UFC Vegas 71 Props: From Russia Without Love

Can We Fade Russian Fighters via the UFC Props?

UFC Vegas 71 is supposed to be the night for the Russians or the Eastern Europeans. Most of the main matchups here feature fighters from the region including the main three fights. But it will be mixed results for the Russians as the UFC lines indicate. And there is plenty of money to cash using the props, which can pay quite a bit.

1. Aldrich Brings the Violence to the “Queen of Violence”

The MMA community disparangly dubs Ariane Lipski (14-8-0) the “Queen of Fraudulence” thanks to being one of the UFC best bets to fade. She is 3-5 in the promotion and gets consistently beaten by ranked fighters. JJ Aldrich (11-5-0) is no world-beater, but she’s a level above Lipski and should beat up the former KSW champion via a one-sided decision.

Pick: J J Aldrich By Decision or Technical Decision -110

Punch Sabina Mazo GIFfrom Punch GIFs

2. Cannetti Keeps Barking as a Dog

Keep sleeping on Guido Cannetti (10-6-0) at your own risk. Like his nickname, “Ninja,” he has sneakily sunk chalk bets online on a consistent basis. He is 4-5 in the UFC as an underdog and can finish fights on the ground or on his feet. Mario Bautista (11-2-0) should run him over. But the Mexican–American is hittable and may just get caught. At 9-1, it’s worth a dart throw.

Pick: G Cannetti By KO, TKO, DQ or Submission +900

3. Martinez Bursts Nurmagomedov’s Bubble

Said Nurmagomedov (17-2-0) and Jonathan Martinez (17-4-0) may just combine to score the “Fight of the Night”. But as far as the UFC picks are concerned, Martinez’s line is a bit too wide. As a 2-1 dog, that implies he’s got no more than 32 percent chance to beat Nurmagomedov. He’s arguably the better striker and Nurmagomedov’s ground game isn’t all that. The dog may just edge this one out.

Pick: J Martinez By Points +300

Jonathan Martinez fight week (and against Said Nurmagomedov no less) #UFCVegas71 pic.twitter.com/XoP3VONwrd

— Shakiel Mahjouri (@Shak_Fu) March 7, 2023

4. Spann Still Shocks Krylov

Nikita Krylov (29-9-0) and Ryan Spann (21-7-0) get re-booked Saturday after their last-minute fight cancelation two weeks ago. Not a lot has changed on the odds though Spann has a better price to finish Krylov. Most pundits are on Krylov’s side but “Superman” will pressure Krylov and submit him early.

Pick: R Spann in Round 1 +350

5. Romanov Runs Through Volkov

Of the Russians fighting, Alexander Volkov (35-10-0) is in for the worst beating. He’s in an bad situation against Alexandr Romanov (16-1-0). Had Romanov not lost in his last bout, the UFC fight odds would be a lot wider here. Aided by the small cage, he should take Volkov down and finish him. As it stands, betting Romanov to maul Volkov within a round pays a sweet price.

Pick: A Romanov By Submission and Round 1 +425

6. Yan Survives Dvalishvili

If only Merab Dvalishvili (15-4-0) fought like he talked. The Georgian makes UFC news with his incendiary comments about Petr Yan (16-4-0) and his Russian nationality. But Dvalishvili cannot just abuse takedown attempts and hope to score enough to earn a decision here. Yan actually has a 90% takedown defense. Aljamain Sterling, Dvalishvili’s main training partner, landed just three of his 37 takedown attempts against Yan.

Sterling is twice the grappler Dvalishvili is. Yan will stuff most of Dvalishvili’s takedown attempts then piece him up on their feet. But Dvalishvili is incredibly durable and Yan will rather spend 25 minutes lighting him up than finish him off.