UFC 294 Makhachev vs. Volkanovski Parlay Odds, Picks & Predictions

The UFC is in Abu Dhabi and has a stacked pay-per-view card. A couple of fighters had to pull out, which resulted in a lightweight title fight between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski for the second time. Charles Oliveira suffered a nasty cut above his eye and had to pull out. Paulo Costa also pulled out due to an infection on his elbow. He was supposed to fight Khamzat Chimaev in the co-main event, but Kamaru Usman is moving up to middleweight to challenge him.

The card arguably got better after the replacements. It begins at 10 a.m. ET on ESPN+, and the pay-per-view card starts at 2 p.m.

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UFC 294 Makhachev vs Volkanovski: Parlay Picks

2023 total: Down 4.94 units | Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook

Leg 1: Nathaniel Wood Moneyline (-298)

Nathaniel Wood is a skilled fighter but a little undersized for the division. He is only 5'6'' but has a 69-inch reach. He is facing Muhammad Naimov, who is 5'9'' and has a 70-inch reach.

The stats are on the side of Wood, but the one thing to be cautious of is the size difference. Wood has been knocked out before, like most people in MMA, by John Dodson in 2020. He has shown durability since then but must be careful when entering the pocket against Naimov, who recently won via KO against Jamie Mullarkey in June.

Wood should have the speed and technical advantage over Naimov. He lands 6.24 strikes per minute, and Naimov absorbs 5.53 strikes per minute. Naimov only defends 44% of strikes, and Wood defends 57%. Wood should handle himself well in the prelims.

Leg 2: Anshul Jubli Moneyline (-270)

There are plenty of wide favorites on this card, and it may be best to take a couple in the prelims. Anshul Jubli will take on Mike Breeden, who missed weight by 3.5 pounds and will be fined a percentage of his purse. Breeden is lucky to even be on the roster after three consecutive losses. Two of them were knockouts, most recently to Terrance McKinney in August.

Jubli is 7-0 and won his debut fight via knockout. Jubli is well-rounded and should be able to land easily on Breeden. Breeden absorbs 7.02 significant strikes per minute, and Jubli lands 5.69 strikes per minute. The matchup is tailor-made for Jubli, and Breeden could be on his way out of the promotion.

Leg 3: Magomed Ankalaev Moneyline (-355)

Magomed Ankalaev got an opportunity to fight Jan Blachowicz for the light heavyweight belt, but it went to a draw. Public sentiment favored Ankalaev, but only the judges' scorecards mattered, and they deemed it a draw. Ankalaev will be fighting Johnny Walker, who is on a three-fight winning streak.

They have very similar stats, but Ankalaev's defense is far superior. He defends 59% of strikes, and Walker defends 46% of significant strikes. Ankalaev is a plodding striker who throws single shots and heavy kicks. Walker is an erratic fighter who has been calmer inside the cage.

Walker is taller and has a reach advantage but a disadvantage in wrestling. He has only defended 60% of takedowns in his UFC career. Ankalaev averages .99 takedowns per 15 minutes and is heavy in the top position. Walker will have difficulty returning to his feet if Ankalaev gets him to the mat. Ankalaev is also extremely patient and does not put himself into many dangerous situations. He should be able to play it safe like he always does and get the job done with his grappling.

Total Parlay Odds: +134

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