UFC 294 Prop Bet Odds, Picks & Predictions

The UFC packs its bags and heads to the Middle East this weekend, where UFC 294 is set to take place from Yas Island in the U.A.E. There have been a few dropouts from the original card, but fighters have stepped up, and I'm confident in saying that we're in for a certified banger on Saturday. I'm taking it to the prop sheet this weekend, and below I've narrowed in on a trio of props I like. Let's dive into my three favorite props for UFC 294!

UFC 294 Odds, Picks & Predictions

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook

Islam Makhachev (-250) vs. Alexander Volkanovski (+205)

All roads lead to the main event, which features a rematch in the Lightweight division as Alexander Volkanovski looks to become a double champ. His task is taking on Islam Makhachev, who will be making his second title defense as the UFC's Lightweight champion. Makhachev enters as a -250 favorite to retain the belt while Volk comes back at +205 to leave with a second strap.

By now we all know that Volkanovski took this fight on short notice. I think that opens the door for some wonkiness. The last time these two fought, everything was by the book, and that translated to the canvas as well. It was an exciting fight, but nothing really stood out as both men simply displayed their strengths.

Being that Volk was literally on vacation with his family when he got the call to step in, I have to question his fitness. Sure, this guy is a savage and will be ready to fight. However, dropping 26.5 pounds in 11 days and flying around the world is a little unsettling for me.

I think we see the Australian take some early risks in this one, which may end in his favor, or lead to his demise. Either way, I don't think this fight will last through 20 minutes.

Bet: Fight to Start Fifth Round: No (-105 via DraftKings Sportsbook)

Kamaru Usman (+270) vs. Khamzat Chimaev (-340)

I keep trying to figure out what my favorite fight is on this card, but it's so stacked at the top that I think it's just a three-way tie. Anyway, this is going to be a banger in the Middleweight division as Kamaru Usman makes the jump up to take on the highly-touted Khamzat Chimaev.

This is scheduled as a three-round fight, so we should see an urgency to get the upper hand early. However, both of these brawlers are insanely skilled, so I'm not anticipating either one to take out the other very early. I know it's a contrarian take, but if anyone can finish this fight early, it's Usman. He's such a technical fighter that he may be able to land a clean blow against the always-aggressive Chimaev.

On the flip side, aside from the Hail Mary knockout by Leon Edwards, the Nigerian Nightmare has never been knocked out. Both men are also untouchable when it comes to being taken down, so good luck finding a submission here. If you're feeling frisky, you can go +150 for the fight to go the distance, but I'll play it conservative with the +100 payout to say it starts the third round.

Bet: Fight To Start the Third Round: Yes (+100 via DraftKings Sportsbook)

Magomed Ankalaev (-360) vs. Johnny Walker (+285)

Just prior to the co-main event, we have an intriguing Light Heavyweight battle between Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker. Ankalaev will be looking to secure a win and get back in the title discussions after his draw with Jan Blachowicz in December. He's a -360 favorite while the Brazilian enters at +285 to win his fourth straight fight.

I'm pretty confident that Ankalaev has the upper hand in this contest. He's a much more polished fighter than Walker, so he should win. However, it's expected that he does so by knockout (+100). I disagree with the market. Based on his recent fights, it appears that the Dagastani brawler is playing things much more conservatively lately. Four of his last five fights have gone to the judges' scorecards, including two five-rounders. On the flip side, Walker is a tough man to finish by KO. He's 8-4 in the UFC and just two of those 12 fights have ended in him being flatlined. This should be a fun fight, but I don't expect to see anyone go to sleep. Settle in for 15 minutes of Light Heavyweight action in this one.

Bet: Fight to go the Distance: Yes (+150 via via DraftKings Sportsbook)