Hard-hitting mixed martial arts action returns to the UFC Apex this weekend when Dana White & co. return to Vegas, and we’re covering all your betting needs for a fight card stacked with up-and-coming talent.
Let’s waste no more time and dive right into the most noteworthy betting picks for the UFC Vegas preliminary card, including our best bets and fight analysis.
Picks Summary
- Eryk Anders by KO or Submission (+105)
- Al-Selwady Moneyline (-170)
*All odds from Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Eryk Anders vs. Jamie Pickett
UFC Vegas 87 Middleweight Preliminary Bout
Saturday, March 02, 2024 – 01:30 PM ET at UFC Apex
Eryk Anders
“Ya Boi” Eryk Anders owns a negative UFC record (7-8), has lost 4 of his previous 5 bouts, and, aged 36, isn’t getting any younger. So, the question is: Why are we looking at a -330 moneyline price on the Texan native this weekend?
It’s simple: Saturday’s meeting with Jamie Pickett is the most winnable fight Anders has received since Darren Steward. Despite the unattractive record and current downtrend, he’s unquestionably the more well-rounded fighter and should walk through his opponent without many complications.
- Anders Pro Record: 15-8-0
- Anders KO/TKO Wins: 9
- Anders Submission Wins: 1
Jamie Pickett
Jamie Pickett doesn’t deserve to be listed as a UFC roster member, and that’s the stone-cold truth. I don’t enjoy being this ruthless towards professional fighters that would kick my a**, but we have to keep it real, as Pickett owns one of the worst promotional records in the UFC with two losses and six defeats.
- Pickett Pro Record: 13-10-0
- Pickett KO/TKO Wins: 8
- Pickett Submission Wins: 1
Anders vs. Pickett: Fight Tape Analysis
Pickett is riding a four-fight losing streak, and his last win was in 2022 to a lackluster Joseph Holmes. Unfortunately for him, he’ll likely be hearing his swan song this weekend when faced with a similar lower-ranked opponent, but one that possesses much more experience with a handful of closely fought losses, in addition to power, wrestling, and a finishing advantage.
UFC Vegas 87 Preliminary Card Odds & Prediction
The UFC pricing with OddsTrader’s top sportsbooks has placed a huge price tag on Anders, and nobody takes pleasure in wagering on a declining fighter. However, his strength alone could allow him to dictate the flow of this bout with Pickett, a fighter who’s seriously underwhelmed in all areas of the fight game.
To boost the juiced moneyline, the KO/TKO or submission prop at +105 is a must. It’s difficult to envision Pickett causing Anders any problems in the cage, and “Ya Boi” has notably finished 57% of his UFC wins inside the distance.
Anders by KO/TKO or Dec: Supporting UFC Vegas 87 Facts
- Ander’s has a 57% finish rate in the UFC
- Pickett has lost inside the distance in 66% of his UFC losses
- Pickett has lost by KO/TKO or submission in 3 of his previous 4 UFC bouts
UFC Pick: Anders by KO or Decision (+105) [1u returns 1.05u profit] at Bet365
Loik Radzhabov vs. Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady
UFC Vegas 87 Lightweight Preliminary Bout
Saturday, March 02, 2024 – 01:40 PM ET at UFC Apex
Loik Radzhabov
Tajikistan native Loik Radzhabov returns for his third UFC bout to date after collecting a 1-1 record and a most recent clash with Mateusz Rebecki, which resulted in a KO/TKO loss that ultimately started via a streak of unanswered leg kicks.
- Radzhabov Pro Record: 17-5-1
- Radzhabov KO/TKO Wins: 7
- Radzhabov Submission Wins: 5
Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady
Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady, first of all, has the coolest name in the lightweight division; secondly, he’ll make his UFC debut following a five-fight win streak, which includes two ground and pound stoppages.
- Al-Selwady Pro Record: 15-3-0
- Al-Selwady KO/TKO Wins: 8
- Al-Selwady Submission Wins: 2
Radzhabov vs. Al-Selwady: Fight Tape Analysis
It’s difficult to pinpoint Radzhabov’s most noteworthy attributes, and in all honesty, I believe most of his successful outings to date have revolved around his aggression and willingness to fight. He’ll likely have the wrestling upside in this contest, but as a pure martial artist who ticks most boxes, we must side with Al-Selwady.
The biggest concern for Radzhabov would be his cardio, combined with a stale striking offense. With that said, he does have power on the feet, and a knockout finish wouldn’t be out of this realm, as Al-Selwady’s chin has been compromised in the past.
UFC Vegas 87 Preliminary Card Odds & Prediction
The UFC odds have placed Al-Selwady as a slight betting favorite at -170, and although plus-money MMA odds would’ve been appreciated, at least we can avoid ROI-killing juice in this bout.
There’s a reason why this fight presents the closest betting line on the preliminary card: it’s not a simple fight to call. However, scared money doesn’t make money, and I must side with the fighter who I believe owns the greater talents skill-for-skill, Al-Sewady.
UFC Pick: Al-Selwady ML (-170) [1.70u returns 1u profit] at Bet365
*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
