{"id":24175,"date":"2023-10-17T08:53:17","date_gmt":"2023-10-17T12:53:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/?p=24175"},"modified":"2023-10-17T09:03:35","modified_gmt":"2023-10-17T13:03:35","slug":"ufc-294-makhachev-vs-volkanovski-predictions-picks-and-betting-odds-october-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/mma\/ufc-294-makhachev-vs-volkanovski-predictions-picks-and-betting-odds-october-21\/","title":{"rendered":"UFC 294: Makhachev vs Volkanovski Predictions, Picks and Betting Odds October 21"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">UFC 294 Betting Preview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><span style=\"color: initial; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: revert;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/profile\/andy-lang\">UFC WagerTalk handicapper Andy Lang<\/a> gives his <\/span>UFC 294 predictions<span style=\"color: initial; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: revert;\"> and picks for October 21 with <\/span>Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski <span style=\"color: initial; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: revert;\">headlining the event in a lightweight title fight. The main card starts up at 2:00pm ET from<\/span> Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Are you subscribed to WagerTalk TV? If not, what are you waiting for?! Set up alerts so that you never miss an episode of your favorite shows. Drop the gloves with the Puck Time crew and swing for the fences on First Pitch. From betting tips to free picks, <a href=\"http:\/\/wt.buzz\/tv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">WagerTalk TV<\/a> is your one-stop shop for streaming sports betting content.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>WagerTalk also offers <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/free-sports-picks\/MMA\">Free UFC Picks<\/a> all year long!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski: UFC 294 Main Event<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><th>Saturday, October 21<\/th><th>UFC 294 Betting Notes (Courtesy of <a href=\"https:\/\/wlwilliamhillus.adsrv.eacdn.com\/C.ashx?btag=a_3552b_1278c_&amp;affid=32&amp;siteid=3552&amp;adid=1278&amp;c=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Caesars<\/a>)<\/th><\/tr><tr><td>Moneyline:<\/td><td>Islam Makhachev -260 vs Alexander Volkanovski +210<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Rounds:<\/td><td>3.5 Rounds (Over -195 \/ Under +165)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Fight Time:<\/td><td>Main Card Starts at 2:00pm ET \/ 11:00am PT<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Arena:<\/td><td>Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>TV:<\/td><td>PPV<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"amazing-offer-from-expert-nfl-handicappers\">Before You Read UFC 294 Predictions&#8230; Get $15 FREE towards all expert picks &#8211; including UFC &amp; More<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a class=\"anchor\" id=\"newsletterfrm\"><\/a>\n<div class=\"hottest_play_area\">\n  <div id=\"newsletter_widget\" class=\"hottest_play_third_area newsletter_widget\">\n    <div class=\"hottest_play_third_area_content\">\n      <div class=\"sign-up-offer-text\">\n        <p>SPECIAL OFFER FOR FIRST TIME SUBSCRIBERS<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"newsletter-thank new\" style=\"display: none;\">\n        <a class=\"anchor-newsletter\"><\/a>\n        Thanks for signing up! 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He is constantly throwing leg and body kicks, and they\u2019re effective, and he looks like he has cardio to continue the kicks and knees for all three rounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He doesn\u2019t look to wrestle hardly at all, and he\u2019ll have a willing dance partner on the feet in Bruno Silva. Silva has lost three out of four, but two of them were to submissions, and the other was to Alex Pereira, and Shara doesn\u2019t look like he\u2019s going to try and look for submissions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Silva\u2019s four wins in the UFC have come by knockout so he\u2019s at his best in a strikefest. The value is in the UFC veteran here as defending and surviving the kicks will be what he needs to do on defense, and I don\u2019t see opponents of Magomedov with the striking of Silva. I wouldn\u2019t bet on the UFC debutant here, <strong>Silva is a live dog<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"epyt-video-wrapper\"><div  style=\"display: block; margin: 0px auto;\"  id=\"_ytid_90172\"  width=\"870\" height=\"489\"  data-origwidth=\"870\" data-origheight=\"489\" data-facadesrc=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/eHp0BZO52fw?enablejsapi=1&#038;origin=https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com&#038;autoplay=0&#038;cc_load_policy=1&#038;cc_lang_pref=&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;loop=0&#038;rel=0&#038;fs=1&#038;playsinline=0&#038;autohide=2&#038;hl=en_US&#038;theme=dark&#038;color=red&#038;controls=1&#038;disablekb=0&#038;\" class=\"__youtube_prefs__ epyt-facade  epyt-is-override  no-lazyload\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-spai-excluded=\"true\" class=\"epyt-facade-poster skip-lazy\" loading=\"lazy\"  alt=\"UFC 294: Islam Makhachev v Alexander Volkanovski - Every Fight Breakdown, Bets, Tips and Predictions\"  src=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/eHp0BZO52fw\/maxresdefault.jpg\"  \/><button class=\"epyt-facade-play\" aria-label=\"Play\"><svg data-no-lazy=\"1\" height=\"100%\" version=\"1.1\" viewBox=\"0 0 68 48\" width=\"100%\"><path class=\"ytp-large-play-button-bg\" d=\"M66.52,7.74c-0.78-2.93-2.49-5.41-5.42-6.19C55.79,.13,34,0,34,0S12.21,.13,6.9,1.55 C3.97,2.33,2.27,4.81,1.48,7.74C0.06,13.05,0,24,0,24s0.06,10.95,1.48,16.26c0.78,2.93,2.49,5.41,5.42,6.19 C12.21,47.87,34,48,34,48s21.79-0.13,27.1-1.55c2.93-0.78,4.64-3.26,5.42-6.19C67.94,34.95,68,24,68,24S67.94,13.05,66.52,7.74z\" fill=\"#f00\"><\/path><path d=\"M 45,24 27,14 27,34\" fill=\"#fff\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button><\/div><\/div><span itemprop=\"video\" itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/VideoObject\"><meta itemprop=\"embedUrl\" content=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/eHp0BZO52fw\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"UFC 294: Islam Makhachev v Alexander Volkanovski - Every Fight Breakdown, Bets, Tips and Predictions\"><meta itemprop=\"description\" content=\"Andy gives his breakdown for every fight on the UFC 294 