One of the Bantamweight division’s biggest prospects meets one of its greats this weekend when Marlon Vera takes on Dominick Cruz. Also featuring on the card is a Featherweight barnburner between Nate Landwehr and David Onama and two new Strawweight prospects Yazmin Jauregui and Iasmin Lucindo face off. We take a look at my three best bets on this weekend’s card below.
UFC Fight Night Betting Tips
Marlon Vera vs. Dominick Cruz
This is a fascinating fight which will either be the resurgence towards a title shot for Cruz or a somewhat passing of the torch to Vera. ‘Chito’ is known for pushing a high pace, something Cruz is familiar with, so expect Vera to use his kicks and try to mix in some grappling. Cruz has notoriously some of the trickiest footwork in the UFC, largely because it just isn’t a style that would ever be taught and has been personally developed by Cruz.
At 37 years of age, Cruz is experienced as they come and after he lost his title to Cody Garbrant, he returned four years later going down to Henry Cejudo before bouncing back with wins over Pedro Munhoz and Casey Kenny.
Cruz has all the tools to win this fight and I am far from high on Vera. Back Cruz to mix his striking with takedowns perfectly and notch up a statement win to put him in line for a title shot.
Dominick Cruz to Win
$2.80 (3 Units)
Youssef Zalal vs. Da’Mon Blackshear
Youssef Zalal took the UFC by storm with three straight victories but has since lost his last three. He enters the Octagon this weekend for the first time in over a year and has a good stylistic match up against Da’Mon Blackshear.
Blackshear claimed the CFFC Bantamweight title with a submission finish of the then unbeaten DeAndre Jordan which he followed up with a win over Josh Smith. He replaces Cristian Quinonez on less than two weeks’ notice. While Zalal was clearly overhyped to start he is now being underrated. Blackshear struggles with takedowns and Zalal has all the tools to make this a horror night for Blackshear by outstriking him and outworking him in the clinch and grappling exchanges. Back Zalal to record a dominant grinding win.
Youssef Zalal to Win
$1.83 (4 Units)
Ode Osbourne vs. Tyson Nam
Ode Osbourne went from scoring a first-round armbar finish on the Contender Series to losing by first round submission in his UFC debut. Since that loss he has won three of his next four. His opponent Tyson Nam is as one-dimensional as it comes, he either wins by knockout or gets dominated. Problem for Nam is he is the weaker striker in this match up and Osbourne should be able to dance around and dominate the fight. Back him with confidence to get his hand raised.
Ode Osbourne to Win
$1.45 (4 Units)
