UFC Vegas 84: Ankalaev vs Walker II

UFC Vegas 84: Ankalaev vs Walker II comes to Vegas for the first event of the year. After a controversial ending to the first fight, the UFC is rolling it back, this time with a 5-round caveat. While this event maybe doesn’t have the shine that some of the big pay-per-views in the future have, there’s still some great spots to jump on. So without further ado, here are our UFC Vegas 84 bets.

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UFC Vegas 84: Ankalaev vs Walker II – Predictions & Best Bets

Marcus McGhee ML (-250) vs. Gaston Bolanos

While this is a chalky way to start off an article like this, I genuinely don’t believe there is more value on any line on this entire card. Gaston Bolanos had a back and forth fight in his UFC debut with Aaron Phillips, who was 0-4 in the UFC and hadn’t fought in three years. McGhee on the other hand, seems to fight like he’s double parked. He gets in there and has been dismantling the lesser competition. I’m not even sure this is much of a step up here.

Magomed Ankalaev vs Johnny Walker – Over 1.5 Rounds (-140)

Their first fight only lasted a little over three and a half minutes, but I think there was a lot there to suggest that this one could go deep. Walker was picking his spots and trying to work his boxing without overcommiting. Ankalaev only really went for it when Walker looked awkward after a body shot and then tried a flying knee. I think we see a patient approach here and get over the 7.5-minute mark.

Ricky Simon ML (-180) vs Mario Bautista

Anther quality moneyline on this card is Ricky Simon. While I do love Mario Bautista’s skill set – particularly his offensive wrestling – I have some concerns about his defensive wrestling. It nearly cost him the fight against Da’Mon Blackshear coming in on very short notice. Simon has better wrestling than that and should control the fight with it.

Jim Miller – Wins via KO (+300)

Three words: Old. Man. Strength.

Since his 39th birthday, Jim Miller has rattled off four wins in five fights. While that’s impressive in his own right, the method to his madness has been even more bewildering. Miller, typically known for his grappling, has knocked out three of those four opponents. Now he faces a guy in Gabriel Benitez who has taken his last four losses by way of knockout.

Brunno Ferreira – Wins via KO (+115)

Speaking of guys getting knocked out, Phil Hawes is just 1-3 in his last four fights and all three losses have come by way of knockout. Brunno Ferreira’s last five wins have come with his hands with four of them coming in the first round. It’s hard to overlook those stats and some juicy odds to go with it.

Andrei Arlovski ML (+525) vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta

So you’ve made it to the end of the article and now you’re doubting my sanity. I’m aware and I’m also okay with it. Since you made it this far, hear me out.

Andrei Arlovski in his advanced age has taken a more cautious approach to fighting. Waldo Cortes-Acosta puts everything into his strikes. In doing so, he often telegraphs the shots and tires quickly. As long as Arlovski stays out of range and frustrates him in the first, I think he’ll cruise to a somewhat boring decision here.

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