UFC Apex Picks
Ready for UFC Apex 1 picks and betting odds & predictions? This UFC card will take place on Saturday, August 22nd with a bantamweight headliner between Pedro Munhoz and 135 pound newcomer Frankie Edgar. This is where I usually acknowledge the bender streaks I have been on or the absymal performance of last weekend. I will acknowledge the latter here. Alike most cappers, UFC 252 was not the best for the business of betting, but lets change those fortunes here.
Event: UFC Apex: Munhoz vs. Edgar
Date: Saturday, August 22nd, 2020
Time: 5:30 P.M. EST.
Location: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada
Broadcast: ESPN+
Main Event: Pedro Munhoz vs. Frankie Edgar
Free UFC Apex Picks – In a bout that was scheduled and cancelled numerous times, Munhoz and Edgar will finally share a 25 minute dance once and for all. After starching Cody Garbrandt last year and gaining a name for himself in the 135 pound division, Munhoz lost to Aljamain Sterling by decision, but did do a few things well in that fight.
Edgar is making his debut at 135 pounds and has not enjoyed success as of late, professionally speaking. His last win was in April of 2018 against Cub Swanson, but lost 3 of his last 4.
As for this fight, I slightly lean the underdog’s way and I will share why. He is the quicker fighter, especially as a natural 145 pounder. He owns the reach advantage in both arms and legs. And, Edgar is in somewhat of a must win situation. If he loses, that’ll be three straight and that isn’t good for business. I truthfully think Edgar can out-clinch Munhoz to a decision victory.
The line scares me off, though. I would not be mad at a slip on Edgar, who is near a +200 on some sites, but I really like a prop in this fight; the fight to start the 3rd round at -170. I think Edgar has had ample time to shred the weight and shred it correctly, and I think his chin will stand tall against Munhoz.
MMA Betting Prediction: Fight to Start Round 3
Ovince Saint Preux vs. Alonzo Menifield
Free UFC Apex Picks – This is a late addition to an already lackluster card, but it should be a damn fun one. OSP will be returning to the 205 pound division after a quick pit stop at heavyweight, while Menifield will be looking to avenge his only career loss.
I bet against Menifield in his last fight, and it is hard not to do the same here. Menifield’s power is undeniable, I understand that, but OSP has been doing the damn thing for a hot minute, and I think he can dominate in the clinch, tire Alonzo out, and potentially finish him on the ground. Give me the underdog here.
MMA Betting Prediction: Ovince Saint Preux (+)
Marcin Prachnio vs. Mike Rodriguez
The fact that this is on the main card speaks to the lack of depth this event has. Both fighters are coming off losses, and bad ones at that. I can not and will not support Mike Rodriguez being a -250 favorite. All the value lies with Prachnio here at +190, but for now, I am staying away from this fight. If Prachnio’s line inflates anymore, I may indulge.
Mariya Agapova vs. Shana Dobson
Free UFC Apex Picks – I think being a -1300 in MMA speaks for itself. Do not bet on Shana Dobson, this weekend. Just a hunch.
MMA Betting Prediction: Mariya Agapova
Daniel Rodriguez vs. Takashi Sato
I am not huge on this fight. I like both fighters for different reasons, and the odds do not give heavy value on either side, so I will be staying away.
Prelims on ESPN
Amanda Lemos vs. Mizuki Inoue
MMA Betting Prediction: Inoue
Austin Hubbard vs. Joe Solecki
MMA Betting Prediction: Hubbard (+)
I like the underdog value, but I won’t be betting this one.
Dwight Grant vs. Calen Born
MMA Betting Prediction: Grant
Ike Villanueva vs. Jordan Wright
MMA Betting Prediction: N/A
Carlton Minus vs. Matthew Semelsberger
MMA Betting Prediction: Minus
Timur Valiev vs. Mark Striegl
MMA Betting Prediction: Valiev
