The UFC heads to Las Vegas this weekend for a special fight night card that is headlined by a title fight between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko. In the co-main, Kevin Holland takes on Jack Della Maddalena and teen sensation Raul Rosas Jnr returns after his first professional loss to face Terrence Mitchell. We take a look at my UFC best bets on the card below.
UFC Fight Night Preview & Betting Tips
Alexa Grasso vs Valentina Shevchenko
Alexa Grasso upset Valentina Shevchenko in March in a shock that is on par with the one we just saw last weekend where Sean Strickland dethroned Israel Adesanya. Grasso was holding her own before catching Shevchenko’s spin kick, finding her back and choking her out. That submission was remarkably slick and shows just how far the Mexican has come. It was Shevchenko’s first loss since moving to Flyweight where she registered nine straight wins, seven of which were title defenses.
Notably while Grasso was holding her own she was behind on the judges scorecards. She had early success with leg kicks but was being slightly outworked. While I believe Shevchenko will regain the title as she would have left no stone unturned, she is now 35 and it wouldn’t shock me to see a regression in her in the coming years.
However, I don’t see that regression happening just yet and I expect Shevchenko to utilise more of her clinch and grappling game to dominate the rematch.
Valentina Shevchenko to win
$1.60 (4 units)
Kevin Holland vs Jack Della Maddalena
Kevin Holland absolutely destroyed Michael Chiesa in July and makes a short turnaround to fight surging contender Jack Della Maddalena. Welterweight Holland is a serious problem, with his only loss in the division being to Stephen Thompson. Della Maddalena has been on a tear since debuting in the UFC but only secured a razor tight decision last time out to newcomer Bassil Hafez.
Both men have excellent boxing and their overall striking games are solid, with their wrestling their weakest points. However, Holland has improved in that realm in recent years and has always had skills on the mat, as shown when he submitted Chiesa. Holland has more tools than his Aussie counterpart and I believe he will be able to put it on Della Maddalena this weekend. I have the odds flipped so will make the most of Holland as an underdog.
Kevin Holland to win
$2.10 (3 units)
Tracy Cortez vs Jasmine Jasudavicius
Tracy Cortez has been very inactive in her UFC career only fighting three times in the last four years. This means many people forget some of the wins on her record. She has turned away Mariya Agapova, top prospect Erin Blanchfield and handed Melissa Gatto her first defeat.
Her opponent Jasmine Jasudavicius has put together a decent Octagon run and was impressive last time out defeating Miranda Maverick by decision. Her problem is I don’t think her length will be enough to stop the takedowns of Cortez. The American averages 2.80 takedowns a fight and showed some improved striking in her last victory. I expect Cortez to land the more telling blows and mix in her wrestling to shut down Jasudavicius’ game.
Tracy Cortez to win
$1.90 (3 units)