card including bets, tips, predictions and odds. ****Use the promo code: 7PASS to get 7 days for $69 worth of plays here: http:\/\/wt.buzz\/al Includes ALL SPORTS including 5% plays...Andy has a 5% play up for UFC 294 Introduction 00:00 Bruno Silva v Sharabutdin Magomedov 01:20 Jin Yu Frey v Victoria Dudakova 04:49 Nathaniel Wood v Muhammadjon Naimov 06:22 Mike Breeden v Anshul Jubli 10:08 Sedriques Dumas v Abu Azaitar 12:15 Javid Basharat v Victor Henry 14:22 Mohammad Yahya v Trevor Peek 16:08 Muhammad Mokaev v Tim Elliott 19:13 Said Nurmagomedov v Muin Gafurov 22:18 Ikram Aliskerov v Warlley Alves 24:25 Magomed Ankalaev v Johnny Walker 26:30 Khamzat Chimaev v Kamaru Usman 29:22 Islam Makhachev v Alexander Volkanovski 31:21 \ud83d\udc4d Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to WagerTalk TV; \ud83d\udd14 CLICK the Bell and never miss an episode! \ud83e\udd11 Free Sports Picks: https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/free-sports-picks \ud83d\udcca Live Odds: https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/odds \ud83d\uddde\ufe0f News: https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news \ud83d\udc4d Stay connected with WagerTalk \ud83d\udcfa YouTube: https:\/\/wt.buzz\/tv \ud83d\udc4d Facebook: https:\/\/wt.buzz\/fb \ud83d\udc26 Twitter: https:\/\/wt.buzz\/tw \ud83d\udcf8 Instagram: https:\/\/wt.buzz\/ig \ud83d\udcf0 Reddit: https:\/\/wt.buzz\/rd \u2764\ufe0f iHeart Radio: https:\/\/wt.buzz\/iheart \ud83c\udf4e Apple Podcasts: https:\/\/wt.buzz\/ap \ud83d\udccc Pinterest: https:\/\/wt.buzz\/pin\"><meta itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" content=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/eHp0BZO52fw\/0.jpg\"><meta itemprop=\"duration\" content=\"PT33M39S\"><meta itemprop=\"uploadDate\" content=\"2023-10-16T19:43:17Z\"><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Jin Yu Frey +300 v Victoria Dudakova -380<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I loved Victoria Dudakova to win on Contender Series, and she cashed for us there, I loved her to win her UFC debut, and she cashed again when her opponent was injurred, and I want to cash again on her. She\u2019s a fighter who\u2019s specialty is takedowns and ground game, but her striking is solid to help set everything up, and I think she\u2019s only gotten better since we\u2019ve seen her. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shen she gets opponents down on the mat, it\u2019s been nearly impossible for them to get back up, and <strong>I think she wins again against Jin Yu Frey<\/strong>. Frey is 2-5 in the UFC, and has lost 3 straight, and I guess is a striker, but when you\u2019re losing stand up striking matches to Elise Reed, and getting knocked out by Polyana Viana, I don\u2019t think you\u2019re a great striker. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Frey is 38 years old and just looks slow at this point in her career. I like Dudakova to win this by controlling Frey, working takedowns and grinding out a confident win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Nathaniel Wood -310 v Muhammadjon Naimov +250<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Muhammad Naimov had one of the more crazy UFC debuts when he fought Jamie Mullarkey on short notice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mullarkey was winning the fight, and Naimov caught him with a strike that put Mullarkey down and ref jumped in a stopped the fight, quite prematurely I believe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Naimov has good power, and I\u2019m looking forward to what he can do with a full camp, but think Wood puts on a clinic on the feet in this one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wood\u2019s leg kicks will chew up Naimov\u2019s calves early on which lets Wood\u2019s striking open up. Naimov put Mullarkey down with one punch, but Nathaniel Wood is tough as nails, and can take a strike way better than Mullarkey, and I <strong>expect Wood to put on a masterclass in leg kicks and striking en route to victory<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mike Breeden +330 v Anshul Jubli -425<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It has not gone well for Mike Breeden in the UFC as he is 0-3, and is coming off a first round KO loss to Terrance McKinney. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He\u2019ll be fighting Anshul Jubli who is undefeated and making his UFC debut, and he\u2019s coming off winning Road To The UFC where he showed he can win by striking, or by takedowns and control. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He\u2019s a well rounded fighter, but his striking defense is a concern as is his cardio. Breeden looked completely overwhelmed against McKinney, and if he fights scared again, he\u2019ll lose this fight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He lost against Natan Levy by losing the takedown and clinch battle, and he also lost the striking battle in that fight. Breeden just isn\u2019t UFC caliber, but I think this fight is closer than the odds would tell you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Jubli has gotten tired in later rounds, and I actually think Breeden is one the best opponents he\u2019s fought. Jubli takes this fight I think, but <strong>-425 is too steep of a price for me<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sedriques Dumas -170 v Abu Azaitar +142<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I don\u2019t understand the line on this fight. Sedriques Dumas lost to Josh Fremd (not a good look), and beat Cody Brundage in one of the stragest fights you\u2019ll see. It looked like Brundage had stage fright or was paralyzed, and didn\u2019t even try to fight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dumas couldn\u2019t even finish Brundage, which was a terrible look for him as it looked like he was fighting a mannequin. Dumas is raw, and isn\u2019t composed on the feet as he throws wild, and leaves himself open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> Abu Azaitar is a grinder and he\u2019ll land punches, push against the fence, dirty box and just make it a grueling match. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Azaitar is coming off a loss to Marc-Andre Barriault after beating Vitor Miranda, but this is a massive step down in competition for Azaitar. He\u2019s quite a bit older than Dumas, but I think his technique and composure will get him the win here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Javid Basharat -440 v Victor Henry +340<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes you get a good read on a fighter, and cash on him fight after fight, and you don\u2019t want to bet against him, and that\u2019s Javid Basharat for me. