Obligatory violence in the Middle East joke! Love that I get to watch these fights before (while) I get drunk opposed when I am already blasted. This is a pretty solid card to be starting at 10 AM ET, but I get that they need that oil money so I am not complaining. I am more surprised that there are 2 women’s fights on this card, feel like they usually avoid that on the Abu Dhabi cards. We got some good ones here with Tom Aspinall finally getting to defend his belt against Ciryl Gane, Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern compete for the vacant Strawweight title, Umar looks to get back to title contention against Mario Bautista, Volkov looks to spoil another title hopeful and get his last chance at gold, then we have Rakic and Azamat Murzakanov to give us some violence to kick the card off. Pretty stoked for this one, let’s get into these picks.

Main Card

Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane Heavyweight Championship Bout

Ciryl Gane looks like he is in the best shape of his life, which is saying a lot because he always looks jacked. He is coming off a very close split decision win over Volkov and has had almost almost a full year to learn how to grapple before taking on Aspinall. Aspinall looks kinda chubby and not as locked in as usual. That being said, Aspinall is so goddamn good at fighting he is going to massacre Gane. Gane is known for being an elite striker and I would argue he isn’t even the best striker in this fight. We are yet to see a single weakness in Aspinall’s game other than his knees maybe. I do not see this one going long, should be reminiscent of Gane vs Jones.

Tom Aspinall by 1st Round TKO (Prop Line) -105 2 units

Virna Jandiroba vs. Mackenzie Dern Strawweight Championship Bout

Not sure I have ever won a bet on Mackenzie Dern. She has beaten Virna before, and I was probably on Virna for that one. Then I take Dern and she loses to someone she is a -300 favorite over. I will not be fooled by her and will take Virna again, who seems way more ready to go while Dern just looks so goddamn hot. This is probably the biggest gap in attractiveness 2 fighters have ever had, other than the last time they fought. I will go for the one that has had to work her way up to this fight other than the one that is coming off of one win.

Virna Jandiroba by Decision +124 1 unit

Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Mario Bautista Bantamweight Bout

Umar looked like an unstoppable force since joining the UFC until he came up against the GOAT Merab. His grappling is the 2nd best in the division and nearly unstoppable. Mario Bautista has been great, wracking up an 8 fight win streak. He has a major striking advantage over Umar, and nearly everyone he has fought against. Unfortunately, he will not have a chance to showcase it because Umar will have him on the ground very fast. Hate to see these matchups because they nearly never end up with the striker winning, and I do not see it happening here.

Umar Nurmagomedov by Decision (Prop Line) -170 2 units

Alexander Volkov vs. Jailton Almeida Heavyweight Bout

This was a tougher pick for me. Jailton Almeida has looked unbeatable outside of his Blaydes fight where his failed takedown led to some devastating strikes that got him out of the fight. I see Volkov being able to utilize his height to his advantage and keep Almeida out of takedown distance while being able to land some strikes till the wind gets out of Almeida. Wouldn’t be shocked if Volkov spends the 1st round on his back then takes advantage in the next 2. Not a bad live bet to take if that’s the case.

Alexander Volkov by Decision +154 1 unit

Aleksandar Rakić vs. Azamat Murzakanov Light Heavyweight Bout

I don’t think Rakic will ever be back to his old self after that leg injury. Very unfortunate because he looked like a potential title contender before that. Azamat’s line is crazy low against a guy that has looked like a shell of himself in his last 2 bouts. Taking the finish here isn’t a bad bet at all, but I am going for the simple money at -105. Keep an eye on this one, if it moves closer to Azamat then go for that prop line.

Azamat Murzakanov by 2nd Round TKO -105 1 unit

Prelims

Nasrat Haqparast vs. Quillan Salkilld Lightweight Bout

Quillan Salkiid by Decision -118 1 unit

Ikram Aliskerov vs. Park Jun-Yong Middleweight Bout

Ikram Aliskerov by 2nd Round TKO (Prop Finish Line) +125 1 unit

Ľudovít Klein vs. Mateusz Rębecki Lightweight Bout

L’udovit Klein by Decision -135 1 unit

Valter Walker vs. Louie Sutherland Heavyweight Bout

Louie Sutherland by 1st Round TKO +295 1 unit

Nathaniel Wood vs. Jose Miguel Delgado Featherweight Bout

Jose Miguel Delgado by Decision -148 2 units

Hamdy Abdelwahab vs. Chris Barnett Heavyweight Bout

Chris Barnett by 2nd Round TKO +370 1 unit

Azat Maksum vs. Mitch Raposo Flyweight Bout

Azat Maksum by Decision (SGP o 1.5 Rds) -165 2 units

Jaqueline Amorim vs. Mizuki Inoue Strawweight Bout

Jaqueline Amorim by 1st Round Submission (Prop Line) +100 1 unit

DraftKings Lineup

That is all I have for you on this day of fights. Can’t wait to sit and watch football and fights and spend all my money on bets and booze. Ideal Saturday for the boys (and ladies) to triple their net worth (or lose it all). Remember to stick to your units and gamble responsibly. As always, may luck be your lady tonight (today)!