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Top 4 Prop Bets Odds & Picks for UFC 277 (2022)

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The UFC hits the road this weekend and heads to Dallas, Texas! It’s an absolutely stacked card with all roads leading to the main event featuring a rematch in the Women’s Bantamweight Division between Julianna Pena (C) and Amanda Nunes (#1). Let’s check the top prop bets I’ll be locking in for Saturday night’s UFC 277 event. 

Odds Courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

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Julianna Pena (+220) vs. Amanda Nunes (-295) 

Julianna Pena stunned the world when she submitted Amanda Nunes with a rear naked choke in December 2021. Nunes gets a well-deserved title shot right away as she’ll attempt to reclaim her second belt in the women’s side of the sport. 

I expect Nunes to get it done on Saturday night and do it violently. The Lioness is averaging 2.46 takedowns per 15 minutes in the octagon, while Pena’s takedown is at just 22% in her career. Look for Nunes to work her grappling, land some takedowns, and get some healthy ground and pound action in. I’m taking Nunes by KO/TKO for plus-money in the main event. 

Bet: Amanda Nunes by KO/TKO (+125 via FanDuel)

Brandon Moreno (-245) vs. Kai Kara-France (+186) 

Brandon Moreno will step into the octagon for the first time since dropping a unanimous decision in the championship trilogy finale with Deiveson Figueiredo. As for second-ranked Kai Kara-France, he’s riding a two-fight win streak, and the New Zealander is 4-2 over his last six fights. 

One of those losses was a unanimous decision to Moreno in December 2019. The Mexican-born brawler outstruck Kara-France 91-82 over three rounds with no takedowns or knockdowns in the bout. This co-main event is scheduled for five rounds and will be for the interim title in the Flyweight Division. 

I’m expecting this fight to stay vertical as Kara-France boasts an 86% takedown defense rate, and he’s not very active offensively when it comes to takedowns. Both of these guys have excellent stamina and should have no issues lasting a full five rounds. I like this fight to go the distance in what will likely turn into a boxing match. 

Bet: Fight Goes the Distance (-132 via FanDuel)

Derrick Lewis (+112) vs. Sergei Pavlovich (-142) 

Yeah… no chance this fight goes the distance. The oddsmakers have this one at -750 to avoid going to the judges, and I’d say that’s about right. Sergei Pavlovich has seen all four of his fights end via KO/TKO inside the first round, while Derrick Lewis’ last five fights ended before 15 minutes. 

I can’t lay the -750, so we’ll have to get a little riskier and ride with the under on 1.5 rounds in this Heavyweight bout. We’re still laying a bit of juice, but I’m confident considering the recent results of each fighter. Lewis packs one of the most powerful punches in the promotion and holds the current lead with 13 career knockouts. As for Pavlovich, he’s won three straight fights in the first round, courtesy of his hands. Look for the big fellas to throw the hands early and often, and someone will sleep in the first round.

Bet: Under 1.5 Rounds (-174 via FanDuel)

Magomed Ankalaev (-620) vs. Anthony Smith (+400) 

Aside from Magomed Ankalaev’s debut loss to Paul Craig back in March of 2018, he’s been a perfect 8-0 in the UFC octagon. As for Anthony Smith, he’s taken on more of a “gatekeeper role” in the Light Heavyweight Division. But Lionheart’s still one of the most experienced fighters in the game and should not be taken lightly. He’s riding a three-fight win streak, with all three being inside the distance. 

However, I think this is Analaev’s time, and I like for the Russian to win via decision on Saturday. Smith is tough as nails, and he’s a hard man to get out of the octagon. With this being an abbreviated three-round fight, I think he’ll have no issue lasting the full 15 minutes. His takedown defense rate is just 48%, which could open up an opportunity for Ankalaev to score some control time while doing damage from the top. Ultimately, with Smith absorbing an average of 4.31 significant strikes per minute, I like Ankalaev to piece him up while mixing in some grappling work. Let’s go with Ankalaev by points to open up the main card. 

Bet: Magomed Ankalaev by Points (-105 via FanDuel)

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