MMA Picks, MMA Experts Picks for July 18

Was surprised Kyler Phillips opened as a sizeable underdog in this spot. The market is overreacting to his recent loss against UFC vet Rob Font. Last 5 fights Kyler's been lined as a massive favorite at -280, -400, -200, -215, -625 now we're getting him at +145 Saturday night? Sign me up. Now I'm not gonna say Rob Font's some elite level fighter but he's a high level boxer with a solid gas tank. Philips dominated round 1 than Font implemented his gameplan controlling distance walking Kyler down next 2 rounds. The only fighters Font's loss to since 2021 is Jose Aldo, Marlon Vera, Cory Sandhagen, and Figgy. All top level fighters or former champions. Stylistically, Philips is very unorthodox on the feet while possessing incredible athleticism. Slick striking backed by well timed takedowns and explosiveness. Believe he's capable of securing multiple takedowns controlling the action or out landing over the 3 rounds with finishing upside. While Vinicius Oliveira's a fighter we backed against Said Nurmagomedov at nice plus money cashing a ticket… I'm getting off the train. No doubt he's an aggressive striker willing to move forward yet there's holes in his defense were Kyler can capitalize. At times Oliveira's sloppy in the pocket leaving hands down in tight exchanges. Kyler far more technical on the feet and should find plenty of success. Lastly, let's address the cardio concerns on the Kyler side. Sure, the guy doesn't have a top notch gas tank… but neither does Vinicius. We've seen him slow down or need to dig very deep pushing through adversity. At plus money Kyler's the side here having a better overall skill set with ability to finish the fight. 

Released/revised 21 hour(s) ago

Francisco Prado 
Veretinnikov has dropped both of his UFC fights—one to a striker and one to a grappler—and hasn’t shown much in the way of offense or defense. He was dominated on the ground by Vanderford and had extremely low output in his loss to Barlow, managing just 21 strikes over the first two rounds. Prado, while a bit undersized, keeps a high pace and has faced better competition in recent losses to Jake Matthews and Daniel Zellhuber. Veretinnikov hasn’t impressed, and Prado should outwork him across three rounds. Prado by decision is the pick.

UFC 318 Pack is up!!!  #1 MMA 2025 at Wagertalk

Released/revised 5 day(s) ago