BY: SLICK L
Folks, the time has finally come for yet another UFC pay-per-view special.
Let me tell you, the more I look at the fights on this card, the more excited I get. UFC 255 is pretty stacked, with two flyweight title bouts. Coming off a decent fight night with a great dog pick last Saturday, we’re going to make some big selections for this one. So, everyone aboard the train and buckle up, let’s do this.
Joaquin Buckley vs. Jordan Wright
If you’ve been watching UFC lately, you have probably seen Buckley’s highlight reel spinning back kick KO last October. Knockout of the year, hands down, give credit where credit is due. Joaquin Buckley is an absolutely explosive striker with tremendous knockout power and looks to keep his opponents on their heels. But folks, there is an imposter among us. Jordan Wright… don’t let this undefeated record fool you. He has not faced any real deal UFC opponent yet, and Buckley is a tough task to take on. Jordan Wright will get a huge wake up call, and Buckley will definitely control this fight’s pace.
Money line odds:
Joaquin Buckley: -250
Jordan Wright: +195
PICK: Joaquin Buckley (-250) ML
Daniel Rodriguez vs. Nicolas Dalby
Moving into the welterweight division, we’re looking at what should be an all-out slugfest. These two men have literally never gone to the judges in 31 fights between them. Rodriguez is coming in with a 13-1 record, and that only loss came via split decision. On the other hand, Nicolas Dalby has a few more fights under his belt; he’s a fearless vet who has never been knocked out. But D-Rod’s last fight against Dwight Grant had also never been knocked out. Rodriguez ended him like two minutes into the first damn round. We’re tailing D-Rod on this one.
Money line odds:
Daniel Rodriguez: -335
Nicolas Dalby: +250
PICK: Daniel Rodriguez (-335) ML
Valentina Shevchenko (C) vs. Jennifer Maia
Folks, do you see the damn odds on this fight?! I don’t like to take the numbers too seriously, but sheesh. In all seriousness, women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko is arguably one of the best female fighters of all time. Out of Brazil, Jennifer Maia is a threat on the mat, coming off an impressive submission win via arm-bar in her last fight. She’s good, but she’s not Valentina good. Shevchenko has held this belt for a while, and she’s not losing it this Saturday. Lock.
Money line odds:
Valentina Shevchenko (C): -1665
Jennifer Maia: +850
PICK: Valentina Shevchenko (-1665) ML
Deiveson Figueiredo (C) vs. Alex Perez
The evening’s main event features men’s flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo defending his title against Alex Perez. Figgy is a scary man with both incredible knockout power and a decisive ground game. Alex Perez is like the energizer bunny in the octagon and is looking to become the first alumni of Dana White’s Contender Series to win the gold. This will be a great fight despite the fact I believe it’ll be under 3.5 rounds. Figueiredo’s approach will be too much for Perez to handle. We’ll have to wait and see what that approach might be, but I know that there will be a stoppage in favor of Figueiredo. AND STILL!
Money line odds:
Deiveson Figueiredo (C): -286
Alex Perez: +215
PICK: Deiveson Figueiredo by stoppage
DOG PICK
Brandon Moreno vs. Brandon Royval
Repeat after me, folks, “I will NOT bet against Brandon Royval.” Just don’t do it. This guy is dangerous with Brazilian jiu-jitsu and has proven to dominate via submission maneuvers. Royval looked sharp against Kai Kara-France, who both of these guys have fought.
Money line odds:
Brandon Moreno: -190
Brandon Royval: +150
PICK: Brandon Royval (+103) ML
ALERT! ALERT! ALERT! SLICK L’s BONUS DOG PICK OF THE DAY:
Tim Means (+115) ML
Slick’s Parlay:
Deiveson Figueiredo (-286) ML
Daniel Rodriguez (-335) ML
Joaquin Buckley (-250) ML
Valentina Shevchenko (-1665) ML
***All odds courtesy of Seneca Creek Casino***
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