UFC in Vegas 25 Main Event Prediction
Dominick Reyes vs. Jiri Prochazka
UFC Light Heavyweight Bout
This week’s UFC main event isn’t for the faint-hearted, as light heavyweight contenders Jiri Prochazka and Dominick Reyes take centre stage.
Although extremely difficult to gauge his level of competitiveness, the former RIZIN light heavyweight champion and runner up of the RIZIN heavyweight Grand Prix, Jiri Prochazka, has stolen the heart of fans already. Owning one of the most unorthodox styles’s the octagon has witnessed, Jiri now owns twenty-seven victories as a professional martial artist, with twenty-four of those contests ending via knockout or technical knockout.
Dominick Reyes stemmed from a background in football, and after sheer anger when he failed to be picked for the NFL draft in 2013, he decided to take his frustrations out by pursuing mixed martial arts. Fortunately for Reyes, his anger led him to the highest level of MMA when the UFC signed him. And just seven years after his first training session, he competed against Jonny’ Bones’ Jones for the light heavyweight championship.
I respect Jiri and his unpredictable style in the octagon; likewise, I respect Reyes for displaying an elite level of martial arts skill under a small window of experience. The key highlight for me is that both men possess the ability to end a fight quick, especially Jiri. The under two and a half rounds is priced moderately, and I can’t envision these two men surpassing that time frame.
UFC Best Bet: Under two and a half rounds @ -147 with William Hill [1.47u returns 1u profit]
Giga Chikadze vs. Cub Swanson
UFC Featherweight Co-Main Event Bout
It’s going to difficult for the UFC talent pool on this weekend’s Vegas card to match the entertainment value of last Saturday’s UFC 261 main card. Still, I have a funny feeling that Giga Chikadze and Cub Swanson could be worthy of that position.
Cub Swanson is a legend of the sport; he’s been competing against the world’s elite since his days spent in WEC. Jose Aldo, Chad Mendez, and a plethora of talent were Swanson’s experience fights nearly fifteen years ago.
Giga Chikadze remains undervalued, and his first two outings in the UFC reflect this opinion. However, his most recent contests have shown the Georgian natives true elite kickboxing offence.
The stand-up war will heavily favour the up-and-coming star, while Swanson should be looking for an advantage in the wrestling department. With that said, I know how Swanson can quickly become victim to a striking battle, and for this reason, I’m siding with Chikadze.
UFC Best Bet: Giga Chikadze @ -161 with William Hill [1.61u returns 1u profit
Loma Lookboonmee vs. Sam Hughes
UFC Women’s Strawweight Bout
The UFC women’s strawweight division is the owner of some fierce competitors, and Loma Lookboonmee is undoubtedly proving her worth.
Fighting out of Phuket, Thailand, it’s no surprise that her striking offence is her most dangerous weapon. From boxing, kickboxing, and muay thai, Loma has trained in the top three striking disciplines in existence.
Sam Hughes gave a poor showing in her UFC debut, Tecia Torres proved that Hughes might not be ready for this level of opposition. I genuinely believe that Loma would give Tecia Torres a tough matchup, and I know MMA maths isn’t the most viable method to suggest predictions, but I’m struggling to find an argument for Hughes in this spot.
UFC Best Bet: Loma Lookboonmee to win by decision @ -125 with BetWay [1.25u returns 1u profit]