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ve cashed on him four times in a row, and I think it will be five in a row. Basharat is a cerebral fighter who reads his opponents for the first part of the first round, he learns their weaknesses and then pounces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> He\u2019s done the same thing against Mendonca, Gravely and Jones in the UFC where he gets better as the fight goes on, mostly using really accurate strikes to set up a takedown where he controls and wins the round. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He fights Victor Henry who is 2-1 in the UFC and is coming off a win to Tony Gravely, who is a guy that lost to Basharat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Both guys have similar styles with good striking and good takedown and ground games, but I think Basharat is just a bit better everywhere. Henry\u2019s jab can be a problem for Basharat, and Henry will be able defend takedowns, but I don\u2019t know if he has what it takes to win two rounds from Basharat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He was getting rocked in the third round against Gravely as his cario went away, and Basharat won\u2019t be getting tired. <strong>If you want to bet on Basharat, just bet him to win by decision<\/strong> at a much better price. All three of Basharat\u2019s UFC fights have easily gone the distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mohammad Yahya -105 v Trevor Peek -115<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Trevor Peek\u2019s fights are never short on excitement as he swings as hard as he can to KO his opponent as quickly as possible. He hasn\u2019t shown any patience, or the ability to set up strikes, he just throw really hard, and he\u2019s tough as hell. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, he didn\u2019t get the KO finish against Chepe Mariscal, and he tired out and dropped a decision loss as Mariscal survived the early barrage and grinded out a decisive win. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s what this fight comes down to really, is can Yahya survive the early strikes and grind out the win. I don\u2019t think he\u2019s got the strength to absorb the shots that Peek will land on him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is his UFC debut, and he has cardio issues fighting in UAE, and in his last fight both fighters were exhaused in the 4th and 5th round, but Yahya barely survived to get the round. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Peek is just going to be a whole different animal, and one of Peeks weaknesses is his cardio after his early onslaught, but I don\u2019t think Yahya will be able to exploit it. It should be exciting, but I think <strong>Peek will be to much for Yahya<\/strong>, don\u2019t be surprised if Peek gets the KO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Muhammad Mokaev -485 v Tim Elliott +370<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I think Tim Elliott is a live dog here as I have not been that impressed with Mokaev in some recent fights. Mokaev almost lost his last fight to Jafel Filho in Filho\u2019s UFC debut, and Mokaev tore his MCL due to damage that Filho did to him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tim Elliott has had a lot of personal injures over the years, and he looks to have that behind him, and his new gym seems to working out well. He\u2019s won his last two fights, and he showed really good cardio and durability in his last fight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s what Tim Elliott has that Mokaev doesn\u2019t seem to have, is that deep intensity, and dog inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mokaev\u2019s last three wins were way more difficult than they should\u2019ve been, and if he isn\u2019t on point, Elliott will just outwork him and end up winning a couple rounds. <strong>No chance I would bet Mokaev against Elliott<\/strong> at this price as Elliott is absolutely live to get the win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Said Nurmagomedov -205 v Muin Gafurov<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I love Said Nurmagomedov in this fight, and I think this line is too short. Nurmagomedov is coming off a razor thin decision loss to Jonathan Martinez in a fight he dominated the first round, and Martinez fought like an animal to squeak out rounds two and three while Muin Garurov lost on Contender Series, and lost to John Castenada in his first UFC fight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nurmagomedov has incredibly unique striking that will piece up Gafurov for as long as the fight lasts, which may not go the distance. It took a herculean effort from Jonathan Martinez to win against Said, and Gafurov is nowhere near the caliber of Martinez. <strong>Nurmagomedov should roll here<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ikram Aliskerov -395 v Warlley Alves +310<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is tough fight to handicap, and I can\u2019t say I\u2019m confident in any play in this fight. Warlley Alves came back from injury and put on an incredible performance against Mounir Lazez in 2021, but he\u2019s dropped his last two fights and hasn\u2019t looked great. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He\u2019s 2-4 in his last six fights, and he just doesn\u2019t look like he has a lot of upside right now. His striking was lackluster in his last two fights, and he lost the clinch game against Dalby which cost him the fight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aliskerov comes in at 14-1 with his one loss being to Khamzat Chimaev in BRAVE CF in 2019, and his last two fights have ended quick as he took out Souza with a Kimura on DWCS, and he knocked out Phil Hawes who looks like a shot fighter at this point. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aliskerov definitely has the higher ceiling and it looks like he has better power and speed so I\u2019ll side with him to win, but <strong>at nearly -400 I won\u2019t be pulling the trigger on a play<\/strong> in this one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Magomed Ankalaev -340 v Johnny Walker +270<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a pretty big line, and I certainly won\u2019t lay -340 on Ankalaev. He\u2019s s great fighter, but he can be low volume, and he can absolutely be hit on the feet as Jan Blachowicz bloodied him up, and did a lot of damage to the legs in the first few rounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ankalaev turned to his takedowns to get the draw against Blachowicz, and it feels like Ankalaev tries to see if he can win the striking battle, and if he can\u2019t he turns to the takedown and ground game to get the win. