The UFC returns to the tiny octagon at the Apex this weekend, and I’m back again to supplement all your MMA betting needs for a Vegas fight night stacked with up-and-coming talent.
Rising Japanese star Tatsuro Taira headlines the event versus Alex Perez. Still, we’re focusing on the early fights with my most noteworthy betting picks for the UFC Vegas 93 preliminary card bouts.
Picks Summary
- Armfield ML (-180) at Caesars Sportsbook
- Knutsson Win by Decision (-105) at Bet365
Garrett Armfield vs. Brady Armfield
UFC Vegas 93 Bantamweight Preliminary Bout
Saturday, June 15, 2024 – 07:00 PM ET at UFC Apex
Garrett Armfield
It’s never easy for an unranked bantamweight to find a position in the top 15 of the weight class; the division is so stacked. However, I genuinely believe the 27-year-old Garrett Armfield could evolve into a force. Although his UFC career began with a round two submission defeat in 2022, his unanimous win over Brad Katona last time out was uber-impressive.
- Armfield Pro Record: 10-3
- Armfield KO/TKO Wins: 6
- Armfield Submission Wins: 2
Brady Armfield
Armfield is in a similar position to his weekend opponent. Young, hungry, and looking to make a statement at 135 pounds. Unfortunately, he hasn’t shown the same promise. Too much reliance on a high-school level of wrestling in an era where judges love damage over control doesn’t bode well for this style.
- Hiestand Pro Record: 7-2
- Hiestand KO/TKO Wins: 3
- Hiestand Submission Wins: 2
Armfield vs. Hiestand: Inside the Octagon
As mentioned, Hiestand has been relying on an offensive wrestling game to place him in the win column. So far, so good; he’s riding a two-fight win streak, after all. Take a closer peak, though, and you’ll realize how lucky he was to get the round three stoppage versus Danaa Batgerel – now cut from the UFC – where the initial two rounds saw him take a beating.
It’s entirely possible that Hiestand gets multiple takedowns in this fight, but he doesn’t own the grappling prowess to keep Armfield in this position. When a striking battle erupts, there’s only one man with the volume, footwork, power, and variable attacks, and that’s the man we’re picking to win.
UFC Vegas 93 Preliminary Card Odds & Prediction
The UFC pricing with OddsTrader’s top sportsbooks makes Armfield a slight betting favorite, but honestly, I’d line these odds closer to -250 rather than -180. For this reason, it’s a no-brainer MMA betting pick.
Ultimately, it comes down to Hiestand and whether he can create a blueprint in which his wrestling reigns supreme. But watching Armfield defeat a significantly more relentless and grueling wrestler in Brad Katona is all I need to know for faith in his defenses this weekend.
We have a one-dimensional wrestler facing a well-rounded prospect with greater striking expertise, and I like it, especially at this price.
UFC Pick: Armfield ML (-180) [1.8u returns 1u profit] at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
Julia Polastri vs. Josefine Knutsson
UFC Vegas 93 Women’s Strawweight Preliminary Bout
Saturday, June 15, 2024 – 07:00 PM ET at the UFC Apex
Julia Polastri
Undefeated former Swedish muay thai champion Josefine Knutsson may not have displayed an aggressive nature to collect stoppage wins during her pro-MMA career, but good luck to the upcoming women’s strawweight competitors wanting to trade or clinch with this lady; she’s a menace!
- Knutsson Pro Record: 7-0
- Knutsson KO/TKO Wins: 1
- Knutsson Submission Wins: 0
Josefine Knutsson
Brazil’s Julia Polastri isn’t as much of an exciting prospect, in my opinion. She’s very young in her combat sports experience, which only goes as high as the Dana White Contender Series. Furthermore, whenever the competition levels are raised – Jasmine Jasudavicious, Valesca Machado – she’s been completely outclassed in all rounds.
- Polastri Pro Record: 12-3
- Polastri KO/TKO Wins: 4
- Polastri Submission Wins: 3
Polastri vs. Knutsson: In the Octagon
Adding wrestling to her game has been evident and very smart for a fighter in Knutsson, who comes from a Muay Thai kickboxing background. Surprisingly, she hasn’t just used it strictly for defense either, as displayed in her UFC debut versus Marnic Mann, with whom she took down on multiple occasions.
There’s a physicality factor with Knutsson that shouldn’t be ignored. Low-level women will have a problem when you couple her noteworthy ability to score points, dominance in the clinch, and striking at range. The growing grappling game with said physicality, low-level women will have a problem.
UFC Vegas 93 Preliminary Card Odds & Prediction
The UFC odds make Knutsson a slight betting favorite, and it’s hard to argue this stance.
Knutsson backers, however, can raise those odds to near plus money by taking the decision prop. I expect her to have the striking advantage; the ground game is fair game, and skill-for-skill, it’s a no-brainer that we select the fighter who’s been more impressive in all areas. But of course, Polastri is tough; she’s never finished ITD, and the Swede is a decision-machine.
Knutsson Win By Decision Supporting UFC Vegas 93 Facts
- Knutsson is undefeated in pro-MMA
- Knutsson has won 6 of her 7 fights via decision
- Polastri has never lost via KO/TKO or submission
UFC Pick: Knutsson Win By Decision (-105) [1.05u returns 1u profit] at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
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*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.
