The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to Las Vegas for their final fight card of 2021. The UFC fight odds are now available for us to delve into some perfect prop UFC picks for UFC in Vegas 45.
Raphael Assuncao vs. Ricky Simon
Saturday, December 18, 2021 – 9:05 PM EST at UFC Apex
Delivering entertainment value alongside brute force, UFC's Ricky Simon (18-3-0) has found success in one of the most talent-stacked divisions Dana White & co. has to offer – the bantamweight weight class.
Between submitting top contender Merab Dvalishvili and maintaining a 6-2 record since his arrival in 2018, Simon has earned the respect of fans for his efforts thus far. Raphael Assuncao (27-8-0) is a well-established UFC bantamweight contender.
Having fought for the promotion for over a decade, the Brazilian has competed against the most elite level of competition whilst collecting victories over multiple former champions and title contenders.
Assuncao vs. Simon Fight Breakdown
Despite owning a considerable experience advantage and boasting impressive wins over Rob Font, Marlon Moraes, Pedro Munhoz, TJ Dillashaw, and the current bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling, Assuncao has shown signs of slowing down in recent years.
Now riding the first 3-fight losing streak of his professional career, the 39-year-old UFC legend isn't getting any younger, and he now presents doubts when faced against youthful contenders looking to make a name for themselves.
In step, Ricky Simon, although elite-level experience won't be his strong suit, the potent wrestling offense of Simon is difficult to ignore. With the likeliness of being dominant in top control with a trustworthy gas tank, I can also anticipate Simon to own the faster, more powerful, and precise set of strikes.
UFC in Vegas 45 Prop Betting Picks and UFC Odds
The available betting odds with Bookmaker Review are moving in favor of Simon by the day, but I'm unhappy at the value with a money line price tag of -280. For all the doubts surrounding Assuncao, I still have faith in his durability, especially when faced with a lower level of opposition.
Simon should handle the Brazilian on Saturday; however, the betting value I find tempting is by taking the wrestling-heavy brawler to win on the judges' scorecards.
UFC Pick: Simon to win on points +100 (1u returns 1u of profit) with BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
Amanda Lemos vs. Angela Hilla
UFC Women's Strawweight Bout
Saturday, December 18, 2021 - 9:05 PM EST at UFC Apex
Since dropping weight classes from the bantamweight into the strawweight division, Amanda Lemos (10-1-1) has transitioned her punching power effortlessly. With a 4-0 record and three knockout/ technical knockout stoppages, she's slowly putting the 115lb division on notice with her 135lb strength.
Angela Hill (13-10-0) is undeniably a true OG of women's MMA, twenty-three professional fights to her name, and the in-octagon activity aren't slowing down. With that said, her capability to straddle a winning streak isn't showing positive signs. Towards the latter stage of her career, the wars accumulated by reaching the judges' scorecards on 18 occasions could be taking their effect.
Lemos vs. Hill Fight Breakdown
We can't ignore Hill's muay Thai striking attributes; she's one of the strawweight divisions best in this regard. However, Lemos will welcome a striking battle with Hill and undoubtedly throw the more damaging strikes. Hill's all-around MMA skillset does offer a chance of clinching and grappling moments, but I believe the Brazilian will simply be too strong.
UFC in Vegas 45 Prop Betting Picks and UFC Odds
The available UFC odds with Bookmaker Review are heavily juiced in favor of Lemos, a betting position I cannot get behind.
One of the most notable aspects of Hill's fighting career is her durability; with a chin made of granite, I expect she'll keep the fight interesting for three rounds before eventually losing by unanimous decision.
UFC Pick: Lemos to win on points +115 [1u returns 1.15u profit] 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.
UFC in Vegas 45 Main Card
- Derrick Lewis vs. Chris Daukaus [UFC heavyweight main event bout]
- Stephen Thompson vs. Belal Muhammad [UFC welterweight co-main event bout]
- Amanda Lemos vs. Angela Hill [UFC strawweight bout]
- Raphael Assuncao vs. Ricky Simon [UFC light featherweight bout]
- Diego Ferreira vs. Mateusz Gamrot [UFC lightweight bout]
- Darren Elkins vs. Cub Swanson [UFC featherweight bout]