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Johnny Walker has won three in a row, and to win this one he\u2019ll have to use his power on the feet to slow down Ankalaev, and he\u2019ll have to avoid big shots from Magomed, but I think he can absolutely do that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ankalaev knocked out Ion Cutelaba twice as he took advantage of sloppy defense, but has gone to decision in four out of five with the other fight a stoppage because Anthony Smith broke his ankle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I think this is a very close fight on the feet with both guys able to land, and I\u2019ll slightly lean to Ankalaev to win as he can get a takedown and win a round or two, but this fight could be way closer than the line indicates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>I think taking this fight to go the distance is a sneaky play<\/strong> as both guys have had low volume fights, and if both are worried about being knocked out, they\u2019ll keep their distance, and if Ankalaev gets it to the ground he may just keep it there to grind out a round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Khamzat Chimaev -270 v Kamaru Usman +220<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ll make this short and sweet\u2026I think Chimaev rolls here. Usman spent so much time and energy at the top, that when he finally lost against Edwards, in the rematch he just looked tired. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We see this in the UFC that when someone is Champion for a long period of time, when they lose, they go downhill quick. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Short notice doesn\u2019t give me a lot of confidence in Usman<\/strong>, and I think Chimaev will take Usman down at will and finish him there. Chimaev ITD for me in this one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">UFC 294 Main Event: Islam Makhachev -260 vs Alexander Volkanovski +210<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Again, I\u2019ll make this short and sweet\u2026I have no idea who wins this fight, and I recommend just sitting back and enjoying this fight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Machachev won the first fight, but a lot might say that Volkanovski came out looking like roses in that fight, as he was up a weight class and ended the fight by punching Makhachev on the mat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He definitely surprised me by his performance that night, and I\u2019ll never bet against him in a fight. This fight has so many unknkowns so I can\u2019t make a strong prediction to risk with money. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We have no idea how in shape Volk is for this fight at short notice, and we have no idea how Makhachev was training for Oliveira and how those dynamics will change this week. <strong>Don\u2019t put your hard earned money on this fight is my best piece of advice<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes border-style-solid padding: 6px;\"><table class=\"has-text-color has-background has-fixed-layout\" style=\"background-color:#ffa04b;color:#2e3192\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><\/th><th><\/th><th><\/th><th><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Sportsbook<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>States Available<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Get Your Bonus<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">1. PointsBet<\/td><td>$2000 in Risk Free Bets<\/td><td>NJ, IN, IA, IL, CO, MI, VA, NY, KS, LA<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/wagertalk.go.metabet.io\/bet\/pointsbet\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Claim Now!<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">2. Caesars<\/td><td>$1250 Risk Free Bet<\/td><td>NJ, WV, CO, IN, IA, MI, VA, TN, AZ, NY, LA, KS, PA<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/wlwilliamhillus.adsrv.eacdn.com\/C.ashx?btag=a_6125b_1278c_&amp;affid=32&amp;siteid=6125&amp;adid=1278&amp;c=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Claim Now!<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">3. 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BetRivers<\/td><td>$500 in Free Bets<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/wagertalk.go.metabet.io\/bet\/bet_rivers_pa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">PA<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/wagertalk.go.metabet.io\/bet\/bet_rivers_in\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">IN<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/wagertalk.go.metabet.io\/bet\/bet_rivers_co\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">CO<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/wagertalk.go.metabet.io\/bet\/bet_rivers_mi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">MI<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/wagertalk.go.metabet.io\/bet\/bet_rivers_ia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">IA<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/wagertalk.go.metabet.io\/bet\/bet_rivers_il\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">IL<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/wagertalk.go.metabet.io\/bet\/bet_rivers_va\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">VA<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/wagertalk.go.metabet.io\/bet\/bet_rivers_ny\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">NY<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/wagertalk.go.metabet.io\/bet\/sugar_house_nj\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">NJ<\/a><\/td><td><strong>Click State<\/strong> <strong>To Claim<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">7. Unibet<\/td><td>$250 Risk Free Bet<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/wagertalk.go.metabet.io\/bet\/unibet_nj\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">NJ<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/wagertalk.go.metabet.io\/bet\/unibet_pa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">PA<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/wagertalk.go.metabet.io\/bet\/unibet_in\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">IN<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/wagertalk.go.metabet.io\/bet\/unibet_ia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">IA<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/wagertalk.go.metabet.io\/bet\/unibet_va\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">VA<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/wagertalk.go.metabet.io\/bet\/unibet_az\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">AZ<\/a><br><\/td><td><strong>Click State<\/strong> <strong>To Claim<\/strong> <\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">8. FoxBet<\/td><td>$50 Risk Free Bet<\/td><td>NJ, PA, CO, MI<br><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/metabet.info\/wagertalk-foxbet\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Claim Now!