Cashing on Knockouts

UFC Fight Night Props

Pedro Returns with a Vengeance

The last time Tyson Pedro fought in the Octagon, there was no pandemic and Daniel Cormier was the light heavyweight champion. It’s been over three years and Pedro (7-3-0) is still heavily expected to dust Ike Villanueva.

We can’t blame the UFC odds here as Villanueva (18-13-0) is not UFC caliber. He is slow and hittable and the perfect opponent for a rusty Pedro to dust. Even if it takes the Samoan-Australian a while to find his range, he should land on Villanueva and put him away before the end of the first round.

Pick: T Pedro To Win in Round 1 (Ev)

Grant Catches Khandozhko Late

Speaking of “taking time”, don’t expect Dwight Grant to land too many punches in his bout against Sergey Khandozhko. The American has monstrous punching power but has a tendency to overcalculate his attacks. Thankfully, Khandozhko is not the type to overwhelm him as the Russian will attempt to mix it up and win by workrate.

Khandozhko (27-6-1), however, is not that fast and can be hit. Grant (11-4-0) at some point will find his mark. Looking at the sportsbook’s lines, Grant to win by KO or TKO is at +325. That’s a nice price tag. But we’re going to take a big shot on him to win in Round 2 (+900) or Round 3 (+1400) as he’s due to have one of these thunderous knockouts.

Pick: D Grant To Win In Round 3 +1400

Wright Goes Full Ninja on Barriault

A wise man once said, “kill or be killed.” Jordan Wright took this to heart as every single one of his fights have ended in a finish. Heck, not one saw the third round. Wright (12-2-0 1 NC) is a flashy striker that will throw spinning kicks and jumping knees at the expense of getting caught.

Marc-Andre Barriault is a bit different: he’s a workman type of fighter who will wear down his opponents and finish them. However, he is coming off a vicious knockout loss two months ago. At these odds, Wright has a solid shot at KOing the vulnerable Barriault (13-5-0 1 NC). Being offered 4-1 makes this the best UFC bet for this bout.

Pick: J Wright By KO, TKO or DQ +400

Andrade Outlasts Lemos in a Slugfest

This isn’t your typical women’s strawweight bout. Both Jessica Andrade and Amanda Lemos are bangers. They stand in the pocket and exchange blows until someone goes down. Our money is on the former champion, Andrade (22-9-0) being the one finishing Lemos (11-1-1).

While Lemos can hit hard, her chin has been checked and going 25 minutes against a pitbull like Andrade is asking for trouble. Lemos absorbs over 4.6 significant strikes per minute and Andrade lands over 6.2. Aptly named Bate Estaca (piledriver), all of Andrade’s last four wins have come via KO. Make it a fifth straight as she books another shot at the belt.

Pick: J Andrade By KO, TKO or DQ +225