UFC 291: Prelim Picks and Predictions

UFC prelims always hold plenty of value for UFC bettors and 291 prelims are no exception. We've got you covered with our three favorite picks, including Gabriel Bonfim making quick work of Trevin Giles.

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The UFC 291 preliminaries are loaded with intriguing clashes, such as a crossroads clash at heavyweight between Derrick Lewis and Marcos Rogerio De Lima, and a banger at middleweight with Roman Kopylov vs. Claudio Riberio.

So while you’re getting the pizza ordered, drinks poured, seating arrangements set, and looking over the UFC odds, there’s plenty of action to soak up before the main card gets underway.

Here are my free picks from the UFC 291 preliminaries happening this Saturday in Salt Lake City.

UFC 291 prelim picks and predictions

Derrick Lewis vs. Marcos Rogerio De Lima
• Prediction: Rogerio De Lima Moneyline (-215)
• Best Bet: Rogerio De Lima To Win By KO/TKO/DQ (-110)

Roman Kopylov vs. Claudio Riberio
• Prediction: Roman Kopylov Moneyline (-210)
• Best Bet: Roman Kopylov To Win And Over 2.5 (+215)

Gabriel Bonfim vs. Trevin Giles
• Prediction: Gabriel Bonfim Moneyline (-325)
• Best Bet: Gabriel Bonfim to Win by Submission in Round 1 (+200)

Click on each fight to jump to the full analysis.

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Derrick Lewis vs Marcos Rogerio De Lima looks like trouble for for Lewis. He’s lost four of his last five, and what has worked for him so well before–which is just standing there and landing a haymaker–is simply not working anymore. While his cardio has always been bad, his chin is beginning to crack.

De Lima has respectable striking power and submission skills and fights with a lot of energy. Though there is always the threat of Lewis landing that shot out of nowhere, De Lima’s fresher legs and grappling proficiency should be enough to down whatever’s left of Lewis for a knockout. 

Prediction: De Lima Moneyline (-215 at DraftKings)
Best Bet: De Lima To Win By KO/TKO/DQ (-110 at DraftKings)

Roman Kopylov vs Claudio Riberio could go the distance. Kopylov is building a head of steam after two impressive performances. He’s physically strong and has great boxing skills, as well as great cardio and durability. While he’s not the bigger striker in this fight, he possesses the better skill set and fight IQ. 

Ribeiro packs a lot of power and is a finisher with an average fight time of under five minutes. 

That said, his offense is effectively crude, and might not fare well against sharp fighters like Kopylov, who has great striking defense.

Kopylov is the pick, and I feel he either outworks Ribeiro for a decision or stops him late.  

Prediction: Kopylov Moneyline (-210 at DraftKings)
Best Bet: Kopylov To Win And Over 2.5 (+215 at DraftKings)

Gabriel Bonfim vs. Trevin Giles could be over before you blink. At 14-0, Gabriel Bonfim is becoming a fighter to watch. He is facing a serviceable opponent in Trevin Giles who has tools to push him but is inconsistent and is being set up to take a loss. Bonfim is too fast and aggressive for Giles to catch him.

Though Giles has good striking power, he’s looked like he’s a half-step behind his opponents. 

That lack of initiative won’t be lost on Bonfim, who should swarm him early and score a knockdown, leading him to take Giles’ back and earning a submission win.

Prediction: Bonfim moneyline (-325 at DraftKings)
Best Bet: Bonfim to Win by Submission in Round 1 (+200 at DraftKings)