Main Card
I have returned after a PPV off from blogging due to a stint on the injured reserve (was so hungover I felt mentally disabled and couldn’t write). Now I am back for what is one of the best cards that has been put together in a while. Top to bottom this card has bangers and a lot of the lines are actually bettable without even throwing in some stupid props. Usually that makes these things more of a coin flip, but I feel like there are some that are disrespectful to some talented guys. The Main Event being the biggest coin flip with POATAN vs magomed ankalaev, then we have a surprise last minute rematch between fan favorites Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev, Jalin Turner returns against Ignacio Bahamondes, the obligatory women’s fight with Lemos vs Lucindo, and the PPV is kicked off with King Green vs Mauricio “Changed his last name because he likes anime” Ruffy. Please MMA Gods, let us come out on top after this one.
Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev Light Heavyweight Championship Bout
I have been thinking about how to bet this fight ever since the lines came out months ago. Every part of me wanted them to make Pereira the dog so I wouldn’t have to think twice against him. Instead they essentially made this a pick ’em with the age old striker vs grappler title fight. I would say 99% of the time the grappler comes out on top of these. Woodley vs Wonderboy, Khabib vs Conor, Merab vs Suga, Islam vs anyone. On the other hand though, we have had Leon vs Usman, Suga vs Aljo, Everyone vs Demian Maia. There is always the chance that Pereira has good wrestling defense and we just haven’t had the chance to see it in a while. Sure Izzy took him down but was Pereira really preparing for a wrestler in that fight? This whole camp had to be wrestling focused, and with his devastating power he can finish the fight before things even get there. I would not call you a fool for betting on Magomed, just a fun hating loser. Pereira by a million leg kicks is the final answer.
Alex Pereira by 3rd Round TKO -120 1 unit
Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev Lightweight Bout
I feel like I am missing something with the line on this one. These guys are both incredible fighters with fairly similar skill sets, but there are some glaring differences. The first being that this fight already happened and Gaethje won, it was close but Gaethje looked great and in my opinion has gotten more polished since. The second being that Fiziev took this fight 2 weeks ago. How do you make a guy on 2 weeks notice who has already lost to this opponent the favorite? I am going with my gut and taking Gaethje in the rematch.
Justin Gaethje by 2nd Round TKO +136 1 unit
Jalin Turner vs. Ignacio Bahamondes Lightweight Bout
Every Jalin Turner has 2 wolves in him, one that is a future contender and one that would lose to a bouncer at a gay bar. Possibly my least favorite fighter to bet on or against. He looks so goddamn good in his wins and absolutely helpless in his losses. Ignacio Bahamondes always brings it and often earns himself highlight finishes while doing it. Don’t put a lot on this because Turner just loves to bend me over a barrel but I am going with the consistency in this one. I think Turner weathers a lot of the storm but doesn’t find much offense of his own.
Ignacio Bahamondes by Decision -130 1 unit
Amanda Lemos vs. Iasmin Lucindo Women’s Strawweight Bout
This fight couldn’t be less interesting to me. These women aren’t near contention and one of them is 37. Maybe Iasmin continues to climb but she has at least 2 fights after this to secure a title shot if she wins. I am going with youth in this one, Lemos a few years ago would probably take it, but I think it’ll be too much for her now.
Iasmin Lucindo by Decision -135 1 unit
King Green vs. Maurício Ruffy Lightweight Bout
King Green and his Hood style is no matchup for good fighters. Except that one time against Grant Dawson somehow. Mauricio Ruffy is a good fighter. Outside of his last bout and one earlier in his career, he has finished every opponent he’s faced and done it with brutal power. King Green often crumbles when faced with any adversity in a fight and we will see it early here. This might send him over to the GFL.
Mauricio Ruffy by 1st Round TKO (Prop Line) -135 2 units
Prelims
Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev Heavyweight Bout
Curtis Blaydes by Decision (SGP o 1.5 Rds) +110 1 unit
Joshua Van vs. Rei Tsuruya Flyweight Bout
Rei Tsuruya by Decision +136 1 unit
Brunno Ferreira vs. Armen Petrosyan Middleweight Bout
Brunno Ferreira by 2nd Round TKO +114 1 unit
Alex Morono vs. Carlos Leal Welterweight Bout
Carlos Leal by 3rd Round TKO (SGP o 1.5 Rds) -120 1 unit
Early Prelims
Mairon Santos vs. Francis Marshall Featherweight Bout
Francis Marshall by Decision +215 1 unit
Chris Gutiérrez vs. John Castañeda Featherweight Bout
Chris Gutierrez by Decision -115 2 units
Djorden Ribeiro dos Santos vs. Osman Diaz Middleweight Bout
Djorden Ribeiro by Decision (SGP win in rd 3 or Decision) +185 1 unit
DraftKings Lineup
That is all I have for you on this beautiful day of fights. I really like this card and the lines are pretty favorable for us. Remember to stick to your units (talking to you too drunk Jake) and gamble responsibly. As always, may luck be your lady tonight!