UFC Vegas 96 Parlay Picks: My Two Best Bets for 8/24

It’s that time of the week when I share with you my deepest, darkest MMA betting secrets, and for this Saturday, I have a two-leg UFC Vegas 96 parlay, which I believe can line our pockets with profit this weekend.

#UFCVegas96 Media Day is a WRAP 👏 pic.twitter.com/otpZvZuLbN

— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2024

UFC Vegas 96 Event Information

• Date & Time: Saturday, August. 24, 2024 – 07:00 p.m. ET
• Location: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, NV
• How to Watch: UFC Fight Pass
• Scheduled Fights: 12
• Main Event Bout: Jared Cannonier vs. Caio Borralho
• Co-Main Event Bout: Angela Hill vs. Tabatha Ricci

2 Best UFC Vegas 96 Parlay Picks

1. Edmen Shahbazyan vs. Gerald Meerschaert: Speed Kills

Aged 20, a young Edmen Shahbazyan, who already owned seven knockout wins from the regional scene, walked onto Dana White’s Contender Series and made a huge statement. Nicknamed “The Golden Boy,” he ironically became a golden boy of the promotion. With the backing of Ronda Rousey for good measure, his first year of competitive action certainly lived up to the hype.

Too much, too soon, perhaps? 21-year-old Shahbazyan was propelled into the spotlight following four straight wins and three stoppages, but his fall from grace was real. His next five appearances delivered a 1-4 record with three KO/TKO stoppages, and the young, bidding prospect was no more.

It’s 2024 and Shahbazyan is now 26-years-old. The UFC likely made the mistake of throwing a green and inexperienced kid into the deep end, but the striking ferocity and talent he owns remain. Now, with a plethora of high-level experience in his back pocket, the boy has evolved into a man, and he’ll be looking to impress again as he did with a round-one knockout earlier this year.

Gerald “GM3” Meerschaert is a great test to gauge where “Golden Boys” ceiling currently lies. The savvy veteran is a naughty submission artist with 28 wins to his name via this method, but he’s also a very beatable opponent.

Bet This Pick: Shahbazyan to Win by KO or Submission (-200)

Posting a HEADKICK KO EVERYDAY for one year! (11/365)

Brad Tavares vs Edmen Shahbazyan#UFC #MMATwitter #UFCAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/XJzXhTmcTN

— 🎱The MMA Mark🎱 (@TheMMA8Ball) August 3, 2024

Momentum Stays With the Youngster

Since the end of 2021, Shahbazyan has averaged one fight per year. I appreciate the steady pace he’s undergoing compared to the heavy schedule he was subjected to earlier in his career. It’s crazy to think that he’s just 26 but owns six years of UFC experience, and although his prospect radar isn’t flashing as hard as it once was, he’s yet to reach his prime fighting years.

What’s amusing about Meerschaert’s 28 wins by submission is that his offensive wrestling isn’t that great, and for some of the flaws Shahbazyan has displayed, being out-muscled to the ground easily isn’t one of them.

So, how does “GM3” win? Simply put… he doesn’t!

The UFC betting odds are slightly juiced in favor of Shahbazyan for good reasons, one of which is the striking speed and power that will fall into the hands of the “Golden Boy.” Stuff the takedowns and beat a slow and plodding Meerschaert to a pulp is the plan, and it’s a plan I anticipate will play out by the book this Saturday evening.

Shahbazyan by KO/Sub Supporting Betting Trends

• 11 of Shahbazyan’s 13 pro career wins came by KO/TKO
• GM3 has lost 12 fights inside the distance throughout his career

🚨🚨#UFCVegas96🚨🚨

Middleweight clash between Edmen Shahbazyan & Gerald Meerschaert at #UFCVegas96 on August 24th. pic.twitter.com/hYcqUWYun7

— Marcel Dorff 🇳🇱🇮🇩 (@BigMarcel24) June 28, 2024

UFC Betting Fans: Bet $200 & Get a $450 Bonus on your first time deposit!

2. Jose Medina vs. Zachary Reese: Go With Clear Favorite

Zach Reese made his debut as a -225 UFC betting favorite and was slammed into unconsciousness by Cody Brundage. It wasn’t pretty, and it isn’t a good feeling every time we see juice attached to his name, but we’ll forgive him… After all, it was a meme situation, and the circumstances leading up to the KO/TKO loss were severely unfortunate.

Reese bounced back with a violent beating of Julian Marquez, and finally, we could breathe. He proved he wasn’t a complete hype job, and honestly, you have to respect this man’s willingness to hunt his opponents down savagely.

Jose Medina is next in line for the violent finisher, and yes, you guessed it… Reese is a huge betting favorite at BetUS Sportsbook. However, Jose Medina’s path to becoming a member of the UFC roster is questionable, and I wouldn’t say I like his chances as much as Dana White strangely does.

On the Contender Series, we watched Medina get outclassed by a mediocre opponent’s offensive wrestling. Dana contradicts his beliefs and hands a contract to a losing fighter who is 33 years old… Why? We’re still asking ourselves that question to this day.

Bet This Pick: Reese to Win by KO or Submission (-320)

Zach Reese knocks out Julian Marquez in 20 seconds of the first round! #ufc #UFCFightNightLive pic.twitter.com/PiXR2GMKP2

— SEATTLE MIKE (@fightswfriends) June 9, 2024

Violence Incoming

Reese is huge; he has one-punch knockout power, and to date, the American’s seven pro-MMA wins have been obtained by knockout or submission. He’s arguably a more talented wrestler than Medina’s last opponent, which will be a huge concern.

Dana forced Medina to drop from 205lb to 185 lb. The UFC boss started discussing his diet and making odd claims that he’d help him. Still, ultimately, the Bolivian has fought nothing but trash cans throughout his career, and his one semi-challenging test resulted in a lopsided defeat.

Reese is untested beyond the first round, but there’s much to like about him compared to Medina. At 6’4”, with a huge reach and a desire to render his opponent unconscious, whether standing or grounded, I expect the favorite to do what he does best.

Reese by KO/Sub Supporting Betting Trends

• Medina surrendered six takedowns in his last fight
• Reese has finished all 7 of his pro career wins by KO/TKO or submission
• Medina has never fought at middleweight and will surrender four inches in height to Reese

UFC Vegas 96 2-Leg Parlay [-104]

• Shahbazyan by KO or Submission [-200]
• Reese by KO or Submission [-320]

Bet This UFC Parlay Picks at BetUS!

Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets

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• Cannonier vs Borralho Betting Breakdown: UFC Vegas 96 Best Bets
• UFC Vegas 96 Prop Picks: Cash in on TUF 33 Finale Special!

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