<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>**************************************************<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Looking for more free sports picks and sports betting tips?<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Latest Betting Odds and Public Action<\/strong><strong>: <\/strong><a href=\"http:\/\/wt.buzz\/odds\" data-schema-attribute=\"\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vegas lines<\/a> updated in real time, including who the public is betting on. <\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Last Minute Handicapping Advice<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">: Check out our extensive library of <\/span><a style=\"font-size: 12pt;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/sports-betting-guide\">handicapping tips<\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"> and advice from professional Vegas handicappers (we also recommend taking the time to look over our <\/span><a style=\"font-size: 12pt;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/videos\">sports betting tips video library<\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Want an expert opinion?<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"> Check out the latest <\/span><a style=\"font-size: 12pt;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/free-sports-picks\">Free Sports Picks<\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"> and <\/span><a style=\"font-size: 12pt;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/picks\">Best Bets<\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"> from our team of expert sports handicappers.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em><strong>Make sure to bookmark all the above!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>UFC 294 Betting Preview UFC WagerTalk handicapper Andy Lang gives his UFC 294 predictions and picks for October 21 with Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski headlining the event in a lightweight title fight. The main card starts up at 2:00pm ET from Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Are you subscribed to WagerTalk [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":24176,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[569],"tags":[6963,6966,6964,6965,6967,6954,6962,6961,6960,6957,6955,6958,6956,6959,593,594,3784,2144,596,3785,2145],"class_list":["post-24175","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mma","tag-islam-makhachev-vs-alexander-volkanovski","tag-islam-makhachev-vs-alexander-volkanovski-odds","tag-islam-makhachev-vs-alexander-volkanovski-picks","tag-islam-makhachev-vs-alexander-volkanovski-predictions","tag-islam-makhachev-vs-alexander-volkanovski-ufc-picks","tag-ufc-294","tag-ufc-294-bets","tag-ufc-294-betting","tag-ufc-294-betting-odds","tag-ufc-294-odds","tag-ufc-294-picks","tag-ufc-294-picks-today","tag-ufc-294-predictions","tag-ufc-294-predictions-today","tag-ufc-odds","tag-ufc-picks","tag-ufc-picks-saturday","tag-ufc-picks-today","tag-ufc-predictions","tag-ufc-predictions-saturday","tag-ufc-predictions-today"],"basic_html":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">UFC 294 Betting Preview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><span style=\"color: initial; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: revert;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/profile\/andy-lang\">UFC WagerTalk handicapper Andy Lang<\/a> gives his <\/span>UFC 294 predictions<span style=\"color: initial; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: revert;\"> and picks for October 21 with <\/span>Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski <span style=\"color: initial; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: revert;\">headlining the event in a lightweight title fight. The main card starts up at 2:00pm ET from<\/span> Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Are you subscribed to WagerTalk TV? If not, what are you waiting for?! Set up alerts so that you never miss an episode of your favorite shows. Drop the gloves with the Puck Time crew and swing for the fences on First Pitch. From betting tips to free picks, <a href=\"http:\/\/wt.buzz\/tv\">WagerTalk TV<\/a> is your one-stop shop for streaming sports betting content.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>WagerTalk also offers <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/free-sports-picks\/MMA\">Free UFC Picks<\/a> all year long!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski: UFC 294 Main Event<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><th>Saturday, October 21<\/th><th>UFC 294 Betting Notes (Courtesy of <a href=\"https:\/\/wlwilliamhillus.adsrv.eacdn.com\/C.ashx?btag=a_3552b_1278c_&amp;affid=32&amp;siteid=3552&amp;adid=1278&amp;c=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Caesars<\/a>)<\/th><\/tr><tr><td>Moneyline:<\/td><td>Islam Makhachev -260 vs Alexander Volkanovski +210<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Rounds:<\/td><td>3.5 Rounds (Over -195 \/ Under +165)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Fight Time:<\/td><td>Main Card Starts at 2:00pm ET \/ 11:00am PT<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Arena:<\/td><td>Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>TV:<\/td><td>PPV<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"amazing-offer-from-expert-nfl-handicappers\">Before You Read UFC 294 Predictions... Get $15 FREE towards all expert picks - including UFC &amp; More<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><a class=\"anchor\" id=\"newsletterfrm\"><\/a>\n<div class=\"hottest_play_area\">\n  <div id=\"newsletter_widget\" class=\"hottest_play_third_area newsletter_widget\">\n    <div class=\"hottest_play_third_area_content\">\n      <div class=\"sign-up-offer-text\">\n        <p>SPECIAL OFFER FOR FIRST TIME SUBSCRIBERS<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"newsletter-thank new\" style=\"display: none;\">\n        <a class=\"anchor-newsletter\"><\/a>\n        Thanks for signing up! Check your email in a few minutes for your $15.00 Coupon Code.