UFC Apex Picks
Ready for UFC Apex picks and betting odds & predictions? This UFC card will take place on a Saturday, June 27th with a lightweight headliner between Dustin Poirier and Dan Hooker. I need to address it first and foremost that I was ice cold last week and I apologize for that. Not to toot my own horn, but I am usually pretty damn good, especially when it comes to the ESPN cards. Lets get back to a winning week here. Here is free picks and analysis for UFC Apex.
Event: UFC Apex: Poirier vs. Hooker
Date: Saturday, June 27, 2020
Time: 5:00 P.M. EST.
Location: Apex Gym, Nevada
Broadcast: ESPN+
Main Event: Dustin Poirier vs. Dan Hooker
Free UFC Apex Picks – Since signing the dotted line with ESPN, the UFC usually keeps the PPV level fights behind a paywall. This fight is a rare exception and an absolute delight for fight fans and bettors alike.
Poirier will look to stay atop the 155 pound division after falling short of UFC gold against Khabib back in September. He has been an absolute force in the lightweight division and with a win here, he will be right back into title talk, especially if one Justin Gaethje can pull out an upset against The Eagle.
As for Dan Hooker, his last three wins have earned him high stock in the rankings and could crack the top 5 if he can edge out the win here. He most recently beat Paul Felder, which some say should’ve went the other way.
As for the fight, Poirier has the distinct advantage in wrestling and ground work, averaging over 1.5 successful takedowns per round. Hooker’s avenue to a victory will be solely on the feet, more specifically with his kickboxing. City Kickboxing has widened Hooker’s arsenal and he was enjoyed recent success with his low kicks and calf kicks. Poirier has had trouble with checking leg kicks in the past and if Hooker can negate Poirier’s lead leg, it will be trouble for the hefty favorite.
I still lean Poirier for this fight, though. I think he has more avenues to win and has a wider skillset. Although I don’t agree with these lines, I will take the -230 favorite here.
MMA Betting Prediction: Dustin Poirier
Mike Perry vs. Mickey Gall
Free UFC Apex Picks – This fight has been the topic of discussion this fight week. Between Mike Perry making his girlfriend his lone cornerman to him chatting his usual banter, Perry does always make it interesting come fight week.
What I do not understand here is how he is one of the biggest favorites on the card. With the severe height and reach disadvantage, an unqualified corner-woman, and less superior wrestling, all the value lies with Gall.
Gall has let down in the past and experience is not on his side here, but if he can be responsible and not give up dominant position as he did against Diego Sanchez, I lean him here.
I will not bet this fight as the lines are too jacked on either side, but since I need to cap it, I’ll take Gall here.
MMA Betting Prediction: Mickey Gall (+)
Brendan Allen vs. Kyle Daukaus
I have been going back and forth on this fight for quite some time. Intangibles are almost identical, but Allen has looked too damn good since entering the UFC not to back him here. Let’s ride with the more experienced fighter in Brendan Allen here.
MMA Betting Prediction: Brendan Allen
Gian Villante vs. Maurice Greene
Free UFC Apex Picks – This is another fight that I will not be betting, but will cap for the purpose of the blog. I am not big on Maurice Greene as he seems to do poorly against high level fighters that have experience. For being one of the tallest rostered fighters, his takedown defense is bad.
Villante is no spring chicken and has not fought in quite some time, but Greene has no business being as big of a favorite as he is. Just a lean, not a bet, give me Villante.
MMA Betting Prediction: Gian Villante (+)
Sean Woodson vs. Julian Erosa
MMA Betting Prediction: Julian Erosa (+)
Prelims on ESPN2
Luis Pena vs. Khama Worthy
MMA Betting Prediction: Pena
Phillipe Lins vs. Tanner Boser
MMA Betting Prediction: Lins
Takashi Sato vs. Ramiz Brahimaj
MMA Betting Prediction: Sato
I do not hate Ramiz by submission here +260, though. Value city.
Jordan Griffin vs. Youssef Zalal
MMA Betting Prediction: GTD
Kay Hansen vs. Jinh Yu Frey
MMA Betting Prediction: GTD
Check the boy out on Twitter @RizzMMA for value props later this weekend.