We are post UFC Noche and before UFC MSG and you know what that means! Mediocre PPV! There are some big names on this card but a LHW title fight with an undeserving opponent and a women’s bantamweight title fight that no one cares about. Other than those we have Aldo, Wonderboy, Kayla, and Holland to make it interesting but just no matchups with real implication. Aldo vs Bautista will be a fun watch, Kayla is gonna massacre Viera, Holland and Dolidze should put on a show, and I can’t believe Wonderboy is relegated to the prelims especially with an opponent like Buckley. Alright enough of my negativity, let’s get into these picks.
Main Card
Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. Light Heavyweight Championship Bout
I want to be excited for this one but I just don’t get how it’s a title fight. Khalil Rountree is a very fun fighter, 0 takedown attempts in his UFC career, and has been on a pretty incredible tear, but the guy is the 8th ranked fighter. They must have been desperate to get a marketable fight on the card because I can’t think of any other reason they would risk their golden child against an 8th ranked guy. Otherwise, there is no way this one goes the distance, expect high level striking until someone goes to sleep, and I have a strong feeling it’s not Pereira.
Alex Pereira by 1st Round TKO (Win in Rds 1-2) -125 1 unit
Raquel Pennington vs. Julianna Peña Bantamweight Bout
BOOOO THIS FIGHT! The UFC needs a real Bantamweight champion soon or these title fights will be lucky to headline non PPV fight nights. Peña beating Nuñes was the ultimate fluke, and that was really all that she has done in her career that’s impressive. Rocky is going to be comfortable anywhere in this fight, likely keeping her distance and winning convincingly on points.
Raquel Pennington by Decision (Prop Line) +100 1 unit
José Aldo vs. Mario Bautista Bantamweight Bout
Alright this one is pretty awesome. Jose Aldo retired prematurely after losing to Merab in 2022, he looked great in his return, dominating Jonathan Martinez from start to finish. Mario Bautista is a bit of a step up from Martinez, but a very similar fighter. Aldo is just too good at striking to lose to strikers (other than Yan). You’ll see the leg kicks start to pile up and the jabs start landing and before you know it Bautista’s face will be bloodied and Aldo is getting his hand raised.
Jose Aldo by Decision +125 1 unit
Ketlen Vieira vs. Kayla Harrison Bantamweight Bout
Don’t need to spend too much time on this one. Kayla Harrison is going to rip through Vieira like she isn’t even there. Judo is king in women’s Bantamweight, it will return. Or queen I guess.
Kayla Harrison by 2nd Round TKO (Prop Finish Line) +110 1 unit
Roman Dolidze vs. Kevin Holland Middleweight Bout
This one I flip flopped on a bunch. I just am so shocked that Holland is a favorite at 185 over a strong fighter like this. I definitely would have taken Holland as a dog but in the minus money I just don’t see the point in taking the risk on him. Dolidze is coming off of a good win against Anthony Smith and his only losses of late are against Vettori and Imavov. Holland looked great against Oleksiejczuk but was frustrated against MVP and his most notable wins are against Chiesa and Ponzi at 175. Dolidze will be too strong for Holland and will be able to get the ref to step in at some point.
Roman Dolidze by 2nd Round TKO +130 1 unit
Prelims
Stephen Thompson vs. Joaquin Buckley Welterweight Bout
Stephen Thompson by Decision +180 1 unit
Marina Rodriguez vs. Iasmin Lucindo Strawweight Bout
Iasmin Lucindo by Decision (Win in Rd 3 or Decision) -115 1 unit
Austin Hubbard vs. Alexander Hernandez Lightweight Bout
Austin Hubbard by Decision +136 1 unit
César Almeida vs. Ihor Potieria Middleweight Bout
Cesar Almeida by 1st Round TKO (Win in Rds 1-2) -160 1 unit
Early Prelims
Ryan Spann vs. Ovince Saint Preux Light Heavyweight Bout
Ryan Spann by 1st Round TKO (Win in Rds 1-2) -120 1 unit
Carla Esparza vs. Tecia Pennington Strawweight Bout
Carla Esparza by Decision +150 1 unit
Court McGee vs. Tim Means Welterweight Bout
Tim Means by Decision (SGP o 1.5 Rds) +100 1 unit
DraftKings Lineup:
That is all I have for you this evening. Hoping I get a chance to watch, will be at a Penn State game during the day then have my Gamecocks and Yankees to watch after. More than likely will be hammered by the start of the prelims, but that’s what its all about. Remember to bet responsibly and stick to your units. As always, may luck be your lady tonight!