What it lacks in name recognition, Saturday’s UFC Fight Night makes up for in hard-hitting fights. Led by the main event, expect plenty of finishes beginning with the Prelims. We’re not exaggerating when we predict all seven fights to feature some kind of a finish and you can bet online for all of it.
- Date: Saturday, April 23, 6 p.m. ET
- Venue: UFC APEX
- Live stream: UFC Fight Pass
Let’s check the latest news, stats, injury reports, and UFC odds for UFC Fight Night. We’ve plenty of UFC predictions for you to consider.
UFC Fight Night Prelim Picks
Parsons vs Elder
- Moneyline: Evan Elder -110, Preston Parsons -120
- Round Totals: Over 1½ (-165), Under 1½ (+135)
- Weight Class (Rounds): Welterweight (170 lbs) (3 Rounds)
The online sports betting lines are underestimating Evan Elder here as the Sanford MMA product is a much better striker than Preston Parsons. The UFC debutant is versed enough in wrestling to keep this fight on its feet and not having to cut weight should also benefit him as he hurts Parsons (9-3-0) and finishes him some time in the later rounds.
Pick: Evan Elder -110
Wright vs Barriault
- Moneyline: Marc-Andre Barriault -180, Jordan Wright +150
- Round Totals: Over 1½ (-150), Under 1½ (+120)
- Weight Class (Rounds): Catchweight (190 lbs) (3 Rounds)
Expect another spectacular finish here as “The Beverly Hills Ninja,” Jordan Wright, takes on Marc-Andre Barriault, who is making a quick turnaround despite getting knocked out. This one is either Wright (12-2-0) via an early knockout or Barriault (13-5-0) via a late finish or a decision. At these odds, we lean on Wright to land something on the still-recovering Canadian.
OH MY GOODNESS 😳
Jordan Wright just DID THAT. #UFC262 pic.twitter.com/diGljpgC8h
— UFC (@ufc) May 16, 2021
Pick: Jordan Wright +150
Grant vs Khandozhko
- Moneyline: Dwight Grant -105, Sergey Khandozhko -125
- Round Totals: Over 2½ (-170), Under 2½ (+140)
- Weight Class (Rounds): Welterweight (170 lbs) (3 Rounds)
Few fighters hit as hard as Dwight “The Bodysnatcher” Grant. The problem is, he is so reliant on his power that he’s looking to land that big punch every fight. This can lead to him getting outworked by a guy like Sergey Khandozhko, who will mix it up and likely beat him. But Grant’s (11-4-0) is no joke and Khandozhko (27-6-1) is hittable enough.
Pick: Dwight Grant -105
Tyson Pedro vs Villanueva
- Moneyline: Tyson Pedro -650, Ike Villanueva +425
- Round Totals: Over 1½ (+145), Under 1½ (-175)
- Weight Class (Rounds): Light Heavyweight (205 lbs) (3 Rounds)
Tyson Pedro is the second-largest favorite of the prelims and for good reason: he is more skilled and more athletic than Ike Villanueva. He should go out there and dust Villanueva (18-13-0) in a round or two. The best UFC bet is Pedro (7-3-0) by a finish and also, bet the under at a reasonable price.
Pick: Under 1½ *(-175)
Aori vs Else
- Moneyline: Qileng Aori -230, Cameron Else +180
- Round Totals: Over 1½ (-155), Under 1½ (+125)
- Weight Class (Rounds): Bantamweight (135 lbs) (3 Rounds)
Qileng Aori and Cameron Else should combine for a fun scrap at 135 lbs and maybe even get Fight of the Night. Aori (20-11-0) is incredibly durable but is a finisher just like Cameron Else. However, the fast pace and hard hits could ultimately culminate in a finish but not until the midway point of the fight.
Pick: Over 1½ (-155)
Prachnio vs Lins
- Moneyline: Marcin Prachnio -130, Philipe Lins Ev
- Round Totals: Over 1½ (-150), Under 1½ (+120)
- Weight Class (Rounds): Middleweight (185 lbs) (3 Rounds)
If there is a fight that will go to a decision, it’s this one. This one offers value on the UFC betting lines at least. Both Marcin Prachnio and Philipe Lins are unspectacular and could get into a “grindy” affair with Prachnio (15-5-0) edging out Lins (14-5-0).
Pick: Over 1½ (-150)
Barry vs Jackson
- Moneyline: Dean Barry -1500, Mike Jackson +750
- Round Totals: Over 1½ (-110), Under 1½ (-120)
- Weight Class (Rounds): Welterweight (170 lbs) (3 Rounds)
When the UFC wants to give a “prospect” like Dean Barry a win, they give him Mike Jackson. Known for beating CM Punk (since overturned), Jackson (0-1-0, 1 NC) Jackson is not UFC caliber and is merely a part-time fighter. Barry (4-1-0) ain’t much either but he’s more brolic and better trained so he should beat up on Jackson and finish him within 1.5 rounds.
