UFC Fight Night action commences this weekend with an event commencing on the 17th and finishing in the early hours of the 18th of May South African time. It takes place at the UFC APEX in Nevada.
We look at the Main Event as well as two additional fights on the main card from a betting point of view and share a couple of treble codes for those in agreement with the selections.
Click here to bet on the full fight card.
GILBERT BURNS vs MICHAEL MORALES
Welterweight Main Event:
Gilbert Burns is a Brazilian fighter with UFC experience dating back over a decade. He is a talented grappler who possesses a high level of stamina, and he has had a successful career since his debut in 2014.
He has been active throughout his career, fighting a total of 23 times of which he has won 15 and lost 8.
Unfortunately, he has not seen a win in his last 3 visits to the octagon, however he has been matched up against some solid opposition. His last action took place in September when he met with Sean Brady and lost by decision after a 5-round battle.
Michael Morales is a young talent from Ecuador who has had a flawless run in the UFC since his first appearance in 2022, currently on a 5-fight winning streak.
He is a dangerous striker who has gotten the job done by finish in 3 of his clashes and he won the 2 remaining bouts via decision, highlighting his athletic ability should not be overlooked.
The last time he fought was against Neil Magny in August where he dominated the fight, stopping Magny by a round 1 knockout.
BETTING – click here to bet
Burns 6.50
Morales 1.12
PREDICTION:
I feel Burns has had a tough run lately due to being matched against some top-class opponents but I think Morales is a dangerous fighter who will avoid Burns’ takedowns and get this done inside the distance with a round 2 knockout.
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PAUL CRAIG vs RODOLFO BELLATO
Light Heavyweight Co-Main Event:
Paul Craig, fighting out of Scotland, is a well-balanced mixed martial artist who possesses talent in each major field. He has had an inconsistent career since his first fight back in 2016, taking part in 19 fights while winning and losing 9 fights respectively, the remaining fight ended in a draw.
He has fought 3 times since November 2023 and been unsuccessful on each occasion, this means he enters this fight off of a 3-bout losing streak with the last one being a decision loss to Bo Nickal in November at UFC 309.
Rodolfo Bellato is a Brazilian powerhouse who s known for his brutal striking and dangerous grappling. He has had a very short stint under the institution, fighting just twice and winning 1 while drawing the other.
The last opponent he met with was Jimmy Crute in February where the bout went the distance and with both fighters being equally matched on the judges’ scorecards, the fight was called a draw.
BETTING – click here to bet
Craig 5.00
Bellato 1.18
PREDICTION:
I think that Craig heads into this bout with his career in some trouble and although I predict he will avoid some of the heavy blows sent his way, Bellato will out strike him, getting this done by decision.
SODIQ YUSUFF vs MAIRON SANTOS
Lightweight Fight:
Sodiq Yusuff is an effective striker from Nigeria who started his career off strong winning 6 of his 7 opening fights however, he seems to battle when matched against stronger opponents and he has lost his last two fights with the most recent meeting against Diego Lopes resulting in a round 1 knockout defeat.
Mairon Santos, fighting out of Brazil is a talented young gun who is known for his clean striking and insane stamina. He is new on the scene and lacks experience at UFC level with just 1 fight behind him.
In his one and only fight he put in a solid shift against the likes of Francis Marshall to pick up a decision win after 3 rounds.
BETTING – click here to bet
Yusuff 2.15
Santos 1.75
PREDICTION:
I think that Santos is a talent in the making who will do well within the organization, however I think that Yusuff has the experience to get this done by decision.
SUGGESTED BETS:
Burns vs Morales
Morales to win in round 2 at 6.00
Craig vs Bellato
Bellato by decision at 5.50
Yusuff vs Santos
Yusuff by decision at 3.10
THE PERFECT NIGHT TREBLE AT 102.30
All 3 of my bets to land works out to 102.30 and if you want to throw some drinks money at it use this code to populate the bet slip 32623160
THE WIN TREBLE AT 2.85
For the more conservative punter all 3 of my fighters to win is 2.85 – here is the code 32623255
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but subject to change.
