UFC Fight Night: Song Yadong vs Ricky Simon Picks and Predictions

Ricky Simon and Song Yadong are both looking for a breakthough win, but while one fighter looks like he might've peaked, another seems to be getting better and better — find out who our UFC picks are backing.

Song Yadong vs. Ricky Simon is scheduled for five rounds in the bantamweight division as the main event of this weekend’s UFC Fight Night card from The APEX in Las Vegas.

These high-level bantamweights are in a 50/50 clash to move up the rankings in a crowded division. 

UFC odds have Simon as a slim -120 favorite, while Song is a +100 underdog.

Here are our betting picks and predictions for Yadong vs. Simon at UFC Fight Night on Saturday, April 29.

Song Yadong vs Ricky Simon fight odds

Song Yadong vs Ricky Simon method of victory odds

Song Yadong vs Ricky Simon picks

Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.

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Song Yadong vs Ricky Simon betting preview

Yadong and Simon are both inside the Top 10 at bantamweight, and this fight carries the feel of an elimination bout. This intriguing clash pairs two fighters who are actively improving their game, and both possess their rival’s version of kryptonite.  

Simon is on the run of his career after snapping a two-fight skid. He’s accomplished that thanks to a high-volume striking approach and his signature wrestling, smothering his opponents. Since a closely contested loss to Rob Font in 2019, Simon has turned the corner and is putting on complete performances amidst a five-fight win streak.

Simon's strategy is to rely on his chain wrestling and improved striking skills to hang with Yadong. His record of scoring 6.55 takedowns per 15 minutes is impressive and provides a clear path to victory. If his takedown attempts fail, Simon will need to rely on his striking defense and chin to handle Yadong's determination and power.

Anyone who goes into a fight with Yadong hopefully has packed a lunch, because they’re in for a hard day at the office. Though he recently suffered a fourth-round TKO loss to Cory Sandhagen due to a bad cut, it doesn’t take away from how dangerous he is. He’s a motivated striker with good power and offensive instincts, winning four Performance of the Night honors and one Fight of the Night award for his win over Marlon Vera. 

To win, Yadong must apply pressure and keep the fight standing. We’ve seen Yadong capable of landing huge knockouts, and he’ll need to lean into that power as Simon will seek to make this a close-quarters affair. The minute Yadong hits the ground, he’ll need to come up right away, or he’ll be in trouble.

Song Yadong vs Ricky Simon tale of the tape

Song Yadong vs Ricky Simon UFC prediction and best bet

Fight prediction: Simon ML

It seems that Simon is coming into his own, whereas Yadong might be peaking. Odd as it seems, Yadong has had more fights than Simon, so we’ve seen enough to gauge how he’ll perform when looking back. From the looks of it, this is the type of fight Yadong does well in, but ultimately comes up short.

In the Sandhagen fight, Yadong hit the ground more than he should have. With Simon’s striking and movement improving, it won’t be that hard for him to work his way inside and get Yadong on the mat. I like how Simon has looked recently, and I’m picking him to score his sixth straight win.

Prediction: Simon moneyline (-120 at DraftKings)

Fight best bet: Simon by decision

Simon is going to have to contend with Yadong’s striking for a bit, but he should find success in taking him down. Being a versatile wrestler, Simon can eat up the clock and stay cautious enough when they do get back up to avoid any nasty shots Yadong has for him. We like this fight going the distance, and Simon getting the win on the cards. 

Pick: Simon to win by decision (+215 at DraftKings)