As we return back to the UFC octagon once again, we continue to find value rolling our way. UFC Vegas 53 has many fights with valuable underdogs, in my opinion, and that includes both the co-main and main events. Read below for my UFC best bets for Andrei Arlovski vs. Jake Collier and Rob Font vs. Marlon Vera.
Andrei Arlovski vs. Jake Collier
UFC Heavyweight Bout Co-Main Event
Saturday, April 30, 2022 – 09:05 PM EDT at the UFC Apex
Andrei Arlovski
Andrei “The Pit Bull” Arlovski is a Belarusian mixed martial artist with a professional record of 33 wins (17 T/KO, 3 submissions, 13 decisions). At 43 years old, Arlovski is still one impressive, durable man. His last 6 wins have been by decision. His takedown defense is sharp, however, his last loss in February 2021 against Tom Aspinall was by submission (rear-naked choke).
Jake “The Prototype” Collier is an American mixed martial artist with a professional record of 13 wins (5 T/KO, 4 submissions, 4 decisions) and 6 losses (3 T/KO, 1 submission, 2 decisions).
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Collier is an aggressive striker with a high output that averages 5.59 significant strikes per minute. He rarely aims for a takedown, but if the fight is brought to the ground, he is not afraid to scramble.
Fight Prediction
The UFC odds for this matchup are Arlovski -147 and Collier +127 at your top-rated sportsbooks from Bookmakers Review. As much as I love the UFC veteran in Arlovski, I think the value in Collier is irrefutable. Although Collier has been hot and cold in the UFC in his last 10 bouts, and it looks like he is due for another loss, I think he will break that streak Saturday night.
Both Arlovski and Collier have a common opponent in Chase Sherman. Collier defeated Sherman by submission, while Arlovski defeated him by unanimous decision.
Andrei Arlovski is an incredibly durable fighter, so it is hard for me to see Collier finish him. I fully expect this to end at the scorecards with a split decision win leaning toward Jake Collier.
UFC Pick: Jake Collier (+127) with BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
Rob Font vs. Marlon Vera
UFC Bantamweight Bout Main Event
Saturday, April 30, 2022 - 09:05 PM EDT at the UFC Apex
Rob Font
Rob Font is an American mixed martial artist with a professional record of 19 wins (8 T/KO, 4 submissions, 7 decisions) and 5 losses (1 submission, 4 decisions). Font is a sharp and durable striker with a high output. He also has a brown belt in BJJ so he is not afraid to switch levels if needed.
Marlon “Chito” Vera is an Ecuadorian mixed martial artist with a professional record of 18 wins (7 T/KO, 8 submissions, 3 decisions) and 7 losses (7 decisions). Marlon Vera is also an exceptional striker and submission artist. He is a very durable fighter, however, all of his losses have been by decision.
Fight Prediction
The UFC odds are Font -135 and Vera +115 at your top-rated sportsbooks. This is another fight where I see a lot of value in the dog. Marlon Vera is an all-around skilled fighter that has shown us time and time again that he is lethal. Two recent fights that stand out to me for Vera are against Sean O’Malley (August 2020 by T/KO, R1) and Frankie Edgar (November 2021 by KO, R3).
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Overall, both fighters are extremely technical and aggressive. I would not be surprised if this one ended early. However, based off of both fighters' durability, I could also see this making it’s way to the scorecards. Take the value with the underdog.
UFC Pick: Marlon Vera (+115) 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.
