The UFC returns to the Apex Center for this weekend’s UFC Fight Night headlined by Song Yadong and Ricky Simon who step into the main event slot after the initial headliner of Arman Tsarukyan and Renato Moicano was cancelled. In the co-main Caio Borralho meets Michal Oleksiejczuk while also on the main card jiu jitsu ace Rodolfo Viera returns against Cody Brundage. We look at my best three bets on this weekend’s UFC card below.
UFC Fight Night Preview & Betting Tips
Song Yadong vs. Ricky Simon
This is a fascinating main event as the switch from three rounds to five changes this fight entirely. Ricky Simon is on a five-fight winning streak and has the wrestling to win rounds, however, I don’t know if he will be able to endure the knockout threat of Song Yadong for all five rounds. ‘The Kung Fu Kid’ has some big scalps on his resume including Marlon Vera and Marlon Moraes. I think the shift to the main event and five rounds works in Yadong’s favour. Simon has never seen five rounds and Yadong will be dangerous throughout. I back him to find the button at some point and put Simon away.
Song Yadong to Win
$2 (2 Units)
Rodolfo Viera vs. Cody Brundage
Rodolfo Viera is an absolute jiu jitsu stud but if he doesn’t secure an early takedown his muscles blow up like balloons and he moves slower than a Heavyweight in round five. Cody Brundage has a base in wrestling and but is still fairly green in MMA. Therefore, I don’t think he has the ability to turn away a relentless Viera and keep himself safe on the mat with someone of the Brazilian’s calibre. So back the Brazilian to bounce back into the win column this weekend.
Rodolfo Viera to Win
$1.40 (3 Units)
Marcos Rogerio de Lima vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta
Marcos Rogerio de Lima meets Waldo Cortes-Acosta in what I see as a strange Heavyweight match up. The Brazilian takes on the undefeated American after securing a huge submission victory over veteran Andrei Arlovski. For a Heavyweight he has solid cardio and packs an almighty punch.
Cortes-Acosta has built up a 9-0 record and is 2-0 in the UFC but this is a bad match up for him. He doesn’t have the ability to outgrapple the Brazilian and if it becomes a slug off on the feet I would favour de Lima all day. Back de Lima to secure a dominant victory at good odds.
Marcos Rogerio de Lima to Win
$1.80 (3 Units)