\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"newsletter-thank old\" style=\"display: none;\">\n        <a class=\"anchor-newsletter\"><\/a>\n        Thanks for signing up!<br>You are not eligible for this offer\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"newsletter-form-container\" style=\"display: none;\">\n        <h3>\n          <img src=\"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/images\/email-open-wagertalk.png\" alt=\"WagerTalk NewsLetter\" class=\"get-wagertalk-img\">\n          Sign up for WagerTalk news alerts and get free picks, discounts and\n          <span class=\"get-wagertalk\">GET<\/span>\n          <span class=\"free-wagertalk\">$15<\/span>\n          <span class=\"get-wagertalk-line2\">FREE<\/span>\n        <\/h3>\n        <p class=\"center\">ANY SINGLE PURCHASE AT WAGERTALK.COM<\/p>\n        <div class=\"free-wagertalk-signup-form\">\n          <form id=\"splash-email-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/emailsignup\" method=\"POST\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"formSubmitted\" value=\"yes\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" id=\"splash-email-recaptcha-site-key\" name=\"data_recaptchaSiteKey\" value=\"6LdCARkmAAAAAANHM-KhXLNdRk_r8GTFerrGSrZo\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" id=\"splash-email-recaptcha-token\" name=\"data_recaptchaToken\" value=\"\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" id=\"splash-email-return-url\" name=\"data_returnURL\" value=\"\">\n            <!--suppress HtmlFormInputWithoutLabel -->\n            <input type=\"email\" name=\"data_email\" placeholder=\"Enter your email address\">\n            <div class=\"icon\">\n              <!--suppress HtmlFormInputWithoutLabel -->\n              <input type=\"submit\" name=\"signup\" value=\"Sign Up\" class=\"sign-up\">\n            <\/div>\n          <\/form>\n          <p class=\"signup-form-text\" style=\"color: red !important;font-weight: bold;\"><\/p>\n          <p class=\"small\">\n            This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/policies.google.com\/privacy\">Privacy Policy<\/a> and\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/policies.google.com\/terms\">Terms of Service<\/a> apply.\n          <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: revert; font-size: revert; font-weight: revert; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\">UFC <\/span>294<span style=\"color: revert; font-size: revert; font-weight: revert; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\"> Predictions<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bruno Silva +164 v Sharabutdin Magomedov -198<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Shara Magomedov might set a UFC record for kicks landed in a fight if he has a long UFC career. He is constantly throwing leg and body kicks, and they\u2019re effective, and he looks like he has cardio to continue the kicks and knees for all three rounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>He doesn\u2019t look to wrestle hardly at all, and he\u2019ll have a willing dance partner on the feet in Bruno Silva. Silva has lost three out of four, but two of them were to submissions, and the other was to Alex Pereira, and Shara doesn\u2019t look like he\u2019s going to try and look for submissions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Silva\u2019s four wins in the UFC have come by knockout so he\u2019s at his best in a strikefest. The value is in the UFC veteran here as defending and surviving the kicks will be what he needs to do on defense, and I don\u2019t see opponents of Magomedov with the striking of Silva. I wouldn\u2019t bet on the UFC debutant here, <strong>Silva is a live dog<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<iframe src='https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/eHp0BZO52fw?origin=https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com'><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Jin Yu Frey +300 v Victoria Dudakova -380<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>I loved Victoria Dudakova to win on Contender Series, and she cashed for us there, I loved her to win her UFC debut, and she cashed again when her opponent was injurred, and I want to cash again on her. She\u2019s a fighter who\u2019s specialty is takedowns and ground game, but her striking is solid to help set everything up, and I think she\u2019s only gotten better since we\u2019ve seen her. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Shen she gets opponents down on the mat, it\u2019s been nearly impossible for them to get back up, and <strong>I think she wins again against Jin Yu Frey<\/strong>. Frey is 2-5 in the UFC, and has lost 3 straight, and I guess is a striker, but when you\u2019re losing stand up striking matches to Elise Reed, and getting knocked out by Polyana Viana, I don\u2019t think you\u2019re a great striker. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Frey is 38 years old and just looks slow at this point in her career. I like Dudakova to win this by controlling Frey, working takedowns and grinding out a confident win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Nathaniel Wood -310 v Muhammadjon Naimov +250<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Muhammad Naimov had one of the more crazy UFC debuts when he fought Jamie Mullarkey on short notice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Mullarkey was winning the fight, and Naimov caught him with a strike that put Mullarkey down and ref jumped in a stopped the fight, quite prematurely I believe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Naimov has good power, and I\u2019m looking forward to what he can do with a full camp, but think Wood puts on a clinic on the feet in this one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Wood\u2019s leg kicks will chew up Naimov\u2019s calves early on which lets Wood\u2019s striking open up. Naimov put Mullarkey down with one punch, but Nathaniel Wood is tough as nails, and can take a strike way better than Mullarkey, and I <strong>expect Wood to put on a masterclass in leg kicks and striking en route to victory<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mike Breeden +330 v Anshul Jubli -425<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>It has not gone well for Mike Breeden in the UFC as he is 0-3, and is coming off a first round KO loss to Terrance McKinney. