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UFC Vegas 71 Odds, Picks & Predictions (2023)

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When it comes to the quality of free cards, it’s hard to find much to complain about with this one, which, at least in part, ought to make up for how poor the last few have been. Let’s get right into the bets we’re on for Saturday’s UFC Vegas 71.

Also, take a look at our other best bets for Saturday:

Best Bets for UFC Vegas 71

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook

Sedriques Dumas vs. Josh Fremd

Although the number has obviously gotten out of hand at this price, I still believe that Dumas has some value in getting the job done inside the distance here. This is again another instance, and one that we’ve seen quite frequently in recent times, of the UFC earmarking a guy (Dumas) and giving him an easy fight in his debut.

This is again another instance, and one that we’ve seen quite frequently in recent times, of the UFC earmarking a guy (Dumas) and giving him an easy fight in his debut.

Fremd has been defeated in both of his bouts since joining the UFC and in three of his previous five bouts overall. Going into this fight with a record that is less than stellar in the grappling department is going to be exactly the kind of situation the UFC is looking for there to make Dumas look like a star.

Six of Dumas’ seven professional bouts have been finished in the first round or second round, including his debut in the DWCS, which was finished in the first minute (guillotine choke). Expect Dumas to make a statement by finishing this bout early, almost definitely by submitting his opponent in front of a packed house at the Virgin Theater.

Bet: Sedriques Dumas – Inside the Distance (-120 via DraftKings)

Vitor Petrino vs. Anton Turkalj

Both of these light heavyweights came up through the ranks of the DWCS, with Petrino making his debut in the most recent season and defeating Rodolpho Bellato via knockout.

The knockout was the sixth of the fighter’s seven professional fights (all of which were wins), and all six occurred within the opening two rounds (four in the first). Despite the fact that he has not been taken down very much, he comes in with a takedown defense of 66%; yet, I do not believe that Turkalj will take the fight to the ground.

Turkalj was brought to the attention of the UFC in July via DWCS as well. He won his bout via decision over an opponent with a record of 14-4, but he was not offered a contract. After that, he took a bout against Jailton Almeida at UFC 279 in September, despite having relatively little time to prepare for it. He was defeated by submission in the first round.

I think this is a great price for a fight that Petrino will most likely win inside the distance.

Bet: Vitor Petrino – Inside the Distance (+145 via DraftKings)

Alexander Volkov vs. Alexander Romanov

While Romanov might have the edges on the stats sheet, my edge here comes from the quality of opponents that Volkov has faced. Volkov has fought the very best in a dangerous division at heavyweight, including Curtis Blaydes, Harris, Gane, and Rozenstruik.

Though he’s just 2-2 over those four fights, I expect him to rely on his experience in the octagon against elite-level fighters as this one goes deeper. I love the value of Volkov here as one of my top UFC predictions.

Best Bet: Alexander Volkov (+125 via DraftKings)

Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili

In addition to the fight history narrative, Yan also has a statistical edge, as evidenced by his advantages in terms of knockouts (8x), considerable striking, and takedown accuracy. Even though he ranks lower than average in submissions and takedowns, his takedown defense of 90% places him among the top competitors in the division.

I like for Yan to grind this one out in what will likely be an ugly decision.

Best Bet: Petr Yan (-220 via DraftKings)

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Johnny is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Johnny, check out his free UFC picks newsletter and follow him @JohnnyCovers.