Best Bets For UFC Orlando

Best Bets For UFC Orlando

The final three weeks of UFC fights for 2022 have arrived. We have two cards in Las Vegas to finish off the year, but first we look to UFC Orlando this weekend to cash some bets! An exciting main event puts No. 6 Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson up against rising welterweight Kevin Holland.

Before we get to the striker's delight in the main event, fan favorite Rafael dos Anjos takes on Bryan Barberena in a fun co-main event. I see plenty of money-making opportunities on this card, so let’s break down some of the best bets for UFC Orlando on ESPN+!

*Odds accurate as of Dec. 2 on BetMGM

Amanda Ribas (11-3) vs. Tracy Cortez (10-1)

Ribas (-105) vs. Cortez (-115), 8 p.m. ET

At pick 'em odds, I simply can’t ignore the value on Amanda Ribas going up against Tracy Cortez. Cortez is a bit green in the UFC. She has been very active having already fought twice in 2022, but her level of competition hasn’t been the best. Tracy has great wrestling attacks and has improved her overall game since starting to train with her boyfriend Brian Ortega. However, her striking game is not the greatest and I fear her inexperience & reliance on finding a take down could hurt her here.

Oppositely, Amanda Ribas has faced top competition in the UFC. She has found plenty of success in the promotion, both by using her BJJ and by showcasing the power behind her punches. Her striking slightly edges Tracy’s, but when this fight inevitably hits the canvas Amanda will be a constant submission threat against Cortez. It’s possible Ribas finds a finish, but more likely she wins a dominant decision victory. 

BEST BET: Amanda Ribas @ -105

If you are betting UFC Orlando, make sure you are set up with DraftKings. They are giving away $200 totally free for new users when they deposit and bet $5. This offer is too good to pass up so make sure you take advantage and get the free bets that are just sitting there waiting for you!

Jonathan Pearce (13-4) vs. Darren Elkins (27-10) 

Pearce (-450) vs. Elkins (+340), 8:20 p.m.

At 38 years old, we pretty much always fade Darren Elkins, but especially so when he’s fighting young prospects on a hot streak like Jonathan Pearce. Elkins is just a recipe for his own disaster. He has so much scar tissue that he constantly bleeds, his striking game is so far behind almost anyones in the division, and the only way he can win is by dragging his opponents into deep water and finding a late submission. His game plan serves no use in this matchup. Pearce thrives off of grappling at an exhausting pace for the duration of his fights. Elkins won’t be able to smother Pearce, it will be quite the opposite. Pearce is going to outstrike Elkins on the feet and follow that up by drowning him on the ground, making for a perfect parlay piece! 

BEST BET: Jonathan Pearce parlayed w/Nicolau @ -190

Bet this risk-free at BetMGM using the exclusive offer below!

Matheus Nicolau (18-3-1) vs. Matt Schnell (16-6)

Nicolau (-400) vs. Schnell (+300), 11:30 p.m.

Pairing Matheus Nicolau with Jonathan Pearce makes for a pretty safe parlay. Nicolau goes up against Matt Schnell, who we saw barely make weight. Aside from a rough weight cut, Schnell is just outmatched almost anywhere this fight goes. Riding a five-fight win streak, Matheus is a very good striker who is great at using distance control. The shorter Schnell is going to struggle to close the distance, and even when he does will be threatened by incredible grappling from Nicolau. I don’t see many paths to victory here for Schnell. Nicolau on the other hand should win a very dominant decision by controlling Schnell for 15 minutes straight. 

BEST BET: Matheus Nicolau parlayed w/Pearce @ -190

Agree with this pick? Why not make it even better with Caesars, the King of Sportsbooks? Your first bet is risk free up to $1,250 so no matter which way the fight goes you don't have to worry... your bankroll is safe and sound!

Tai Tuivasa (15-4) vs. Sergei Pavlovich (16-1)

Tuivasa (+180) vs. Pavlovich (-225), 11 p.m.

THE PEOPLE'S MAIN EVENT, "Bam Bam" Tai Tuivasa closes at almost a 2-1 underdog against the Russian prospect Sergei Pavlovich. We are riding with the underdog in Tuivasa here because I fully expect him to win this fight. Both of these men are going into this fight with the same mentality of finding a KO punch. Each fighter has 13 career KO’s to their name. And while both men undoubtedly possess KO power, Tai’s experience against top HW’s is going to be the difference in this fight. 

Pavlovich is fairly green in the UFC. His best win was against a 37 year old Derrick Lewis. Meanwhile, Tuivasa has fought 3 ranked opponents in a row, even almost beating Ciryl Gane in his last fight. This experience is going to go a long way here. Tai doesn’t just lay & pray with his punches anymore. He has developed a great jab, killer leg kicks, and experience in deep waters. Pavlovich hasn’t had the chance to develop any of this yet. A finish may be inevitable in this fight, but the odds are too wide to play. For that, we’re taking advantage of Tai’s underdog odds and his sneaky experience to carry him to a victory. 

BEST BET: Tai Tuivasa @ +180

Make this your $1,000 No Sweat Bet at FanDuel! Sign up below!