Contents

UFC Fight Night Props: Underdogs Shock To Start The Year

UFC’s First Event in 2023 Features Big Upsets

· Jan 12 - 4 minutes read

Best Underdog Props for UFC Fight Night

There is something about the early UFC events that can lead to chaos on the UFC betting lines. For the UFC’s first event this year, several underdogs are positioned to cause upsets. While taking these dogs straight is a solid bet online, we look at several props that can create even more lucrative returns this Saturday.

Let’s check the latest UFC odds, stats, and UFC lines for UFC Fight Night Props. We’ve plenty of UFC betting odds for you to consider.

Priscila Cachoeira looks on while facing Gina Mazany during their Women's Flyweight bout of UFC 262 — Carmen Mandato - Getty Images - AFP

Cachoeira Smokes Eubanks

We begin the year already with a stunning upset. Priscila “Zombie Girl” Cachoeira (12-4-0) will finish Sijara Eubanks (7-7-0). Just look at their records and tell us the online sports betting lines are a bit off.

Eubanks has not fought since 2021 and Cachoeira is one of the hardest punchers in the division. Additionally, Eubanks typically struggles to make weight at 125 pounds. So she could potentially be out of shape and rusty. That’s prime real estate for Cachoeira to spring the upset.

Pick: P Cachoeira By KO, TKO, DQ or Submission +375

The Nurmagomedov Slayer

What if we told you the “Upset of the Year” will take place to start the year? There is a decent probability of that happening as Raoni Barcelos (17-3-0) looks to make it 2-0 against the Nurmagomedov name. He takes on Umar (15-0-0), who is not related to Said, and a much better fighter. But at these long odds, Barcelos might be the best UFC bet.

The Brazilian has not looked that great recently. But this is mostly still the same fighter who went 5-0 to start his UFC career with wins over two current top-15 fighters in Chris Gutierrez and the aforementioned Said Nurmagomedov. At 10-1, it’s worth a dart throw that Barcelos can make this fight against Umar close enough for the judges to call it for him.

Pick: R Barcelos By Decision or Technical Decision +1000

BET THESE UFC PROPS

Kopylov Weathers Soriano’s Storm

Punahele Soriano (9-2-0) is the type of fighter to go out swinging. His M.O. has been to either knock his opponent out or lose over the distance. Against Roman Kopylov (9-2-0), the odds say it will be the former. But the oddsmakers also underestimate his Russian opponent.

Kopylov is, opposite to Soriano, a patient and tactical fighter. He typically loses the first round but can rally and defeat his opponent when they’ve gassed themselves trying to finish him. Five of his nine wins actually came in the third round or later. So either Soriano starches him quickly or Kopylov rallies for a decision victory (+400) or a late finish. Bet either.

Pick: R Kopylov By Decision or Technical Decision +400
Pick: R Kopylov in Round 3 +1200

Stickland and Imavov Get Greasy

We’ll divert a bit here for the main event. In a pick’em fight, we’re siding with Nassourdine Imavov (12-3-0) to get past Sean Strickland (25-5-0). This is easily Imavov’s toughest test and it’s on short notice. However, this is the “right time and right place” spot for him.

Strickland is coming off a fight where he got beat up by Jared Cannonier, one of the hardest punchers in the division. On top of that, he’s already talking smack at Imavov. The Russian-French fighter is not exactly a fiery one but he will pick apart Strickland in what should be his best performance as a UFC fighter.

“What are the French best at? Giving up.”

Sean Strickland says Nassourdine Imavov’s “cowardice” will come out.#UFCVegas67 | Full video: https://t.co/26ujuhKeNS pic.twitter.com/DCAp5CTWit

— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) January 12, 2023