves the thought in the back of your head, why not just go for the takedown earlier? Will she go for the takedown earlier in this one? Will Katlyn be too hard to takedown when she has her gas tank full in the first? After considering all of these variables and watching Maia vs Jessica Eye, I have come to the conclusion that Maia can only get the takedown if it is gifted to her and this will be mostly standing. Take Katlyn by decision.
Katlyn Chookagian by Decision (Prop Line) -125 1 unit
Dakota Bush vs. Viacheslav Borshchev Lightweight Bout
This fight being on the main card can only tell you one thing. The UFC wants one of these fighters to become a contender and household name. Well as much of a household name as a UFC fighter can be not named Conor. Dakota Bush is not anything special from what I’ve seen. He lost his UFC debut to the definition of average in Austin Hubbard, and did not really show anything that could be. Viascheslav is making his UFC debut after a big knockout on the Contender Series. From my perspective, the UFC gave him a guy with a decent record that he can easily beat on the main card to start putting him in some bigger matchmaking conversations. Take Viacheslav by TKO/KO and pay your bills.
Viacheslav Borshchev by 1st Round TKO (Prop Line) +105 1 unit
Bill Algeo vs. Joanderson Brito Featherweight Bout
This one was a bit tough to pick. Bill Algeo has lost 3 of his last 5, but all against pretty solid competition. Joanderson Brito has won 11 straight against no names in smaller promotions. Algeo has a 4 inch height advantage and likely better striking. Brito, if he can get inside, will make this a grappling match which Algeo will not be able to win. I see Algeo trying to keep this standing early and failing as Brito constantly works to get a submission.
Joanderson Brito by 2nd Round Submission -145 2 units
Prelims
Jamie Pickett vs. Joseph Holmes Middleweight Bout
Joseph Holmes by 2nd Round Submission -150 2 units
Court McGee vs. Ramiz Brahimaj Welterweight Bout
Court McGee by Decision +110 1 unit
Brian Kelleher vs. Kevin Croom Featherweight Bout
Kevin Croom by Decision +225 1 unit
Charles Rosa vs. T.J. Brown Lightweight Bout
T.J. Brown by Decision (Prop Line) +110 1 unit
DraftKings Lineup:
This is my first card that gambling has been legal in NY for. While there have been other cards that I have been able to use the legal sportsbooks, this is more deliberate and likely less drunk (no promises). I couldn’t find any worthwhile promos to include in this blog, but will start in the future to include them to spread a little more cheese on the readers. After going through the big 3 here; FanDuel, DraftKings, and Caesars; DraftKings has the best lines by far so be sure to go on their book for your gambling needs. That is all I have for you this beautiful Saturday, as always may luck be your lady tonight!