UFC Fight Night Ankalaev v Walker main card betting picks & odds

The main card for UFC Fight Night from the Apex Arena in Las Vegas features a North American flavor with contestants from the US, Brazil, and Mexico. The most consequential bout card pits top ten flyweights Manel Kape and Matheus Nicolau, who have their eyes set firmly on a 2024 title shot. Elsewhere, veteran and fan favorite Jim Miller makes a remarkable 54th trip to the cage when he tackles Gabriel Benitez in a fun contest in the 155-pound class.

Magomed Ankalaev vs Johnny Walker preview

Magomed Ankalaev vs Johnny Walker

Who will win between Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker in this anticipated rematch? Read our in-depth analysis of Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker here.

Matheus Nicolau vs Manel Kape Preview

Matheus Nicolau vs Manel Kape

Matheus Nicolau (19-4-1) suffered a disappointing first-round loss to Brandon Royval in April 2023, ending an impressive six-fight win streak. The Brazilian is a well-rounded athlete who combines solid striking and a slick ground game with high-level cardio. His three career losses have all come via knockout, and he will need to adopt a somewhat defensive strategy here against an opponent with a strong record of finding and exposing weaknesses inside the distance. These fighters met in 2021, with Nicolau grinding out a narrow and controversial decision victory.

Manel Kape (19-6-0) is a hard-hitting flyweight with 11 knockout wins on his record. The Angolan trains out of an elite striking camp in Thailand, and he will be looking to land elbows and knees in pursuit of a stoppage victory. The 30-year-old has won his last four straight octagon appearances and is heavily favored by the leading MMA sportsbooks to keep this streak alive. Kape has a mixed record with the judges and will be reluctant to hand his destiny to the lottery of the scorecard.

Jim Miller vs Gabriel Benitez Preview

Jim Miller vs Gabriel Benitez

Jim Miller (37-16-0) shows little sign of wear and tear despite carving out an 18-year career as a professional fighter. The 40-year-old marvel has won three of his last four bouts, the most recent being a first-round KO victory over Jesse Bulter in June 2023. Miller has 19 submission wins to his credit but faces an elite grappler in this match-up. He may opt to focus on the stand-up aspect of his game and hunt for another KO finish to thrill his army of fans.

Gabriel Benitez (23-11-0) has endured a rough patch in recent years, with two wins and four losses since 2019. Three of the losses have come via knockout, and his chin may be losing its resilience as the 35-year-old nears the end of his career. The Mexican is, however, coming off a last-start victory that should boost his confidence heading into this high-profile match-up. He has struggled to make weight during his rocky period but looks more comfortable at 155 pounds, where this bout will be staged.

Ricky Simon vs Mario Bautista Preview

Ricky Simon vs Mario Bautista

Ricky Simon (20-4-0) lost an epic war against Song Yadong at his most recent outing, succumbing via TKO in the fifth round. The plucky bantamweight had won his five previous contests to earn a top-fifteen ranking and a chance to square up against the division’s biggest names. The 31-year-old takes a step back in this match-up as he attempts to rediscover his winning ways. Simon is predominantly a volume striker, with 10 decision victories on his record, although he can find other routes to victory. He is slightly favored to prevail in this contest.

Mario Bautista (12-2-0) brings a flawless recent record into this bout having won his last five contests in imposing style. The 30-year-old is most effective on the mat and boasts a range of submission weapons in his grappling arsenal. He will be searching for early takedowns to avoid the march-forward approach of his opponent, and we are keen on his chances at nice odds if he can dictate where this bout takes place.

Phil Hawes vs Brunno Ferreira Preview

Phil Hawes vs Brunno Ferreira

Phil Hawes (12-5-0) had dropped three of his last four fights and desperately needs to turn his form around. Three of the losses came via first-round knockout, suggesting the 35-year-old might be a single loss away from calling it quits. Hawes has always been a wild striker, a style that cannot be successfully employed over the long term. The American has been matched against a proven finisher here and might be in for another early night unless he controls his aggression in the opening exchanges.

Brunno Ferreira (10-1-0) suffered his first professional loss in July 2023, and this contest marks his first bout without an unbeaten record. The Brazilian had displayed a solid chin prior to the KO loss, but now that he has tasted defeat, might be inclined to temper his reckless strategy somewhat. The 31-year-old has never been beyond the second round, and if his confidence remains intact, should be able to rebound from the recent disappointment versus an older opponent here.

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