UFC Paris Preliminary Card Predictions & Odds: Best Early Value

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01 September 2023

UFC Paris Preliminary Card Predictions & Odds: Best Early Value

The first day of September is here, meaning UFC Paris is just over 24 hours away. The UFC has an incredible lineup prepared for the City of Lights and while the main card has been stealing the spotlight this week, the preliminary bouts also have betting potential.

There’s a lot to take into account ahead of UFC Paris, but fear not: Betting News has your back. Keep reading to find out the latest odds for each preliminary fight, as well as my picks for the best bets.

UFC Paris Preliminary Card Predictions & Odds

The UFC Paris odds listed below are as of Friday, Sept. 1 at 10:59 p.m.

Bantamweight: Taylor Lapilus (-175) vs. Caolan Loughran (+150)

Taylor Lapilus (18-3) was originally supposed to face Muin Gafurov this weekend until the latter ran into visa issues. Instead, Lapilus faces the undefeated Caolan Loughran (8-0), who was first penciled in for a bout with Yanis Ghemmouri.

Even though Loughran is undefeated, all good things must come to an end. He’s yet to face UFC competition, whereas Lapilus is 3-1 in four previous bouts under the promotion. It’s not a ton of experience, but it does provide an edge in this matchup.

I also see Lapilus winning this one via KO/TKO. These two bantamweight have 17 finishes between them over 29 combined fights, so I’m expecting a hard-hitting bout right from the start that results in Lapilus laying Loughran out.

Best Bet: Taylor Lapilus by KO/TKO (TBD)

Welterweight: Ange Loosa (-160) vs. Rhys McKee (+140)

After losing in his UFC debut, Ange Loosa (9-3) aims to capitalize on his recent unanimous decision win over A.J. Fletcher. Meanwhile, Rhys McKee (13-4-1) makes his long-awaited return as he rides a three-fight winning streak into the weekend.

Even though Loosa is the favorite, I’m siding with McKee this time around. “Skeletor” has fought well ahead of his return, knocking out each of his last three opponents. On the other side, I can’t trust Loosa with an unimpressive 3-3 record in his last six fights.

Loosa has solid striking defense and likely won’t be finished, making McKee winning via points the right call.

Best Bet: Rhys McKee by Points (+325)

Women’s Bantamweight: Joselyne Edwards (-116) vs. Nora Cornolle (-104)

Former UCC Women's Bantamweight Champion Joselyne Edwards (13-4) is on the hunt for her fourth straight win this weekend. Standing in her way is the debuting Nora Cornolle (6-1), who has finished each of her last six opponents.

In a fight that could go either way, I see Cornolle winning. As solid as Edwards can be, her last pair of wins came via split decision, which doesn’t impress me. At the same time, Cornolle has been finishing off opponents left and right with her last two fights ending in Round 1.

Look for Cornolle to end this fight before the round limit is up.

Best Bet: Nora Cornolle to Win Inside the Distance (+215)

Bantamweight: Farid Basharat (-370) vs. Kleydson Rodrigues (+295)

Farid Basharat (10-0) has his sights set on continuing his flawless ways in Paris. He’ll be facing the always-hungry Kleydson Rodrigues (8-2), who hasn’t fought since knocking Shannon Ross out at UFC 284.

I see Basharat continuing his winning streak this weekend. Although both fighters after similar offensive striking numbers, “Ferocious” has the clear defensive edge (60% vs. 49%). He’s also the better grappler, which will work in his favor the longer the fight goes on.

Considering how Basharat and Rodrigues have yet to be finished in their respective careers, let’s go with the fight going the distance as the best bet. Even though Basharat should win, this betting option leaves some room for error in case there is an unexpected upset.

Best Bet: Fight to Go the Distance (-160)

Women’s Catchweight (140 lbs): Zarah Fairn (+285) vs. Jacqueline Cavalcanti (-350)

Zarah Fairn’s (6-5) back is against the wall after losing three straight fights. Things don’t get much easier, though, as she takes on the debuting Jacqueline Cavalcanti (5-1), who has knocked out two of her last three opponents.

I really wouldn’t overthink this fight. Fairn is winless in the UFC and doesn’t look like she belongs, whereas Cavalcanti is a promising prospect with finishing potential. I just don’t see a world where Fairn survives all three rounds.