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>He\u2019ll be fighting Anshul Jubli who is undefeated and making his UFC debut, and he\u2019s coming off winning Road To The UFC where he showed he can win by striking, or by takedowns and control. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>He\u2019s a well rounded fighter, but his striking defense is a concern as is his cardio. Breeden looked completely overwhelmed against McKinney, and if he fights scared again, he\u2019ll lose this fight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>He lost against Natan Levy by losing the takedown and clinch battle, and he also lost the striking battle in that fight. Breeden just isn\u2019t UFC caliber, but I think this fight is closer than the odds would tell you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Jubli has gotten tired in later rounds, and I actually think Breeden is one the best opponents he\u2019s fought. Jubli takes this fight I think, but <strong>-425 is too steep of a price for me<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sedriques Dumas -170 v Abu Azaitar +142<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>I don\u2019t understand the line on this fight. Sedriques Dumas lost to Josh Fremd (not a good look), and beat Cody Brundage in one of the stragest fights you\u2019ll see. It looked like Brundage had stage fright or was paralyzed, and didn\u2019t even try to fight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Dumas couldn\u2019t even finish Brundage, which was a terrible look for him as it looked like he was fighting a mannequin. Dumas is raw, and isn\u2019t composed on the feet as he throws wild, and leaves himself open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p> Abu Azaitar is a grinder and he\u2019ll land punches, push against the fence, dirty box and just make it a grueling match. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Azaitar is coming off a loss to Marc-Andre Barriault after beating Vitor Miranda, but this is a massive step down in competition for Azaitar. He\u2019s quite a bit older than Dumas, but I think his technique and composure will get him the win here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Javid Basharat -440 v Victor Henry +340<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes you get a good read on a fighter, and cash on him fight after fight, and you don\u2019t want to bet against him, and that\u2019s Javid Basharat for me. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ve cashed on him four times in a row, and I think it will be five in a row. Basharat is a cerebral fighter who reads his opponents for the first part of the first round, he learns their weaknesses and then pounces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p> He\u2019s done the same thing against Mendonca, Gravely and Jones in the UFC where he gets better as the fight goes on, mostly using really accurate strikes to set up a takedown where he controls and wins the round. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>He fights Victor Henry who is 2-1 in the UFC and is coming off a win to Tony Gravely, who is a guy that lost to Basharat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Both guys have similar styles with good striking and good takedown and ground games, but I think Basharat is just a bit better everywhere. Henry\u2019s jab can be a problem for Basharat, and Henry will be able defend takedowns, but I don\u2019t know if he has what it takes to win two rounds from Basharat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>He was getting rocked in the third round against Gravely as his cario went away, and Basharat won\u2019t be getting tired. <strong>If you want to bet on Basharat, just bet him to win by decision<\/strong> at a much better price. All three of Basharat\u2019s UFC fights have easily gone the distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mohammad Yahya -105 v Trevor Peek -115<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Trevor Peek\u2019s fights are never short on excitement as he swings as hard as he can to KO his opponent as quickly as possible. He hasn\u2019t shown any patience, or the ability to set up strikes, he just throw really hard, and he\u2019s tough as hell. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>However, he didn\u2019t get the KO finish against Chepe Mariscal, and he tired out and dropped a decision loss as Mariscal survived the early barrage and grinded out a decisive win. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s what this fight comes down to really, is can Yahya survive the early strikes and grind out the win. I don\u2019t think he\u2019s got the strength to absorb the shots that Peek will land on him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>This is his UFC debut, and he has cardio issues fighting in UAE, and in his last fight both fighters were exhaused in the 4th and 5th round, but Yahya barely survived to get the round. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Peek is just going to be a whole different animal, and one of Peeks weaknesses is his cardio after his early onslaught, but I don\u2019t think Yahya will be able to exploit it. It should be exciting, but I think <strong>Peek will be to much for Yahya<\/strong>, don\u2019t be surprised if Peek gets the KO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Muhammad Mokaev -485 v Tim Elliott +370<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>I think Tim Elliott is a live dog here as I have not been that impressed with Mokaev in some recent fights. Mokaev almost lost his last fight to Jafel Filho in Filho\u2019s UFC debut, and Mokaev tore his MCL due to damage that Filho did to him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Tim Elliott has had a lot of personal injures over the years, and he looks to have that behind him, and his new gym seems to working out well. He\u2019s won his last two fights, and he showed really good cardio and durability in his last fight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s what Tim Elliott has that Mokaev doesn\u2019t seem to have, is that deep intensity, and dog inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Mokaev\u2019s last three wins were way more difficult than they should\u2019ve been, and if he isn\u2019t on point, Elliott will just outwork him and end up winning a couple rounds. <strong>No chance I would bet Mokaev against Elliott<\/strong> at this price as Elliott is absolutely live to get the win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Said Nurmagomedov -205 v Muin Gafurov<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>I