UFC 273 Prop Picks & Parlay: Alexander Volkanovski Set for Huge Showing at UFC 273
UFC 273 Prop Picks & Parlay: Alexander Volkanovski Set for Huge Showing at UFC 273
With the UFC swinging fast into 2022, we here at Odds Checker will be looking to have you covered when it comes to betting on MMA. As a longtime martial arts analyst and gambler, I'll be providing you with everything from technical analysis to my favorite lines in the form of parlays, props, and more for upcoming fight cards.
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UFC 273 Prop Pick
1 unit - Alexander Volkanovski "inside the distance" @ +160 (Bet $100 to win $160)
The main event for UFC 273 features a fun featherweight title fight between Alexander Volkanovski (-720) and Chan Sung Jung (+500).
Even though the betting lines have swelled the number next to the champion, there are still ways to attack the board depending on which side you like. If you fancy Jung, then I say kick for coverage and sprinkle on the money line given how lively his uppercut will be throughout this contest.
But if you're like me and are siding with Volkanovski, then I suggest taking a look at the "inside the distance" prop, which is still going off in the neighborhood of +160. Aside from Volkanovski vehemently stating that his goal is to finish Jung, I believe that the champ will have ample opportunity to deliver on that promise given The Korean Zombie's defensive stylings.
UFC 273 Parlay Pick
1 unit - Raquel Pennington ML @ -180 and Julio Arce ML @ -190
2-Leg Parlay @ +137 (Bet $100 to win $137)
As I always say, parlaying is a madman's game in MMA. That said, I'd be lying if I told you that I didn't dabble in them for fun (keyword fun). This week, I decided to go with a chalk pairing on the undercard that could produce a decent plus number on the payout.
For my first leg, I elected to go with Raquel Pennington, who faces Aspen Ladd.
Despite Pennington taking this fight on somewhat short notice, she appeared to have already been in shape and preparing given that her significant other, Tecia Torres, was already scheduled to be on the card. More importantly, Pennington may be one of the worst matchups in the division for Ladd – especially right now.
Not only is Ladd coming off of a somewhat ignominious defeat, but she could quickly find herself starting to shut down given Pennington's counters and looming front-choke threats. That said, I suspect Ladd survives until the final bell, as I sprinkled on "Pennington by decision" at +110 (.75-U) in an effort to bulk up my more confident parlay leg with a potential bonus.
For my second leg, I decided to ride with Julio Arce, who welcomes Daniel Santos to the UFC.
Although there's not a lot of footage on Santos, I suspect that Arce will be too big of a step up for a debutant that's coming off over a two-year layoff. To Santos' credit, he comes from a good camp via Chute Boxe and appears to have solid striking skills.
Nevertheless, I believe that Arce's southpaw savvy and counters could throw the newcomer off and help keep him safe throughout the early storms. Acre is also an underrated offensive grappler and back-taker, as the former featherweight should carry a wrestling edge over the former flyweight in his back pocket.
UFC 273 Prop Pick
.5 units - Aleksei Oleinik "inside the distance" @ +140 (Bet $100 to win $140)
I don't blame you if you don't want to follow me off of this cliff, but I'm backing Aleksei Oleinik (-105) to get it done opposite Jared Vanderaa (-115).
Despite opening as the favorite, money has come trickling in on Vanderaa to shift the line (as MMA gamblers can't help themselves when it comes to fading older fighters). However, one important thing to note is that Vanderaa – who is stepping in for Ilir Latifi – is taking this fight on just over one week's notice.
And even though Vanderaa is technically a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt who comes from a wrestler's camp, he appears to struggle the hardest in said categories (particularly when being pressured). Add in the fact that he's been taken down by literally every UFC opponent who has ever attempted a takedown on him, and I can't help but take a plus-money angle on "The Grapple Grandpa."
Regardless of what you're betting, good luck and bet responsibly, my friends!
And if you'd like more of my analysis, feel free to check out my weekly show, The Protect Ya' Neck Podcast.