The UFC in Vegas 24: Kelvin Gastelum vs. Robert Whittaker main card UFC Odds are available. Read on for our complete betting guide and preview on this weekend’s favorite matchups, including updated odds and our free expert betting predictions.
Robert Whittaker vs. Kelvin Gastelum
UFC Middleweight Bout
Saturday, April 17, 2021 – 11:55 PM EDT at UFC Apex
The middleweight main event matchup set to take place this weekend holds significant importance, as either man victorious could claim a second showing with the current champion Israel Adesanya. Since losing the gold to Israel, Robert Whittaker has rolled through Darren Till and Jared Cannonier and is now faced with the short & stocky powerhouse that is Kelvin Gastelum.
Coming off a depressing three-fight losing streak, Gastelum was able to turn the tide in his previous bout – defeating the powerful Ian Heinisch to a unanimous decision. Primarily a striker, it was nice to see Kelvin utilize his wrestling output against Heinisch, but this skillset may not fare well against the New Zealand brute.
Robert Whittaker has an underrated ground game simply because he does not use it often and prefers to strike at range with a masterful kickboxing style. And in all honesty, I believe that Whittaker can take advantage wherever the fight takes place.
Both fighters hold finishing ability, but given the importance and the pressure, I anticipate that we’ll witness the complete five rounds. Durability is strong on both sides, but I have to side with the former champion in a five-round fight.
UFC Best Bet: Robert Whittaker to by decision at +130 with William Hill (1u returns 1.30u profit)
Drakkar Klose vs. Jeremy Stephens
UFC Lightweight Co-Main Event Bout
Saturday, April 17, 2021 – 11:55 PM EDT at UFC Apex
With the likes of Jake Paul and Ben Askren stealing the media attention this weekend, I’m not surprised that UFC president Dana White isn’t pushing for his brightest talents on the main card of UFC in Vegas 24. Although they are not co-main event worthy, Drakkar Klose and Jeremy Stephens will be headhunting from the first bell.
Jeremy Stephens has fought the who’s-who of the UFC featherweight division, and after suffering a handful of challenging weight cuts, he will make his lightweight debut. The heavy-hitting orthodox striker does not own the most technical skill set, but he sure does pack a punch behind those 4-ounce gloves.
Drakkar Klose will be the fighter owning a more technical output, sleek footwork from the outside and an excellent counter striking ability that has allowed the US native to gather a 5-2 record inside the UFC.
Another contest where both men could finish the fight, but if we exit the first round without a stoppage, I don’t envision the two having the energy to slug out a finish during the later rounds.
UFC Best Bet: Over two and a half rounds at -142 with FanDuel (1.4u returns 1u profit)
Justine Kish vs. Tracy Cortez
UFC Women’s Flyweight Bout
Saturday, April 17, 2021 – 10:55 PM EDT at UFC Apex
The UFC women’s flyweight division continues to evolve, and Tracy Cortez could a future title challenger should her trajectory continue heading upwards. A fierce wrestling output has now gifted Cortez with two official UFC wins following her ‘Dana Whites Contender Series’ victory.
Her opponent Justine Kish has been lackluster in her contests, having split her six UFC bouts with three wins and three losses. I don’t think Kish is a slouch, but I do believe that four leg surgeries have affected the Russian’s muay thai talents.
I anticipate another grappling war from Cortez, heavy cage control, takedowns and ground and pound to raise her hand in a unanimous decision.
UFC Best Bet: Tracy Cortez to win by decision at -120 with Bet365 (1.2u returns 1u profit)
