After a nice break from UFC action we are eager to stay on track and earn some money this weekend, with a fight night headlined by Alexa Grasso and Viviane Araujo. On the previous card we managed to go 3-0 on our best bets, and I am feeling super confident about the card!

BEST BET #1 | Nick Maximov H2H @$1.64

The first fight that really stands out to me is Nick Maximov against Jacob Malkoun. Both are sensational grapplers in terms of their positioning, but I feel like Maximov’s wrestling is the difference maker. Both men work extremely hard in camp and you can see that in their grappling output, yet do not pose significant ground and pound or submission threats based off their limited sample size in the UFC.

I can certainly see why some consider Malkoun as a live dog in this position, and I am actually a big fan of his work and have the utmost respect for him. But in betting conscience, I am very bullish that the American will be able to win the positional battles and secure the decision victory based on control time and takedowns.

Best Bet #2 | Askar Askarov H2H @$1.40

Askar Askarov is a ranked flyweight that has been dubbed as one to watch ever since entering the promotion. He is able to nullify his opposition due to his technique in all facets of MMA, and uses this well-rounded skillset to find holes in his opponents style. Askar is booked against a tough contender in Brandon Royval, who is a prolific finisher due to his slick BJJ and wild fighting style.

I believe that Askar’s pressure and his clinch work will negate the threats that Brandon presents. Askar can pour on the pressure late and lean on his cardio to earn the victory, likely by a decision.

BEST BET #3 | Alexa Grasso H2H @$1.50

This third tip is also one that I see going the distance, this time in the main event. Two emerging straweights meet with a couple of really solid wins behind them. Grasso is coming off her first submission victory over Joanne Wood, but she will look to lean on her potential striking advantage in this matchup against Viviane Araujo, I see her movement and footwork being the key difference maker.

Araujo has the grappling edge, and definitely has power in her striking. But I am particularly concerned that Araujo has not been anywhere near as prolific in finishing fights within the UFC. She entered the promotion with 6 wins all coming via stoppage, and yet despite her impressive win loss record in the UFC (5-2), Araujo has won 80% of her victories by way of decision. Sure she poses a path to victory on the ground, but in her first 5 round bout I believe she will have difficulty with Grasso’s cardio, volume and output. I am leaning towards the Mexican to win via a decision.

Overs or Unders

The best bets for this week's round markets are actually aligned with my overarching best bets, I believe they all go the distance! Here are my other selections throughout the card.

Thanks for tuning in once again, I hope you all enjoy the fights this weekend! If you are having a bet this weekend make sure you do your own research and gamble responsibly.