Violence has returned after a week off and it is quite a card to finish the year. I can’t remember the last time we had a full 14 fight card PPV with no pullouts, let’s hope everyone can make it to fight time (looking at you Eryk Anders). This is a very important card for me, my South Carolina Gamecocks did not make the CFP and I have to go out and pretend to cheer for Penn State for my Fiance, fortunately I have Dana and the lads to distract me and potentially bring me joy. Oh great Penn State score (nope I just saw Dominick Reyes send Anthony Smith into the shadow realm). Outside of stupid football we have an awesome title fight between Alexandre Pantoja and UFC newcomer Kai Asakura, Shavkat and Ian Garry put their 0s on the line for a shot at the belt, Cyril Gane finally returns for a rematch against the always dangerous Alexander Volkov, Crazy Bryce Mitchell against the undeserving Kron Gracie, and the people’s main event Nate Landwehr vs Choi Doo-ho. Hoping for a financial windfall on this card, actually like a lot of my picks here, some are a bit of a reach but you have to keep things interesting.
Main Card
Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Asakura Flyweight Championship Bout
Dana deciding he is sick of the cannibalistic Flyweight division, brings in an outsider from Rizin to come and challenge the belt. Interesting move from him, usually he does everything he can to make sure it’s known that other promotions can’t compete with the UFC. I watched a bunch of Kai’s fights since I have not watched too much Rizin and I have to say, pretty shocked that Dana gave him a title fight. He is very good, but I don’t know if there is a top 5 flyweight he would beat in the UFC right now. I see Pantoja taking him to the ground relatively easily and controlling him for 25 min and battering. Excited for Kai to join the mix but don’t think this will be that groundbreaking of an acquisition for the weight class.
Alexandre Pantoja by Decision (SGP o 1.5 Rds) -105 2 units
Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Ian Machado Garry Welterweight Bout
This one is fun. Ian Garry became one of the most disliked fighters in the UFC for a few months earlier this year due to being a huge cuck. He’s also every gym’s worst nightmare, making everything about him and needing his film crew everywhere he goes. A huge wannabe Mcgregor with half the amount of entertainment, but at least he treats women nicer. In recent weeks it seems the Garry dislike has waned since he accepted this fight on fairly short notice against the top contender in the division. It takes a lot of stones to go up against Shavkat and risk your unbeaten streak without a belt on the line. That being said, he is going to get worked by Shavkat. Garry may be better on the feet but not by enough to fill the gap in the grappling department. He will be running for his life until Shavkat gets his paws on him and eats him alive like he’s a horse.
Shavkat Rakhmonov by 3rd Round Submission (SGP o 1.5 Rds) -135 1 unit
Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov Heavyweight Bout
We have seen this one before. I was always a Gane fan, just didn’t like him as much as Francis or Jones. When he faced Volkov the first time he was climbing his way to the top at record breaking speed and was looking to keep his record perfect to get that title nod. This time things are a little different. People don’t give a shit about Gane anymore, it’s the Bones and Aspinall show and everyone else is lying in their wake. Gane needs to make a statement to make sure people remember who he is. I expect him to be far more aggressive in this one, especially now that Volkov is on a run and the win will be all the more impressive.
Ciryl Gane by 2nd Round TKO (Prop Finish Line) +250 1 unit
Bryce Mitchell vs. Kron Gracie Featherweight Bout
Who the fuck cares, this fight should not be on the PPV. Out of anger for putting them here, I am just going to put half a unit on Kron and probably take a piss break here.
Kron Gracie by 1st Round Submission +575 .5 unit
Nate Landwehr vs. Choi Doo-ho Featherweight Bout
FIREWORKS. These dudes love to beat the crap out of people at the risk of getting their own asses kicked. Nate Landwehr does not care who is in front of him, he is going to go forward and swing till they go down or he does. Choi Doo-ho does not have any regard for his own well being and will stand and bang until the world ends. This fight will be the fight we hope our non UFC fan friends are watching to get them into it. Doo-ho looked great in his return after nearly 5 years off, I give him a slight advantage here over Landwehr, who did look good against Emmers, but just not as impressive as Doo-ho’s win over Algeo.
Choi Doo-ho by 1st Round TKO +110 1 unit
Prelims
Dominick Reyes vs. Anthony Smith Light Heavyweight Bout
Dominick Reyes by 2nd Round TKO (Prop Finish Line) -160 1 unit
Vicente Luque vs. Themba Gorimbo Welterweight Bout
Vicente Luque by Decision +130 1 unit
Movsar Evloev vs. Aljamain Sterling Featherweight Bout
Aljamain Sterling by Decision +190 1 unit
Randy Brown vs. Bryan Battle Welterweight Bout
Randy Brown by 3rd Round TKO +160 1 unit
Early Prelims
Chris Weidman vs. Eryk Anders Catchweight (195 lb) Bout
Chris Weidman by Decision -115 1 unit
Cody Durden vs. Joshua Van Flyweight Bout
Joshua Van by Decision -170 2 units
Michael Chiesa vs. Max Griffin Welterweight Bout
Michael Chiesa by Decision -130 1 unit
Clay Guida vs. Chase Hooper Lightweight Bout
Chase Hooper by 1st Round Submission -165 1 unit
Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Łukasz Brzeski Heavyweight Bout
Under 2.5 Rounds -175 2 units
Draftkings Lineup:
Alright folks that is all I have for you this evening. Football has been absolutely draining my gambling balance the last few weeks, I need this card to bring me back to life. Make sure to check our twitter account in case we post any parlays or update any picks based on new information. Remember to stick to your units and gamble responsibly. As always, may luck be your lady tonight!