This Saturday, it’s UFC 277 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, and the prelims should get bettors ready for the main events on the card.
UFC odds are available for all four preliminary fights, including the welterweight battle between Alex Morono and Matthew Semelsberger.
Check the latest UFC news, stats, injury reports, and UFC odds for Welterweights Anchor UFC 277 Prelims. There are plenty of UFC picks and predictions for you to consider.
Morono vs Semelsberger
So, most of the early betting online has been in favor of Semelsberger. He did score a win (via decision) over AJ Fletcher in March, and a first-round knockout win over Martin Sano at UFC 266.
The 29-year-old Marylander has lost only once since arriving in the UFC, two finishes to his name. It’s a good record for the 10-3 fighter and we’re not surprised by the -165 odds.
Morono is 21-7 after his decision victory over Mickey Gall, but the level of opposition hasn’t been there for the 31-year-old Texan. Gall is considered an easy beat in the UFC, so cause for concern as Morono sees a much tougher opponent.
Welterweights won’t leave anything to chance, and Semelsberger is eyeing a knockout finish here. Take the -160 to anchor the prelim card.
Pick: Matthew Semelsberger -160
Dober vs Alves
It wasn’t hard to be impressed by Drew Dober’s first-round knockout win over Terrance McKinney in March.
Dober, who’s the -200 fave against Rafael Alves, stunned McKinney, who was a promising fighter rising the ranks.
The 33-year-old still has plenty of fight left in him. It was an excellent bounce-back after being beaten by New Zealander Brad Riddell.
Alves is a 20-win veteran who submitted the dangerous Marc Diakiese last November. It was impressive, and if he can get Dober to the ground, he could surprise at +160 odds with the sportsbook.
However, Dober is enjoying himself in the UFC. \He even had to Google Alves to find out who he is.
“I honestly had to Google [Rafael Alves]. I wasn’t quite sure who he was,” Dober told Sportskeeda.
“So I’ve done my research and my coaches did even more research but at the end of the day, I’m more focused on what I’m doing, more focused on like how I can be the best version of myself, and at the end of the day, if you come in with the perfect game plan it doesn’t matter who you’re fighting. I just know how tall he is, he stands left or right-handed, just the bare minimum.”
Pick: Drew Dober -200
Mayes vs Abdelwahab
There isn’t much experience with Don’Tale Mayes and Hamdy Abdelwahab, but UFC betting markets have Mayes as the favorite, priced art -190.
The 30-year-old American won his UFC debut by knocking out Josh Parisian in the third round last December. That was a good performance, but Abdelwahab is a completely different foe.
He is 5-0 after scoring a knocking out Matthew Stickland in the iKon Fighting Championship. He hasn’t fought anyone of note. All five victories have come by KO, four in the first round.
He’s an exciting prospect, and we’re prepared to back him at the generous odds of +155. Abdelwahab may be a quality heavyweight prospect, and he has plenty of power in his hands.
Pick: Hamdy Abdelwahab +155
Klose vs Garcia
Drakkar Klose is a dangerous and scary fighter. He did score a terrific knockout win against Brandon Jenkins in April. That’s an excellent form guide.
The 34-year-old is in the twilight of his career, but still has more to give. He wouldn’t mind a statement win over Rafa Garcia, who’s a solid lightweight prospect at 14-2.
Garcia scored a win (via submission) over Jesse Ronson in April. He wasn’t facing a strong opponent then, but he owns consecutive UFC wins after losing his first two fights since arriving in 2021.
Agreeing with the bookmakers, we are taking Klose at -210. It’s a value price for a fighter who could put Garcia to sleep early.