love Said Nurmagomedov in this fight, and I think this line is too short. Nurmagomedov is coming off a razor thin decision loss to Jonathan Martinez in a fight he dominated the first round, and Martinez fought like an animal to squeak out rounds two and three while Muin Garurov lost on Contender Series, and lost to John Castenada in his first UFC fight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Nurmagomedov has incredibly unique striking that will piece up Gafurov for as long as the fight lasts, which may not go the distance. It took a herculean effort from Jonathan Martinez to win against Said, and Gafurov is nowhere near the caliber of Martinez. <strong>Nurmagomedov should roll here<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ikram Aliskerov -395 v Warlley Alves +310<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>This is tough fight to handicap, and I can\u2019t say I\u2019m confident in any play in this fight. Warlley Alves came back from injury and put on an incredible performance against Mounir Lazez in 2021, but he\u2019s dropped his last two fights and hasn\u2019t looked great. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>He\u2019s 2-4 in his last six fights, and he just doesn\u2019t look like he has a lot of upside right now. His striking was lackluster in his last two fights, and he lost the clinch game against Dalby which cost him the fight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Aliskerov comes in at 14-1 with his one loss being to Khamzat Chimaev in BRAVE CF in 2019, and his last two fights have ended quick as he took out Souza with a Kimura on DWCS, and he knocked out Phil Hawes who looks like a shot fighter at this point. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Aliskerov definitely has the higher ceiling and it looks like he has better power and speed so I\u2019ll side with him to win, but <strong>at nearly -400 I won\u2019t be pulling the trigger on a play<\/strong> in this one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Magomed Ankalaev -340 v Johnny Walker +270<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>This is a pretty big line, and I certainly won\u2019t lay -340 on Ankalaev. He\u2019s s great fighter, but he can be low volume, and he can absolutely be hit on the feet as Jan Blachowicz bloodied him up, and did a lot of damage to the legs in the first few rounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Ankalaev turned to his takedowns to get the draw against Blachowicz, and it feels like Ankalaev tries to see if he can win the striking battle, and if he can\u2019t he turns to the takedown and ground game to get the win. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Johnny Walker has won three in a row, and to win this one he\u2019ll have to use his power on the feet to slow down Ankalaev, and he\u2019ll have to avoid big shots from Magomed, but I think he can absolutely do that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Ankalaev knocked out Ion Cutelaba twice as he took advantage of sloppy defense, but has gone to decision in four out of five with the other fight a stoppage because Anthony Smith broke his ankle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>I think this is a very close fight on the feet with both guys able to land, and I\u2019ll slightly lean to Ankalaev to win as he can get a takedown and win a round or two, but this fight could be way closer than the line indicates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><strong>I think taking this fight to go the distance is a sneaky play<\/strong> as both guys have had low volume fights, and if both are worried about being knocked out, they\u2019ll keep their distance, and if Ankalaev gets it to the ground he may just keep it there to grind out a round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Khamzat Chimaev -270 v Kamaru Usman +220<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ll make this short and sweet\u2026I think Chimaev rolls here. Usman spent so much time and energy at the top, that when he finally lost against Edwards, in the rematch he just looked tired. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>We see this in the UFC that when someone is Champion for a long period of time, when they lose, they go downhill quick. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Short notice doesn\u2019t give me a lot of confidence in Usman<\/strong>, and I think Chimaev will take Usman down at will and finish him there. Chimaev ITD for me in this one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">UFC 294 Main Event: Islam Makhachev -260 vs Alexander Volkanovski +210<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Again, I\u2019ll make this short and sweet\u2026I have no idea who wins this fight, and I recommend just sitting back and enjoying this fight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Machachev won the first fight, but a lot might say that Volkanovski came out looking like roses in that fight, as he was up a weight class and ended the fight by punching Makhachev on the mat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>He definitely surprised me by his performance that night, and I\u2019ll never bet against him in a fight. This fight has so many unknkowns so I can\u2019t make a strong prediction to risk with money. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>We have no idea how in shape Volk is for this fight at short notice, and we have no idea how Makhachev was training for Oliveira and how those dynamics will change this week. <strong>Don\u2019t put your hard earned money on this fight is my best piece of advice<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>**************************************************<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Looking for more free sports picks and sports betting tips?<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n<ul>\n\n\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em><strong>Make sure to bookmark all the above!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24175","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24175"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24175\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24181,"href":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24175\/revisions\/24181"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24176"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24175"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24175"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24175"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}