The UFC returns later today to kick things off for 2024 with UFC Vegas 84 from the Apex in Las Vegas. The card has 11 scheduled bouts after Manel Kape vs Matheus Nicolau was scrapped after weigh-ins yesterday. Kape missed the flyweight limit by 3.5 pounds, and ultimately withdrew from the matchup. The main event for this card should be a fun one, as Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker will face off again in a rematch after fighting to a No Contest in their previous meeting at UFC 294. The winner of that fight will firmly solidify themselves in the Light Heavyweight championship conversation.

My favorite picks on this weekend’s card are Magomed Ankalaev, Joshua Van, Ricky Simon and Waldo Cortes-Acosta. In the main event, I think Walker will certainly be live for a finish early as he usually is, but I trust Ankalaev’s durability here to survive the early storm and pick up the finish win down the stretch or possibly even earlier. Van is one of the top young prospects in the flyweight division and I think he’ll show in this one that he’s ready for a sizeable jump up the ladder by picking up a comfortable decision or late stoppage win. Simon vs Bautista is one of the best matchups on this card, but I like Simon’s chances of getting the job done with his relentless takedown attempts and better cardio late. Cortes-Acosta is a heavy favorite in his matchup with Andrei Arlovski, and deservedly so at this point. Arlovski has shown his age a bit in his last two fights, and I think Cortes-Acosta will be able to hand him a third consecutive stoppage loss in this one.

Unfortunately, I’ve been dealing with some personal issues this week, so I won’t be running an official betting card on this one. However, I will share the couple early bets I have out from earlier in the week. I have a three-leg parlay out with Van, Simon and Jim Miller at +288 for .5 units that I feel pretty good about. Miller is the riskiest spot of the three, so if you tail and we get to the final leg, you might want to consider a small hedge on Benitez at plus money. I also took a small .25 unit shot on Ankalaev by Submission in R1/2/3 at +1100. Ankalaev only has one submission win on his resume, however, he went for Walker’s neck in the last matchup and will be looking to make a statement in this fight to solidify himself in the title conversation. I think those are excellent odds for a small sprinkle. Best of luck to everyone betting this weekend and I hope you enjoy the fights! Be sure to check back next week for my picks and betting card for UFC 297!

If you enjoy our website, please make sure to follow us on social media and tell other MMA fans about OddSmokerMMA so we can continue to grow! All of your continued love and support is very much appreciated!

Powered by WagerWire

My articles are now available on the WagerWire Community page, on the WagerWire app, and under the WagerWire tab at the top of our website for quick access! Be sure to check out all of the other amazing content creators that are part of the WagerWire community.

Make sure to download the new WagerWire app on your phone and get on the app that will change sports betting forever! Easily add all of your sportsbooks to one convenient dashboard and keep track of all your betting action with the best community in sports betting! You’ll also eventually have the ability to buy/sell bets straight through the app, so check it out now and use referral code “OddSmokerSteve”!