The UFC returns to the Apex in Vegas Saturday in what should be a rather eventful evening. I see some very possible decisions on this card, and we have a handful of very exciting up and comers to watch out for.
Not too many people will be talking about the main event, but we have found a handful of angles we love this weekend and hope you guys can cash out with us!
Barlow is 8-0 in his MMA career, coming into this fight on a 4 straight KO/TKO streak, and 2-0 in the UFC. He gets newcomer to the octagon, Nikolay Veretennikov, who is coming in on a 3 fight finish streak and 12-4 in his career. Barlow has the UFC experience, and the power to get this done.
I 100% believe this will be a striking match, with 2 very powerful strikers. Barlow lands over 8 significant strikes per minute while absorbing around 3. Nikolay puts out less volume around 3.5 per minute while absorbing 3.5. Barlow is very calculated, he does not rush, he likes to pick his spots, and wait for you to make a bad decision. If he can find an opening on Nikolay I see a KO here.
While I believe we could see a KO, Nikolay is tough and could make this a dog fight. If Barlow does not find Nikolays chin, this could go to a decision with Barlow putting out more volume and damage. Barlow needs to watch for the return power from Nikolay, but I believe he is aware, and will do just that. Taking the Double Chance look in this one.
Charalampos Grigoriou Will Find Victory
Grigoriou is coming off of a decision loss in his UFC debut, but I believe he learned from that, and he should have if he wants to continue to be a good looking prospect. He is 8-4 in his career, coming into the UFC on a 5 fight KO/TKO streak and he has a good chance to find another one here. Toshiomi Kazama is 10-4 in his career, 0-2 in UFC with 2 KO/TKO losses.
We have a clash of styles where Grigoriou is a striker and Kazama is more BJJ first, he will look to grapple but he is not afraid to strike on the feet. Both of these fighters can grapple, and I like Grigoriou’s grappling style and pressure more in this fight.
I also believe Grigoriou’s leg kicks, ability to keep distance, and control this fight when he needs to will help him win this. He should out point on the feet and the ground.
If you guys did not know Zalal did not have his contract renewed from the UFC after not performing the best, and came back with a submission on veteran Billy Quarantillo in March.
This has been a great story and I am here to back him once more. Zalal is 14-5-1 in his MMA career, and won 3 straight decisions, before losing 3 straight decisions and a draw. His opponent Jarno Errenes is 14-5-1 as well, 1-2 in UFC with 3 straight decisions.
Zalal should be able to control this fight with distance, getting his points from striking from afar, and attempting takedowns at the right time. He has solid takedown defense and he will attempt takedowns in this fight. If he can get it there it should be a long night for Errens. Errens has not been finished in 10 straight fights, only being submitted one time in his career.
2-Leg Parlay: (-121) Bet365
Danny Barlow Double Chance (KO/TKO/Decision) ML
Charalampos Grigoriou ML
Best Bet: Youssef Zalal Win by Decision (-115) Bet365