Editors’ Note: The Marcin Tybura vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik was canceled on Friday afternoon after Marcin Tybura fell ill so we got Matt to change his best bet before the event!
Well, hello there my fellow bettors! Your good ol’ pal Ricky V is back to give you the crème de la crème but this time for UFC. The best part is that this time I’m not riding solo, as I’ll be joined by some friends.
About a month ago, Bookmakers Review’s very own Le Martin hosted a forum contest for the UFC 272 event and it was so much fun that we decided to have a “sort of” competition amongst writers and editors going forward.
First stop? The UFC 273 PPV event this Saturday, live from Jacksonville, Florida, featuring the featherweight championship bout between Alexander Volkanovski and The Korean Zombie. The main winner? You, my fellow bettor as you get the best bet from four of our brightest writers when it comes to the UFC and one from me.
Women’s Strawweight Bout
Saturday, April 09, 2022- 07:00 PM EDT at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
For the first best bet we dive straight into the main card as our gracious UFC forum contest sponsor, Le Martin, is all about the Dern vs. Torres strawweight bout.
Mackenzie Dern was on a four-win streak that came to an end in October of last year, against Marina Rodriguez. That was her second loss in three years since her octagon debut in 2018 (11-2). Meanwhile, Tecia "Tiny Tornado" Torres is riding a three-win streak and her last defeat was, coincidentally, against Rodriguez in 2019.
More Picks: UFC 273 Prop Betting Picks: The Perfect Proposition
"The current UFC odds for this matchup are about even and it makes complete sense why; I can make an argument for both ladies. Just when it comes down to the final straw, I think Tecia Torres has the edge.
Dern has the stronger BJJ and submission skills, but Torres has a tough takedown defense and should make it difficult for Dern to have it her way. Also, Torres has yet to be finished inside the distance. Her volume striking will outshine Dern’s 'still a work in progress' striking. Expect this fight to end at the scorecards leaning Tecia Torres." - Le Martin
Le's UFC 273 Pick: Tecia Torres to Win by Decision (+135) [2.0u to win 2.7u] at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
Men's Lightweight Bout
Well, looks like now it's my turn to deliver and when you have a fighter with a glorious mustache, like the one Vinc Pichel rocks, how can you say no to that bout?
Jokes aside, I'm very interested to see how this bout develops because, in my humble opinion, this fight deserves a little bit more spotlight. There is a reason why it was moved to the main card and I feel it's one of the most balanced matchups of the entire evening.
Play Now: $1,000 BMR 12-Week All Sports Challenge
Mark Madsen comes into this fight undefeated (11-0) after beating 39-year-old Clay Guida in August of last year. The Danish fighter, nicknamed The Olympian after winning silver in wrestling at Rio 2016, is an impressive athlete when it comes to the clinching and ground-and-pound game.
He has a 0% takedown defense because no one ever tries to go there with him as it's somewhat a lost cause. Problem for the European is that when his rivals try to stay away, he can become erratic.
Check Out: Our 2022 Sportsbook Rating Guide
That's where Pichel can capitalize with his durability and strength. If the American fighter can take this fight to the third round, as most oddsmakers expect to, I can see Pichel draining out Madsen and earning the win by decision.
Pichel has struggled against good wrestlers but with patience, he can take The Olympian's undefeated record. I also like the prop for the fight to go the distance, although it is a little bit juiced up, at -165.
Ricky's UFC 273 Pick: Vinc Pichel to Win by Decision (+155) [2u to win 3.1u] at BetOnline
UFC Welterweight Bout
Last but not least, our writers Dave Manyun, Eduardo Solano and Matt Ryan are looking forward to the Burns vs. Chimaev Welterweight fight. There is a lot of hype regarding the future of Khamzat Chimaev, as he's had a meteoric rise in which he has dominated his entire opposition.
"It’s no secret that Chimaev’s love for wrestling is what’s assisted most of his 10 professional victories. He’s extremely physical and strong and has been known to rag-doll heavyweights inside the gym. Once he finds the body lock, the opposition simply cannot handle the force of his level changes or elevating slams – with the acceptance of Aliskerov.
More Picks: UFC 273 Picks and Predictions: Hot Prospect of the Week Khamzat Chimaev
"Once the fight has reached the ground, it becomes even more overwhelming for his opponents. Often compared to Khabib Nurmagomedov, Borz will smother you whilst consistently passing guard and improving position if needed, all whilst throwing strikes from multiple angles. And if you give him the smallest window to grab the neck, it’s over.
"On the feet, his striking is very much overlooked. But even if we study his fights prior to joining the UFC, you’ll notice the elite techniques and tendencies that he’s collected over at the All-Star gym in Sweden. The power he generates from jabs, uppercuts, and hooks has all been displayed, making him much more intimidating than Khabib, in my opinion.
"Chimaev’s unruly streak has been made to look simple even against fighters larger than himself, and Burns will be the most undersized opponent Borz has faced. This isn’t going to bode well for the Brazilian, who’ll be short-changed in the striking and wrestling exchanges.
Get Involved: BMR Community
"Sportsbook's opening line has placed Khamzat as a heavy betting favorite - rightfully so; for anyone still doubting his potential, you’re going to realize we have a future two-division (maybe three) champion on our hands." David Manyun
"Hey kids, so my initial pick ended up falling by the wayside for reasons beyond my control, so if you want to bet on something violent, take the over 1 ½ rounds and make yourself a big sandwich." Matt Ryan
"All of Khamzat Chimaev’s four UFC fights ended in the first round, except for the one against John Phillips in his debut with the promotion. He’s never gone the distance in his 10-0 career. This will not change on Saturday." Eduardo Solano
Dave's UFC 273 Pick: Khamzat Chimaev to Win ITD (-210) [4.20u to win 2u] at BetOnline
Matt's UFC 273 Pick: Burns/Chimaev Over 1 ½ Rounds (-125) [2.5u to win 2u] at BetOnline
Eduardo's UFC 273 Pick: Khamzat Chimaev by KO/TKO or DQ (+100) [2.0u to win 2u] 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.