The Fight Analyst returns to profiting with a 2-1 night (68-34 overall) at UFC 282. He will be looking to end the year with a bang this weekend at UFC Vegas 66.
We are coming off of arguably one of the most controversial PPV events in quite some time. We had back-to-back controversial decisions to end what was an exciting fight card.
Up next, is the last fight card of the year at the UFC Apex. In the main event, we have a clash between two Middleweight contenders in #3 Jared Cannonier, and #7 Sean Strickland. With that said, let’s look at the Best Bets for UFC Vegas 66.
$750 Welcome BonusArman Tsarukyan vs. Damir Ismagulov
We have an absolute barn burner in the Lightweight division as two dark horses battle it out between Arman Tsarukyan and Damir Ismagulov.
Tsarukyan is coming off a controversial decision loss to Mateusz Gamrot. He is an elite grappler which will come in handy against such a dangerous striker like Ismagulov. Of his 18 wins, 12 have come inside the distance.
Ismagulov has yet to taste defeat inside the octagon as he is a perfect 5-0. He won a very close split decision against the tough Guram Kutateladze his last time out. His counter-striking abilities will be key in this matchup against Tsarukyan.
This is arguably the best fight on the entire card and could have easily headlined this fight night. Both of these fighters are quite skilled in all facets of the game but I believe it will be Tsarukyan’s pace and grappling that will be the difference maker. Things will be competitive on the feet until Tsarukyan takes the fight into his world and out-grapples Ismagulov to a unanimous decision victory.
| The Fight Analyst’s Pick |
|---|
| Arman Tsarukyan to win -187 |
Julian Erosa vs. Alex Caceres
We have a fun scrap in the Featherweight division between “Juicy J” Julian Erosa and “Bruce Leeroy” Alex Caceres.
Erosa has quietly been on a tear as of late winning 5 out of his last 6 and is on a 3-fight win streak. He has rounded out his skillset over the years making him a tough fight for any opposition especially Caceres.
Caceres also has been climbing up the rankings amassing 5 wins out of his last 6. His most recent fight was a closely contested loss to ranked opposition in Sodiq Yusuff. Of his 19 wins, 12 have come inside the distance.
This should be a fun fight between these two surging Featherweights. Both of these fighters are well-rounded and it’s going to come down to who wants it more come Saturday night. The way that Erosa has been fighting as of late it’s hard for me not to take him here. He’ll be able to keep this fight standing at distance where he has a big advantage and outstrikes Caceres to a wide decision.
| The Fight Analyst’s Pick |
|---|
| Julian Erosa to win -165 |
Manel Kape vs. David Dvorak
In the Flyweight division, we have a great fight between two surging contenders in #9 David Dvorak and #12 Manel Kape.
Kape is coming into this fight off back-to-back knockout wins. He came into the UFC with a ton of hype surrounding him and he’s starting to finally show why he was a backup to the flyweight championship not too long ago. If he comes into this fight and lets it fly like he has been it’s going to be a tough fight for Dvorak.
Dvorak is coming off his first loss in his UFC career and since 2012 at the hands of Matheus Nicolau. He is as well-rounded as they come with finishing abilities on the feet as well on the mat. Mixing things up will be his recipe for success against the dangerous Kape.
I’ve been quite high on Kape since coming into the UFC and I still am. He lost a razor-close fight to title contender Alexandre Pantoja and he was robbed a win against Nicolau, no fault there. His dynamic striking abilities and power are what will be the difference maker in this fight. Kape will be able to defend the takedowns and beatdown Dvorak and get the finish inside two rounds.
| The Fight Analyst’s Pick |
|---|
| Manel Kape to win -250 |