Run It Back: Pereira Picked to Defeat Prochazka Again
Pereira vs Prochazka 2 Odds Features One Must-Bet Underdog
Light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira is the favorite to continue his reign at the top against former champ Jiri Prochazka.
- The Pereira vs Prochazka 2 odds have the Brazilian at -160 to win at T-Mobile Arena at UFC 303, and it looks like well-placed money.
We look at the main card fights for the next UFC event, which is packed with terrific PPV fights.
UFC 303: Pereira vs Prochazka 2
Day/Time:
Location: T-Mobile Arena, La Vegas
Streaming: Pay per view
No Slowing Down Pereira
The 36-year-old doesn’t appear to be slowing down after defending his title against Jamahal Hill. Pereira wasn’t fighting a Hill at his best, but bettors should use the first meeting against Prochezka as a form guide. He defeated Prochazka in the second round by knockout, and Pereira has only improved since that victory at UFC 295.
Oh. My. Goodness!
Who else can’t wait for Alex Pereira vs Jiří Procházka at #UFC303 on Saturday?! pic.twitter.com/Tl5sFSOyEY
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) June 24, 2024
UFC betting odds have him favored to win for a reason, and we can’t see Prochazka winning the title on Saturday.
There is talk of Pereira challenging Jon Jones for the heavyweight title, which would make him a three-weight division champion. However, Robert Whittaker advised against it.
“I’d stay well away from Jon Jones [if I was Alex Pereira]. You stay well away from [him]. I’ve seen Pereira’s wrestling and I’m not gonna say it’s terrible, but you stay well away from Jon Jones,” Whittaker said.
- He still needs to take care of Prochazka, who is the +135 underdog. We thought Pereira vs Prochazka 2 odds would have the challenger around +150, so there has been more support than expected.
Pereira is the man to beat, and he should be far too good.
Lopes Rising in Status
Diego Lopes lost his UFC debut at UFC 288 against Movsar Evloev. But he has bounced back in style.
The 29-year-old, who faces Brian Ortega at UFC 303, defeated the likes of Gavin Tucker, Pat Sabatini, and Sodiq Yusuff, stopping them all.
He scored first-round knockouts of both Sabatini and Yusuff, which is why he’s the -150 favorite to defeat veteran Ortega.
Ortega is one of the toughest UFC fighters in the featherweight division, having posted wins over the likes of Yair Rodriguez, The Korean Zombie, and Frankie Edgar.
- The 33-year-old could relish being the +125 underdog, and UFC this weekend could be in for a big shock if Ortega wins.
It won’t be an easy task against Lopes, who has more upside at his age. Ortega is even considering changing weight division because he’s unlikely to get a title shot ahead of Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway.
“They told me my weight class had no one that they wanted me to fight,” Ortega said “They didn’t really want me to fight contenders and stuff, so I decided to move to 155. [We had an opponent], but I can’t say it. It might still happen. And I hope it does.”
We’re picking Lopes to end Ortega’s run in the featherweight division. The -150 odds are worth including in UFC parlays.
Smith Fight Gets Replacement
Anthony Smith was meant to fight Kiwi sensation Carlos Ulberg, who pulled out last week due to injury. Roman Dolidze stepped up to take the fight on short notice, and that usually favors the pre-existing fighter.
We respect Dolidze, but fighting Smith on short notice is a recipe for failure. We’re backing Smith to win.
“Lionheart” is one of the most experienced UFC fighters, boasting a 38-19 record. He comes off a first-round submission win over Vitor Petrino, and we fear Dolidze might suffer the same fate.
Dolidze (12-3) lost to Nassourdine Imanov in his most recent fight. He needs to improve on his recent form.
The Pereira vs Prochazka 2 odds have Smith as an underdog at +120, interestingly. We’d price him around the -200 range so this is a steal and is a must-bet.
Size Matters for Chiasson
Macy Chiasson has a significant height advantage over Mayra Bueno Silva and this could be the determining factor. Silva will be shooting for takedowns, which won’t be easy against the bigger Chiasson, who is also well-versed in wrestling.
The 32-year-old New Orleans native defeated Pannie Kianzad by submission in March, showcasing her wrestling prowess.
- Silva has also looked good with two recent wins by submission, but we would much rather take -105 for Chiasson than -125 for Silva.
We don’t expect there to be much between the bantamweights, and it’s likely to go to a decision after three rounds.
- Take Chiasson to win the fight and improve her record to 11-3.
Stars Align for Garry vs Page
One of the best fights at UFC 303 is Ian Machado Garry vs Michael Page, and it comes with theatrics. Garry and Page are no strangers to playing to the camera. Garry brings all the Irish confidence we saw in Conor McGregor, and it makes for good TV.
Page, a former Bellator fighter, brings a more cheesy image to the Octagon, like many former Bellator fighters. However, he’s one of the more exciting fighters.
We weren’t overly impressed with Page’s win over Kevin Holland, and his age could take its toll. He is 37 and 11 years older than Garry, who scored a quality decision win over Geoff Neal.
Neal is one of the toughest fights in the welterweight division, and we’re happy to take Garry at -130. That’s about the best price you’ll ever get for Garry, and he’s ready for the big stage.
We don’t think Page will cope with the pressure of UFC 303, and Garry could score a finish.
For UFC betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
