UFC Vegas 88 Punching Parlay
- Mike Davis ML (-315)
- Meerschaert/Barberena Under 2.5 (-145)
Top UFC Pick: Two Team Parlay (+123) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
Following an epic night in Miami last weekend, the UFC returns to the Apex in Vegas for a fun-filled night of prospect-heavy octagon wars as heavyweights Tai Tuivasa and Marcin Tybura headline the event.
Below are two of my favorite picks from the UFC Vegas 88 fight card. Based on our UFC odds, I’ve concluded that these betting lines are worth coupling together for this weekend’s MMA festivities; continue reading to find the best MMA parlay value at top-rated online sportsbooks.
UFC Vegas 88 Information
- Date & Time: Saturday, March 16, 2024 – 04:00 PM ET
- Location: UFC Apex
- Scheduled Fights: 13
- Main Event: Tai Tuivasa vs. Marcin Tybura (UFC Heavyweight Bout)
Mike Davis vs. Natan Levy
UFC Vegas 88 Lightweight Bout
Davis: The Story So Far
Much like his weekend opponent, “Beast Boy” has suffered from numerous injuries and fight pull-outs during his professional career. Following a late-notice debut bout against a top-ranked Gilbert Burns—a loss that holds zero shame—he’s notably attained a three-fight win streak. Still, four canceled bouts have certainly tainted his opportunity to garner a solid UFC record and more attention.
While he hasn’t fought since October 2022, Davis will unquestionably hold the experience advantage on Saturday. His lone two pro-career losses came against the aforementioned Burns and Sodiq Yusuff, both of whom are lightyears ahead of the competition level he’s matched with this weekend.
- Davis Pro MMA Record: 10-2-0
- Davis Knockout Wins: 7
- Davis Submission Wins: 1
Levy: The Story So Far
It’s been 15 long months since we’ve seen “Lethal” compete in the octagon, as injuries and fight pull-outs have plagued the lone Israeli UFC representative.
Prior to the layoff, and after dropping his octagon debut to Rafa Garcia in 2021, Natan Levy collected promising victories over fellow Dana White Contender Series alums Genaro Valdez and Mike Breeden. However, the level of competition is undoubtedly raised this weekend, as we must wonder if octagon rust will affect the 32-year-old Levy, who still lacks experience at an elite level.
- Levy Pro MMA Record: 8-1-0
- Levy Knockout Wins: 0
- Levy Submission Wins: 3
UFC Vegas 88 Davis vs. Levy: Skillset Breakdown
There are a few concerns around Davis’ hesitancy in the striking realm, as we’ve seen him look way too relaxed with his offense in the past. Fortunately for him, Levy doesn’t possess the offensive striking attributes to outperform him in this area.
Despite winning contests against Valdez and Breeden, Levy didn’t look perfect by any means. Now, he’ll face a nasty boxer in Davis, who additionally boasts an impressive wrestling game that can replicate Levy’s struggles against Garcia.
Davis Moneyline Reasoning
The odds favor Davis, and the line is wide at -315. However, there is a reason for this: He’s more talented than Levy in every aspect of MMA.
Outside of a freak accident or injury, I can’t envision a world in which Davis loses this fight, wherever it takes place. He has the striking and wrestling upside, and when all is said and done, he should have his hand raised, whether on the scorecards or via stoppage.
UFC Vegas 88 Punching Parlay Leg 1: Davis ML (-315) at BetOnline
Gerald Meerschaert vs. Bryan Barberena
UFC Vegas 88 Middleweight Bout
Meerschaert: The Story So Far
Aged 37, there’s no stopping Gerald Meerschaert, as he’ll enter his 48th professional MMA bout this weekend. In addition to seventeen years of competitive experience, “GM3” is one of the fiercest submission experts in the game. With a 10-9 UFC record, 90% of those ten victories were obtained through his BJJ mastery.
- Meerschaert Pro MMA Record: 35-17-0
- Meerschaert Knockout Wins: 6
- Meerschaert Submission Wins: 27
Barberena: The Story So Far
Octagon experience, however, will be no problem for Bryan Barberena, a veteran of the sport who’s fought for the UFC on 18 occasions, including battles with some of the greats such as Matt Brown, Rafael dos Anjos and Robbie Lawler.
Barberena has been a mainstay with the welterweight division during his UFC tenure. However, with a move to the 185-pound weight class, will a speed advantage assist him with the many mismatches in size and power he’s bound to face?
- Barberena Pro MMA Record: 18-11-0
- Barberena Knockout Wins: 11
- Barberena Submission Wins: 2
UFC Vegas 88 Meerschaert vs. Barberena: Skillset Breakdown
With a cliché striker versus grappler matchup lined up, we’re undeniably going to see two fighters entering the octagon with opposite gameplans. The blueprint for “GM3” rarely changes, and once the fight hits the mat, his opponents are regularly drowned with submission attempts.
For Barberena, he doesn’t shy away from an all-out war on the feet. While this has impressed fans and delivered some legendary fights, he’s severely jeopardized his octagon longevity in the process.
On paper, Barberena has lost two of his previous three bouts by submission, so we can assume “GM3” is licking his chops right now. In contrast, 44% of Meerschaert’s nine UFC losses to date came by way of knockout, and “Bam Bam” will undoubtedly be looking to raise this statistic.
Under 2.5 Rounds Reasoning
As previously mentioned, size and strength could be significant issues for Barberena as a middleweight. That said, “GM3” hasn’t been the most trustworthy fighter from a betting standpoint, and he always makes us sweat.
I lean on Meerschaert taking advantage of Barberena’s average grappling skills, but ultimately, the under 2.5 rounds have sparked my interest in this contest.
The odds have lined the under 2.5 rounds at -145, which, on paper, feels like an absolute steal. “GM3” has gone the distance in just 7 of his 47 pro-MMA bouts to date, while Barberena has avoided the judge’s scorecards in 3 of his last 4.
UFC Vegas 88 Punching Parlay Leg 2: Under 2.5 Rounds (-145) at BetOnline
UFC Vegas 88 Punching Parlay
- Mike Davis ML (-315)
- Meerschaert/Barberena Under 2.5 (-145)
Top UFC Pick: Two Team Parlay (+123) at 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.
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