The UFC returns this weekend for the first card of 2024 and it is full of rematches. In the main event, Light Heavyweight contenders Johnny Walker and Magomed Ankalaev go toe-to-toe after their first bout was brought to an abrupt halt by an illegal knee. In the co-main, Mattheus Nicolau meets Manel Kape, with the winner potentially the next in line for the title shot and veteran Jim Miller faces off against Gabriel Benitez.
UFC Fight Night Betting Tips
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker
In what is a rematch from UFC 294, Magomed Ankalaev and. Johnny Walker once again go toe-to-toe in this weekend’s main event in what many expect to be a wild clash. The pair’s first encounter was brought to an end by an illegal knee just three minutes in.
In their first fight, Ankalaev had the Brazilian on the back foot and was seemingly landing at will from the start and that was without using his typical Dagestani wrestling background, which is the path of least resistance. The Russian has been long criticized for his boring style, as he does use wrestling to grind his foes down, however, he is probably the most well-rounded fighter at 205 and is arguably the best in the division as it stands.
On the flip side Waker is a raw talent but far from a complete fighter, has never been able to take a punch and has offered very little when taken down and simply I see this being a very one-sided fight. Even at the short odds, I am happy to get involved, with a maximum five unit bet to start the year on Ankalaev, who should be able to win by whatever method he chooses.
Magomed Ankalaev to win
$1.30 (5 Units)
Jim Miller vs. Gabriel Benitez
Another year and another Jim Miller fight. Some 15 years into his UFC career, the MMA stalwart continues to register wins, almost shockingly heading into this fight winning four of his last five and most recently knocking out Jesse Butler in next to no time. He faces Gabriel Benitez who has also spent nearly a decade in the UFC, although has never gained the same traction as his opponent.
The UFC continues to give Miller favourable match ups and he gets another here to kickstart 2024. He is the superior grappler to the Mexican and can hold his own on the feet. Add that to the fact Benitez has been knocked out in three of his last six fights and he appears ready to be fed to Miller. I do fear that Miller continues to fall in love with his hands as he should look to take the fight to the ground but regardless at coinflip odds I will take the American here.
Jim Miller to win
$1.90 (2.5 Units)
Phil Hawes vs. Brunno Fereira
Phil Hawes takes on Brunno Fereira in a Middleweight bout that pits two men desperate for a win against one-another. Hawes entered the Octagon with a lot of hype and has been underwhelming to date and now finds himself trying to save his UFC career, having lost three of his last four fights by knockout. Fereira also comes into this fight on the back of a brutal knockout loss, the first of his career, and I believe he is in for a rough night against Hawes.
Hawes may be low on confidence but he won’t be lacking motivation as he knows just how important this fight is.
I am not sold on Fereira’s power and I don’t see him being able to get Hawes to the ground on his own terms. I expect Hawes to catch Fereira with something nasty or if needed fall back on his strong wrestling to grind out the Brazilian.
Phil Hawes to win
$2 (3 Units)
