It’s an APEX Card this Saturday as the UFC hosts another Fight Night in their warehouse in Las Vegas.
Assuming no last minute pull-outs, this weekend’s card will feature 12 fights and five on the main card.
Just five of the 12 fights are expected to end inside the distance (by knockout or submission), which is quite the changeup from last week, considering eight of 12 fights ended inside the distance in Seattle.
Last week, as we do we every week at NYPost.com, we picked every the whole card on the prelims and main card, going 6-4 while also nailing a underdog win on Ricky Simon (+200).
We look to keep the good times rolling Saturday ahead of UFC Fight Night, with the entire card airing on ESPN+ beginning at 4 p.m. ET.
UFC Fight Night predictions
Manel Kape vs. Asu Almabayev
This main event was originally going to feature Brandon Royval against Manel Kape, but Asu Almabayev is now slated to jump in on semi-short notice.
Almabayev was already on the prelims of this card, so his placement isn’t completely random.
Kape is perhaps the best athlete in the Flyweight division, with striking his strong suit and takedowns what he is looking to avoid.
Kape defends takedowns at a 77 percent clip, the eighth-best figure in UFC history, while Almabayev will certainly attempt to push the pace with his cardio and tire out his opponent.
It’s not the worst strategy either, as Kape’s high-twitch athleticism gives him both advantages and disadvantages when it comes to fitness.
I’m not expecting Kape to pull off a late TKO in this fight, and Almabayev’s striking defense impressed me when looking back at his recent bout.
Bet on this one to go to decision at -134 odds at FanDuel.
PICK: Fight goes to decision (-134, FanDuel)
Cody Brundage vs. Julian Marquez
These two are kill-or-be-killed fighters.
Julian Marquez is a well-rounded competitor who has done well in the UFC, completing knockouts and submissions throughout his career.
Cody Brundage comes in as the underdog Saturday, but I like him to take home the victory .
Marquez has been a long layoff and looked terrible the last time we saw him.
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Brundage has the aggressive grappling advantage, which early could pose an issue as Marquez will certainly look for a front headlock choke.
But outside of that, Brundage should have more ways to win Saturday. After the first round, feel free to live bet on a decision at DraftKings.
PICK: Brundage moneyline. (+110, Caesars) | Live bet goes the distance after round 1 (-110-ish, DraftKings)
UFC Fight Night full card picks
Manel Kape vs. Asu Almabayev: Fight goes to decision (-134, FanDuel)
Cody Brundage vs. Julian Marquez: Brundage moneyline. (+110, Caesars) | Live bet goes the distance after round 1 (-110-ish, DraftKings)
Nasrat Haqparast vs. Esteban Ribovics: Haqparast moneyline (+235, Caesars)
Hyder Amil vs. William Gomis: Pass
Danny Barlow vs. Sam Patterson: Sam Patterson moneyline (+260, BetRivers)
Austen Lane vs. Mario Pinto: Pinto by KO/TKO (-140, Fanatics)
Ricardo Ramos vs. Chepe Mariscal: Ramos moneyline (+380, BetRivers)
Douglas Silva de Andrade vs. John Castaneda: Fight doesn’t go the distance (+180, BetRivers)
Danny Silva vs. Lucas Almeida: Goes the distance (+140, DraftKings)
Andrea Lee vs. JJ Aldrich: Pass
Charles Johnson vs. Ramazan Temirov: Live bet Johnson after round 1.
Montana De La Rosa vs. Luana Carolina: Small bet on Montana De La by submission (+800, FanDuel)
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Erich Richter is a brazilian jiu-jitsu blue belt but he has a black belt in MMA betting. During the football season he’s showcased massive profits at The Post in the player prop market the last two seasons. While constantly betting long shots, his return on investment is 30.15 percent since 2022.
