Well, hello there my fellow bettors! It’s official. The last goose egg in the Editors’ Standings has been broken. That’s the only good news after a frustrating UFC 274 that saw Rose Namajunas buzz around the octagon like a stingless bee and Charles Oliveira lose his title during the weigh-in only to knock out Gaethje later.
Also, let’s hold a minute of silence for Tony Ferguson after suffering what will probably be the knockout of the year against Michael Chandler.
With that out of the way, let’s move on to UFC Vegas 54 as the action returns to the “Baby Cage” as our buddy Matt likes to call the UFC Apex Center. Saturday’s event is headlined by Blachowicz vs. Rakic, so let’s break down some UFC odds and get ready to enjoy some good fights.
Tatsuro Taira vs. Carlos Candelario
UFC Flyweight Preliminary Card Bout
Saturday, May 14, 2022 - 10:00 PM EDT at the UFC Apex
Taira vs. Candelario Betting Preview
Since the rest of the gang decided to go with fights in the main card, I'll kick off things this week by going back to the well. A couple of weeks ago this bout was scratched at the last minute after Carlos Candelario came down ill on the morning of the day that the bout was officially scheduled for.
Taking that into account plus what I wrote for this fight and I feel even more confident about my original pick so I'm sticking to it!
Tatsuro Taira is a 22-year-old prospect out of Japan that arrives at the UFC with an undefeated record, after going 10-0-0 in his professional career. This weekend he'll make his UFC debut two weeks later than originally scheduled and I'm tapping into all that excitement he's probably been accumulating since.
Meanwhile, Carlos Candelario has only lost one fight and, despite being 8 years older than Taira, he'll also be making his UFC debut.
Ricky's UFC Vegas 54 Pick
If the Japanese fighter is overflowing with energy then I suspect that the American will be equally or more pumped up. Also, remember that Taira has only seen one of his 10 previous bouts make it to the scorecards.
This should be a brawl in which both fighters are looking for a decisive win and I doubt it comes down to the judges.
Ricky's UFC Vegas 53 Pick: Will Fight Go the Distance - No (-130) [2.6u returns 2u profit] at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
Amanda Ribas vs. Katlyn Chookagian
UFC Women’s Flyweight Main Card Bout
Saturday, May 14, 2022 - 10:00 PM EDT at the UFC Apex
Ribas vs. Chookagian Betting Preview
Next up is the women's Flyweight division with the bout between Amanda Ribas and Katlyn Chookagian and it should be a good one as we have a "mano-a-mano" (insert Simpson's monkey knife fight gif) between two of our editors as Ed and Le are taking opposite sides on this one. Can't get better than that, right?
Well, yes it can! Not only are we getting different perspectives on both sides but Dave decided to hook you up with a pick for the total. Now, time for the experts.
David's UFC Vegas 54 Pick
"Ribas’ path to victory would be to initiate a grappling offense throughout all three rounds, but the swagger of Chookagian’s boxing and notable kicks should be too much. The safer play points toward this contest reaching the judge’s scorecards.
"I expect Chookagian to stick and move from the outside and win all three rounds by utilizing her size, fight IQ, and point-scoring attributes." Dave Manyun
Dave's UFC Vegas 54 Pick: Over 2 ½ rounds (-250) [2.5u returns 1u profit] at BetOnline
Ed's UFC Vegas 54 Pick
"Amanda Ribas is really well-rounded but Katlyn Chookagian’s size advantage and kickboxing can help her get the job done and she’s more established at this weight class. Chookagian is also very good at doing enough to win decisions." Ed Solano
Ed's UFC Vegas 54 Pick: Katlyn Chookagian to Win by Points (-115) [1.15u returns 1u profit] at BetOnline
Le's UFC Vegas 54 Pick
"This should definitely be a great fight at UFC Vegas 54 between two talented flyweights. I think the value behind Amanda Ribas is an offer you can not refuse. Chookagian is mainly a boxer that will have the height and reach advantage on Saturday night.
"On the other hand, we have Ribas standing with a black belt in BJJ and Judo who I believe will have the edge in terms of accuracy and overall talents. Take the value with the underdog." Le Martin
Le's UFC Vegas 54 Pick: Amanda Ribas to Win ML (+150) [1u returns 1.5u profit] at BetOnline
Jan Blachowicz vs. Aleksandar Rakic
UFC Light Heavyweight Main Event Bout
Saturday, May 14, 2022 - 10:00 PM EDT at the UFC Apex
Blachowicz vs. Rakic Betting Preview
Last, but not least, we have a 2 for 1 special for the main event on the card as Ed decided to throw in an extra pick for this fight. Jan Blachowicz and Aleksandar Rakic will take the center of the octagon to finish off UFC Vegas 54.
These two top-ranked light heavyweight contenders will go at each other in one of the most even matchups we can remember in a while.
Matt's UFC Vegas 54 Pick
"For me, the favorite Rakic could pull out the win, especially since Blachowicz is recovering from injury and losing his world championship via submission, but your best bet in the main event would be taking over 4 ½ rounds and cheering for the GRIIIIIIND." Matt Ryan
Matt's UFC Vegas 54 Pick: Over 4 ½ Rounds (-110) [1.1u returns 1u profit] at BetOnline
Ed's Second UFC Vegas 54 Pick
"Aleksandar Rakic’s level of competition has risen as of late and he’s been less aggressive, with five of his seven fights in the UFC, including his last three, going the distance. And while Jan Blachowicz is a power-puncher, he is very patient and it takes him a few rounds to find his range." Ed Solano
Ed's UFC Vegas 54 Pick: Over 3 ½ rounds (-130) [1.3u returns 1u profit] at Heritage Sports (visit our Heritage Sports Review)
*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.
