UFC Vegas 54: Blachowicz vs. Rakic Best Bets (Archive)
We are once again back at the UFC Apex for UFC Vegas 54. With many intriguing fights on this card with some hot prospects, I dove in deep to find the right value.
With that said, I found that in two great fights: Virna Jandiroba vs. Angela Hill and Katlyn Chookagian vs. Amanda Ribas. Read below for my UFC Best Bets.
Virna Jandiroba vs. Angela Hill
UFC Women’s Strawweight Preliminary Bout
Saturday, May 14, 2022 – 07:30 PM EDT at UFC Apex
Who Is Virna Jandiroba?
Virna “Carcara” Jandiroba is a Brazilian mixed martial artist with a current professional record of 17 wins (1 T/KO, 13 Submissions, 3 Decisions) and 3 losses (3 Decisions).
Jandiroba is looking to bounce back from a unanimous decision loss against Amanda Ribas. With a background in BJJ, she thrives once the fight makes it on the ground, as her striking needs some improvements.
Who Is Angela Hill?
Angela “Overkill” Hill is an American mixed martial artist with a current professional record of 13 wins (5 T/KO, 8 Decisions) and 11 losses (2 Submissions, 9 Decisions).
Hill is primarily a Thai striker with a high output. She has shown improvements in her striking throughout her professional career and has also improved her ability on keeping a fight standing.
Who Will Win?
The current UFC Odds are Hill +155 and Jandiroba -180 at your top-rated sportsbooks. I think this is going to be a great bout overall since we have a striker vs. grappler matchup.
Jandiroba will have the most success on the ground since her striking is not as elite. Hill does have a good takedown defense and is capable of scrambling back to her feet.
If the fight stays standing, then I can easily see Hill out striking Jandiroba until the scorecards. If Virna can bring the fight to the ground, then I could easily see her wrap up Hill.
How to Bet Jandiroba vs. Hill?
For me, Hill’s takedown defense and volume striking will be the factor here. She needs to keep Virna at bay and unleash her striking. Jandiroba will be hunting for a takedown any chance she will get, and I think she will be successful in some of her tries.
Also, Hill’s previous bouts have not been rough as she sits 1-4 with losses against Claudia Gadelha, Michelle Waterson, Tecia Torres, and Amanda Lemos; all losses by decision.
Jandiroba’s last two scorecard appearances were lost by decision as well. For me, Jandiroba has been incredibly impressive, despite her recent loss against Amanda Ribas. I will side with the BJJ aficionado.
UFC Pick: Virna Jandiroba ML (-180) at BetOnline (Visit our BetOnline Review)
Katlyn Chookagian vs. Amanda Ribas
UFC Women’s Flyweight Main Card Bout
Saturday, May 14, 2022 - 10:00 PM EDT at UFC Apex
Who is Katlyn Chookagian?
Katlyn “Blonde Fighter” Chookagian is an American mixed martial artist with a professional record of 17 wins (2 T/KO, 1 Submission, 14 Decisions) and 4 losses (2 T/KO, 2 Decision).
Chookagian is a well-rounded martial artist that mainly relies on her striking. With a traditional BJJ background, she likes to utilize her kicks and jabs to maintain distance. She doesn’t hold a lot of power in her striking, but she is very technical.
Who Is Amanda Ribas?
Amanda Ribas is a Brazilian mixed martial artist with a professional record of 11 wins (3 T/KO, 4 Submissions, 4 Decisions) and 2 losses (2 T/KO).
Ribas has superb judo skills; her kicks and striking are lethal. If a takedown is attempted against her, she has no problem switching levels and wrapping up her opponent on the ground. When it comes to her striking, she has a good amount of power, diversity, and accuracy. Her kicks are her strongest weapon standing.
How Can Ribas Beat Chookagian?
The oddsmakers have Katlyn Chookagian priced at -175 and Amanda Ribas +150 at most online betting sites.
I think this is a decently close matchup, and I understand why Chookagian is favored, however, I am going to side with the underdog. Amanda Ribas has been rising in the promotion and her skills match perfectly against Chookagian’s.
Chookagian is a sharp striker, but she doesn’t fully commit to her striking which is why she lacks power. Ribas is not afraid to get down and dirty and is capable of fighting wherever the fight goes.
Chookagian vs. Ribas Betting Pick
Chookagian is going to attempt to keep Ribas at bay with her long limbs by utilizing her jabs and kicks. If Chookagian isn’t cautious, Ribas can grab a leg or enter the pocket to switch levels or even rain down on Chookagian with some heavy punches.
Ribas’ fight IQ is sharp; she will be able to read Chookagian’s movements and take home the victory. Again, side with the underdog.
UFC Pick: Amanda Ribas ML (+150) 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.