The UFC in Vegas 34: Jared Cannonier vs. Kelvin Gastelum main card UFC odds are available. Read on for our complete betting guide and preview on this weekend’s favorite matchups, including updated odds and our free expert UFC betting predictions.
UFC in Vegas 34 Main Event Prediction
Kelvin Gastelum vs. Jared Cannonier
UFC Middleweight Main Event Bout
Saturday, August 21, 2021 – 11:15 PM EDT at Apex Centre
The UFC middleweight division returns to the spotlight this weekend, as number five ranked Jared Cannonier will attempt to recover from his first loss at 185lbs by taking on a former title challenger in Kelvin Gastelum.
29-year-old Kelvin Gastelum hasn’t delivered the prettiest of results in the previous two years, but we mustn’t neglect the level of competition he’s been up against. Champions, title challengers, and losses to top-five ranked fighters are nothing MMA math could calculate. I genuinely believe that Gastelum remains one of the most dangerous middleweights on the planet, and despite his recent setbacks, I still cannot envision a world where Mr. Gastelum falls beyond the top-15 of the world.
Jared Cannonier’s mean streak was put on hold by the technical striking offense put on display by former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker. And again, we can hardly call Cannonier out for this downfall; Bobby Knuckles is not to be played with.
"Styles make fights", maybe, but in this particular matchup, I anticipate a war will make the fight. Neither man is scared to throw down and let loose, and to his credit, throughout a list of seven losses as a UFC competitor – Gastelum has never been knocked out.
Cannonier Path to Victory
Sheer aggression and a fight-ending knockout is what’s needed for Cannonier to win this weekend’s battle. Why? Well, I don’t, and you shouldn’t have faith in his capability of winning on the judges’ scorecards.
Entering the third round versus Whittaker, it became evident that Cannonier was struggling for breath, and his heavy-handed output had undoubtedly taken its toll.
Cannonier’s path to victory should center around utilizing his boxing combinations early and often whilst attempting to deliver Gastelum his first career loss by knockout.
Gastelum Path to Victory
I think this match suites Gastelum in every facet of the game; he owns a diverse set of striking skills and a wrestling offense that could compromise Cannonier throughout the five-rounder.
Top sportsbooks do think we’ll witness a slugfest at some stage of the contest, but Gastelum’s history of eating strikes with no end is impressive alone. Cardio, youth, speed, wrestling, and experience give me confidence in the underdog this weekend.
UFC Best Bet: Kelvin Gastelum to Win (+140) with BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
UFC in Vegas 34 Main Card Prediction
Clay Guida vs. Mark Madsen
UFC Lightweight Bout
Saturday, August 21, 2021 - 10:15 PM EDT at Apex Centre
At this point, it feels as if UFC legend Clay Guida will be fighting for his pension. The 39-year-old slugger will compete in his 57th professional fight this weekend, and shockingly, he hasn’t slowed down much. When you’re reaching your 15th year fighting in the UFC, there isn’t much left to accomplish, and although Guida won’t be fighting for gold, he still owns the heart of a lion.
Olympic wrestling medallist Mark O.Madsen is quite the opposite. With a mere 10 professional bouts on his record, he’s undoubtedly entering this contest with an experience disadvantage. However, a lifelong career spent on the wrestling mats could make up for this loss.
It’s challenging to put complete faith in Clay Guida; you simply can’t continue competing with the fresh talent of the UFC roster after such a violent career. Guida possesses excellent footwork, and he often dictates his wins through wrestling; unfortunately, this tactic will be eliminated when facing the elite wrestling of Madsen.
I do anticipate Guida owning a higher striking output, but the power of Madsen cannot be ignored. When matching up their respective skillsets, I have to favor, for my UFC pick, Madsen dominating this fight through his wrestling and strength advantage.
UFC Best Bet: Mark O.Madsen to Win (-161) with BetOnline.
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
