UFC Apex Picks
Ready for UFC Apex 1 picks and betting odds & predictions? This UFC card will take place on Saturday, August 1st with a headliner between Derek Brunson vs. Edmen Shahbazyan. This is a fight the entire middleweight division needs to keep an eye on as both men are riding impressive win streaks en route to hopeful title contention. I took the last two events off for external reasons, but we are back and lets come back to a winning week. Here we go.
Event: UFC Apex: Brunson vs. Shahbazyan
Date: Saturday, August 1st, 2020
Time: 6:00 P.M. EST.
Location: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada
Broadcast: ESPN+
Main Event: Derek Brunson vs. Edmen Shahbazyan
Free UFC Apex Picks – Brunson has had one of the toughest strength of schedules since entering the UFC. Fighting Yoel Romero, Israel Adesanya, and other household names, Brunson has been doing the damn thing for a hot minute and been doing it impressively. He has won his last two bouts and now will look to beat one of the most highly touted MMA prospects.
Shahbazyan is making an effort to become the youngest UFC champion ever, but has a tall task at hand with Brunson. He is 11-0 and has won his last three bouts by first round finish, plateauing him to a -315 favorite.
As for the fight, Shahbazyan should win and win decisively, but Brunson is not to be overlooked. He owns the height, reach, and experience advantage, which has proven key, especially in the last few months. I will be taking Edmen here, but try to get the line at a below a -300 to increase value.
MMA Betting Prediction: Edmen Shahbazyan
Joanne Calderwood vs. Jennifer Maia
Free UFC Apex Picks – Calderwood is coming off a win, and lost her fight before that against Katlyn Chookagian in a narrow decision. Maia lost her last fight, also against Chookagian, but it was extremely one-sided.
Calderwood is bigger, stronger, and has the better overall arsenal. She is well rounded and should have no problem cashing at a -150 favorite. Women’s MMA, you never know, but I like her here.
MMA Betting Prediction: Joanne Calderwood
Vicente Luque vs. Randy Brown
Luque is one of the most exciting fighters in the 170 pound division, and one of the most technical strikers the UFC has. He won his last fight in an absolute brawl against Niko Price and looks to string together another win against Randy Brown.
Brown has won his last two bouts by stoppage, but is climbing a steep hill against Luque here. Although he owns the reach and height advantage and could posses problems if he manages distance, I think Luque is the much better striker. I will take Vicente here.
MMA Betting Prediction: Vicente Luque
Lando Vannata vs. Bobby Green
Free UFC Apex Picks – Lando won his last fight by decision and before that, split both of his 2019 bouts.
Bobby Green, the far more experienced fighter, earned a unanimous decision victory against Clay Guida just over a month ago.
As for the fight, I think Lando has trouble going up against experienced and talented opposition. This fight may be one to stay away from, but as of now, I like the value with the underdog Bobby Green.
MMA Betting Prediction: Bobby Green (+)
Kevin Holland vs. Trevin Giles
MMA Betting Prediction: Kevin Holland
Prelims on ESPN
Frankie Saenz vs. Jonathan Martinez
MMA Betting Prediction: Martinez
Ed Herman vs. Gerald Meerschaert
MMA Betting Prediction: Over 1.5
Ray Borg vs. Nate Maness
MMA Betting Prediction: Maness
Eric Spicely vs. Markus Perez
MMA Betting Prediction: Perez
Pure lean, I am staying away from this fight.
Jamall Emmers vs. Timur Valiev
MMA Betting Prediction: Emmers (+)
Again, just a lean.
Chris Gutierrez vs. Cody Durden
MMA Betting Prediction: Gutierrez
Check out our Updated UFC Apex Odds.
