Top UFC Pick: Over 1 ½ Rounds (-140) [1.40u to win 1u] at Heritage Sports (visit our Heritage Sports Review)
MMA’s spearheading organization will commence its 2024 season this weekend with a highly anticipated UFC Fight Night event at the Las Vegas Apex venue. Although it may not be a profound card, its arrival is nonetheless appreciated after a period of inactivity, and I’m covering all your UFC betting needs.
The main event of UFC Vegas 84 features Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker in a rematch between two light heavyweight brutes. The rest of the event includes a well-balanced combination of experienced fighters and up-and-coming talents.
Read on for our complete betting guide with an early preview of the UFC Vegas 84 main event clash between Ankalaev and Walker, including updated UFC odds and our expert UFC first look betting picks, predictions and analysis to play at our main offshore sportsbooks.
UFC Vegas 84 Information
- When: Saturday, January 13, 2023 – 04:00 PM ET
- Where: UFC Apex, Las Vegas
- Scheduled Bouts: 12
- Main Event: Ankalaev vs. Walker
- Moneyline Probability: Ankalaev – 83.3% (-500) Walker – 20% (+400)
UFC Vegas 84 Main Event: Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker
Magomed Ankalaev
Magomed Ankalaev boasts a mixed martial arts record of 17 wins, one loss, one draw, and one no-contest. His most recent bout resulted in a no-contest against Walker. Prior to it, he engaged in a draw with Jan Blachowicz at UFC 282 in December 2022, contending for the unoccupied UFC light heavyweight championship.
The 31-year-old Russian possesses a physical stature that is comparatively smaller than his opponent. However, this characteristic is expected to work in his favor due to his superior take-down average (1.07 per 15 minutes) compared to Walker’s (0.5). This advantage might be vital during the latter stages of the fight.
Ankalaaev has had 17 victories, consisting of nine knockouts and eight decisions. His sole loss on his record was in 2018 against Paul Craig, resulting in a submission.
Ankalaev Best Moneyline Odds: (-500) at Bovada (visit our Bovada Review)
Johnny Walker
Johnny Walker has more MMA fights than his opponent. Although his record of 21 wins, seven losses, and one no-contest proves he has experienced more defeats than his opponent.
Walker has had 21 victories, with 16 being knockouts, three being submissions, and two being decisions. Out of his seven losses, he has been rendered unconscious in four instances. He has also been defeated by judges’ judgment twice, and submitted once.
Before his no contest against Ankalaev, Walker had emerged victorious in his three preceding bouts. In May 2023, he achieved a victory over Anthony Smith by unanimous decision. In January 2023, he secured a knockout win against Paul Craig at UFC 283. Additionally, in September 2022, he emerged victorious over Ion Cuțelaba via submission at UFC 279.
Walker Best Moneyline Odds: (+400) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
UFC Vegas 84: Tale of the Tape
UFC Vegas 84 Skillset Analysis: Styles Make Fights
Walker’s optimal strategy in this confrontation is likely to maximize chaos and unpredictability. This was the primary approach to his early MMA tenure that assisted in putting his name on the map. However, the Brazilian has displayed a much calmer and more calculated approach to the octagon in recent outings. I believe this was his downfall in his first meeting with Ankalaev.
There’s no need to be humble, and the moneyline odds give it away, but Ankalaev is better everywhere. He boasts an excellent jab behind technical and fundamental boxing skills that make him the superior striking. His offensive wrestling and grappling are lightyears ahead of his Brazilian foe.
Punching power is the only factor favoring Walker this weekend. Still, Ankalaev has never been knocked out. We should expect him to walk out of Vegas with another victory after seeing glimpses of his dominance against the same opponent last year.
The UFC Vegas 84 Best Bet Formula: Go the Distance
The available UFC odds at Bookmakers Review have placed a large price tag on Ankalaev. Although the volume and intensity of the first bout give me a feeling that this contest could potentially see all five rounds.
Considering that over 1 ½ rounds at -140 is a wager showing value. Ankalaev has gone the distance in 4 of his previous five bouts. While Walker’s finishing ability will be nullified with his adversary’s wrestling upside.
UFC Pick: Over 1 ½ Rounds (-140) [1.40u to win 1u] at Heritage Sports
*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.
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