The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to the Apex Center in Las Vegas for the final fight card of 2021. Let’s waste no time because the fight odds are now available for us to delve into some parlay betting picks for UFC in Vegas 45. The event is headlined by heavyweight contenders; join us as we deliver the most carefully selected UFC to parlay betting predictions.
UFC Welterweight Co-Main Event Bout
Saturday, December 18, 2021 – 08:50 PM EST at UFC Apex
Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson (16-5-1) has been unfortunate to fall in a division where grapplers dominant the number #1 and #2 ranking positions: why? Because he possesses some of the most technical and well-delivered striking assets in MMA.
Aged 38-years-old, Thompson's title aspirations might be fading away, but his position as a top-ten ranked fight isn't. I can envision Wonderboy as a gatekeeper for years to come with that wide karate style stance and complicated movement.
Belal Muhammad (19-3-0) has ground his way into the UFC welterweight top-ten rankings with a well-rounded skillset. He doesn't excel in one particular area, but he's achieved success by having the talent to surpass mediocre fighters who can't handle the complete MMA experience.
Belal will be wholly outclassed with his flat-footed approach; his only option of success is to grapple Thompson. Gilbert Burns gave Wonderboy fans a harsh reminder that he's lackluster of his back. Can Belal get the takedown?
Well, he does have good entries, but most of his takedowns take place against the fence – an area where Thompson is good at defending.
Thompson's ability to read his opponent's attack and control the distance is of an elite level; getting close to him is demanding, and Belal's typical forward pressure with jabs to close the distance will be easily read.
The best defense for Thompson is his offense, with incredible kicks, a lovely 1-2, and a check hook at range; he also has beautiful straight shots whilst never leaving his head open.
The available UFC odds with Bookmakers Review opened with Thompson as the favorite, and rightfully so. Thompson has faced a higher level of competition and is extremely difficult to hit, giving Belal one gameplan to utilize, ultimately lowering his chance of victory.
Saturday, December 18, 2021 - 08:00 PM EST at UFC Apex
Raphael Assuncao (27-8-0) has been battling amongst the UFC's 135lb elites for the past decade. Aged 39-years-old there's no questioning the Brazilian's prime years are behind him; however, you can't overlook the wealth of MMA knowledge he's gained through years of high-level experience.
Ricky Simon (18-3-0) hasn't quite earned his stripes as a top bantamweight contender, but a win over the number #12 ranked Assuncao will boost the UFC prospect into the top-15 territory.
With the American Top Team gym in his corner and a current 6-2 UFC record that holds successes over Merab Dvalishvili, Ray Borg, and Brian Kelleher, Simon's heavy grappling style and youthful enthusiasm can certainly deliver a breakout star for 2022.
Youth, grappling dominance, a willingness to win, and a chance to breach the top bantamweight rankings should be enough for Simon to overcome the aging Brazilian. The speed difference is striking will favor Simon on the feet, whilst his ultra-heavy top control can undoubtedly keep Assuncao grounded.
The available betting odds with Bookmakers Review favor the younger fighter in Simon, but a near -300 betting line doesn't bode well with me. For that reason, Simon makes an ideal parlay piece for the final UFC event of 2021.
UFC Parlay Prediction: Stephen Thompson to win -210 & Ricky Simon to win -275 with BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
Payout: +101 [2.01] with BetOnline
Payout : +107 [2.07] 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.