UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs. Gastelum Full Card Betting Guide

UFC bettors can rejoice in the promotion’s return to action this week for UFC Vegas 34, featuring middleweights Jared Cannonier and Kelvin Gastelum. The 12-fight card, live at 7 p.m. ET Saturday, Aug. 21, on ESPN2 before switching to ESPN for the main card at 10 p.m., is littered with a ton of a competitive fights and advantages to exploit.

Check out Matt and Craig’s full analysis in the full card preview, and don’t forget to watch Question Mark Kicks, live on YouTube at 5 p.m. ET Saturday.

Best Bets

William Knight (-178) — The odds continue to drift away from Knight and toward Fabio Cherant for some unknown reason. Knight’s power and combination boxing should be enough to beat the often flat-footed Cherant.

Brian Kelleher (-177) — “Boom” is far too veteran (11 fights in the Octagon) to succumb to a 31-year-old Domingo Pilarte, who is making his second walk to the Octagon on Saturday. Pilarte will have a significant size advantage but if Kelleher makes use of his wrestling advantage, he should control the fight. Kelleher by decision at +389 might be more intriguing if the juice scares you.

Alexandre Pantoja (-178) — It wasn’t that long ago “The Cannibal” was in the flyweight title conversation. Brandon Royval is fighting for the first time since tearing his labrum. That’s not an easy thing to do when stepping into the Octagon with Pantoja, whose power and well-rounded game makes him dangerous wherever the fight takes place. Pantoja by KO at +388 is also appealing.

Pop and Popcorn Fights

Ramiz Brahimaj (-140) vs. Sasha Palatnikov (+116) — Both of these fighters are coming off frustrating defeats, so despite some potential from both fighters, it’s hard to accurately predict how this plays out.

Chase Sherman (-192) vs. Parker Porter (+158) — Unranked heavyweights and a prominent fight on the main card, name a better duo. Sherman and Porter both have interesting parts of their games, but there’s no value to be found for bettors.

Underdogs to Consider

Josiane Nunes (+131) — Experience matters in the Octagon and Bea Malecki’s two professional fights are concerning. Nunes is making her UFC debut, but has some power and if she can get in range — or in the clinch — she’s going to give Malecki troubles.

Saidyoukub Kakharamonov (+120) — We all should probably stop doubting Trevin Jones, but Kakhramonov is the type of talent to come in and shock some people in his debut despite the short notice. I wish the odds were bigger — like when they were +250 at opening — but this is one I’ll watch up until fight time to find the right price.

Intriguing Props

Roosevelt Roberts/Ignacio Bahamondes U2.5 rounds (+127) — Roberts’ submission defense is suspect and Bahamondes is very hittable. That combined with weight cut struggles in Bahamondes’ recent past makes this prop worth biting on. Bahamondes by submission at +1556 might be worth a stab. Bahamondes has long arms and Roberts is prone to leaving his neck out.

Jared Cannonier by knockout (+184) — I don’t mind the odds on Cannonier topping Kelvin Gastelum at -153, but there’s more value in this prop. Cannonier is a power puncher and Gastelum has proven rather hittable of late. Gastelum has also taken a ton of damage in recent years and even at 29, that’s going to add up sooner than later. Cannonier has been nearly unstoppable at middleweight and will find a finish in five rounds.

Luis Saldana/Austin Lingo O2.5 rounds (-140) — Saldana has finishing ability — 14 of 15 wins by finish — and Lingo has power, but in this intriguing stylistic matchup, it feels like the fighters will take their time trying to find their edge.

Parlay of the Night

William Knight (-178), Alexandre Pantoja (-178), Hubbard/Pichel O2.5 (-276), Guida/Madsen O2.5 (-241) — +370

The boldest of bettors can add Jared Cannonier at -153 to boost the odds to +677.