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UFC 174 Handicapping | Betting Preview | Free UFC Picks

UFC 174 Preview and Picks

The UFC returns to beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia this Saturday for UFC 174 – a card that is highlighted by a Flyweight Championship bout between Demetrious Johnson and dangerous challenger Ali Bagautinov.

A fight with Welterweight Title shot implications between Rory MacDonald and Tyron Woodley is also on the card as well as former UFC Heavyweight champion Andre Arlovski’s return to the organization.

It promises to be a stellar night of fights – let’s break it down.

UFC 174: Johnson vs. Bagautinov
Date: June 14, 2014
Venue: Rogers Arena, Vancouver, British Columbia
Broadcast: Pay-Per-View, Fox Sports 1 and UFC Fight Pass
UFC Odds From Bovada

Main Card (on Pay-Per-View)

Demetrious Johnson (19-2-1): -565
Ali Bagautinov (13-2): +435

Demetrious Johnson will defend the Featherweight strap for the third time Saturday looking nearly impossible to stop. In his last three fights he has won by decision by armbar and by knockout! Translation – he can and will beat you anywhere the fight happens to go. Ali Bagautinov, the 2012 World Sambo Champion provides the challenge Saturday and himself brings with him a good set of all around skills.

Bagautinov will attempt to utilize his strong striking game and hope to throw some of his patented takedowns in there. But perhaps his best weapon ahead of this fight is his takedown defense – he has shown a tremendous ability to shrug his opponents’ takedowns and keep fights standing – exactly where he likes it.

Johnson’s quickness is already legendary in the UFC – you have to catch him in order to do any damage. While I don’t see Johnson being able to drag this fight to the mat, I do see Johnson being able to stay out of the danger zones with his insane footwork and speed. It looks like a lopsided win for Mighty Mouse as he peppers Baugautinov during a standup war en route to a relatively easy decision win.

Bring on John Dodson!

Pick: Demetrious Johnson -565

Rory MacDonald (16-2): +125
Tyron Woodley (13-2): -145

Rory MacDonald will attempt to climb the Welterweight ladder on Saturday when he takes on Tyron Woodley who has absolutely taken the UFC by storm. MacDonald, ranked #2 in the division is coming off a unanimous decision against Demian Maia while Tyron Woodley is fresh off an incredible knockout win against the terrific Carlos Condit – his third KO win in his last four fights overall.

MacDonald has struggled in his career against top level competition and he has been largely unflattering in his last couple of fights. On the other hand Woodley has been uber-impressive every time out – his only loss in the organization was controversial to say the least – against Jake Shields.

Woodley’s aggressiveness, his wrestling prowess and his power will serve him well against a fighter that seems to retreat into a conservative shell when pressed in fights. One mistake is all Woodley needs – I think MacDonald is good for one of those Saturday night.

Pick: Tyron Woodley -145

Ryan Bader (16-4): -143
Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante (12-4, 1 NC): +123

Light Heavyweight do battle on Saturday night when former Strikeforce champion Rafael Cavalcante takes on Ryan Bader for a little credibility within the Light Heavyweight division. Bader brings a smothering wrestling game to the Octagon on the heels of a win while Cavalcante brings a 1-1 record in the UFC – his win came in TKO fashion last time out against Igor Pokrajak and his loss was at the hands of Thiago Silva in his UFC debut.
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This fight is a true contrast in styles with both fighters are desperate to climb the UFC ladder – neither can afford a loss. Look for the former two-time All-American wrestler Ryan Bader to impose his will in this fight – any sense of trouble for the American and he will certainly drag this fight to the mat where he has a distinct advantage. It may not be the most exciting win but Bader should be able to grind out a victory here.

Pick: Ryan Bader -143

Andrei Arlovski (21-10, 1 NC): +125
Brendan Schaub (10-3): -145

Andrei Arlovski will be welcomed back to the UFC by #13 ranked Heavyweight Brendan Schaub on Saturday night, nine years after he wore the UFC Heavyweight strap. While Arlovski has lost a step or two he will have a distinct striking advantage in this fight which should be enough. Both of these fighters have been knocked out in the recent past – neither has a particularly good chin.

Because of that, I have to go with the better striker – a motivated Arlovski is that guy!

Pick: Andrei Arlovski +125

Ovince Saint Preux (15-5): -145
Ryan Jimmo (19-3): +125

Light Heavyweights kick off the Pay-Per-View portion of UFC 174 when Ovince Saint Preux takes on Ryan Jimmo, who will attempt to win two straight fights for the first time in his UFC career. Saint Preux has been on fire – three straight wins but Jimmo possesses a very dangerous right hand as displayed in his seven second knockout win in his UFC debut.

Jimmo’s pattern recently has been win one and then lose one. No reason to think that the pattern changes against a very confident Saint Preux. Saint Preux makes a statement Saturday night and takes another step up the UFC ladder.

Pick: Ovince Saint Preux -145

Preliminary Card (on Fox Sports 1)

Daniel Sarafian (8-4): -360 vs. Kiichi Kunimoto (16-5-2, 1 NC): +295
Pick: Daniel Sarafian -360

Valerie Letourneau (5-3): -130 vs. Elizabeth Phillips (4-1): +100
Pick: Valerie Letourneau -130

Yves Jabouin (19-9): +155 vs. Mike Easton (13-4): -180
Pick: Yves Jabouin +155

Kajan Johnson (19-10-1): -170 vs. Tae Hyun Bang (16-8): +145
Pick: Tae Hyun Bang +145

Preliminary Card (on UFC Fight Pass)

Roland Delorme (9-2): -105 vs. Michinori Tanaka (9-0): -115
Pick: Michinori Tanaka -115

Josh Shockley (11-2): +115 vs. Jason Saggo (9-1): -135
Pick: Jason Saggo -135

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By DaveB

Dave B has been a Fantasy Football writer for us for 10 years. A couch potato wannabe, Dave’s insights have been read by 10’s of people for years. He hope’s for world peace + global relaxation. Enjoy and remember only smoke things that are completely natural.