UFC 251 Prelims Odds, Predictions and Preview
UFC 251 prelim action features quality top to bottom matchups this Saturday from Fight Island. Expect the promotion’s hottest recent undercard to culminate when noted 205 lb. contender Volkan Oezdemir (-160) welcomes knockout artist Jiri Prochazka (+140) within Octagon territory.
Sporting ten consecutive TKO wins, at least on paper, 27-year-old Prochazka has placed himself among MMA’s lethal finishers. Bluntly, however, the hammer-fisted striker’s reputation is built upon UFC burnouts and marginal competition.
Still, rendering seven of eight fully trained professional fighters either unconscious or semi-conscious in under five minutes apiece dating to 2017 merits applause. Ex TUF standout Ryan Bader fell abruptly last December after taking left hooks from Prochazka.
Along those lines, top-ten ranked slight favorite Volkan Oezdemir owns legit wins at the sport’s peak. After losing his 2018 title bid vs. Daniel Cormier, and two subsequent matchups before rebounding with consecutive successful outings, no doubt exists concerning Oezdemir’s ability.
Oezdemir nearly brushed by Dominick Reyes last year before flattening llir Latifi and edging prospect Aleksandar Rakic.
With particulars noted, Oezdemir clearly isn’t another middling target for his debuting opponent. Prochazka must show dimension and a steady beard to avoid becoming the Swiss native’s 13th paid TKO. It’s worth noting “Denisa” was knocked out by King Mo Lawal in 2015 before blazing through RIZIN -including a revenge third round halt over Lawal.
The Outcome
Expect fireworks between these heavy hitters. While it’s tempting to pick Prochazka’s low-hanging fruit, his name must be earned Saturday against brick wall resistance. Take Oezdemir in this unapologetic slugfest as the known quantity versus an untested entrant.
Volkan Oezdemir by TKO
Elizeu Dos Santos (+115) vs. Muslim Salikhov (-135)
Fight two rests at virtual pick em’ odds as spinning heel kick experts Elizeu Dos Santos and Muslim Salikhov meet.
After blessing the UFC with highlight-reel finishes, 33-year-old Dos Santos aims for his ninth Zuffa victory during a fruitful past half-decade. The Capoiera practitioner rebounded from 2019’s streak busting knockout loss vs. Jingliang Li in March by out hustling then once-beaten Alexey Kunchenko.
Activity is Dos Santos’ staple as he lands 4.27 strikes per minute. The Brazilian also owns a three-inch reach edge versus Salikhov. One issue, however, is the fact Dos Santos has been recently stopped and his upcoming opponent throws every strike with nasty intent.
Not noted for output, defensive-minded and offensively conservative Salikhov averages 1.99 lands per minute, but adds 12 TKOs and two subs in 16 pro wins. The 36-year-old striker roughed up prospect Laureano Staropoli last year with pinpoint spinning heel kicks and timely combos. Methodical operation kept Salikhov unmarked and fresh during his third straight UFC win.
The Outcome
Evenly matched, if Dos Santos can withstand assorted harsh blows he can outwork Salikhov. Conversely, it only takes one clean land from “The King of Kung Fu” to end matters early. Look for Salikhov to exploit Dos Santos’ questionable defense with concussive results.
Muslim Salikhov by TKO
Danny Henry (+170) vs. Makwan Amirkhani (-200)
The third UFC 251 undercard bout pits fighters seeking redemption from recent losses at odds.
Powerhouse grappler Makwan Amirkhani looks for a sixth UFC win after being knocked out last Nov. by Shane Burgos. Amirkhani, 31, completes 3.84 takedowns per 15 minutes and has ten submissions in 19 paid bouts - his one career TKO highlighted a dramatic Octagon premiere vs. burnout vet Andy Ogle.
Amirkhani lands just 1.75 significant strikes per minute, so he will undoubtedly look to grind the mat Saturday.
Danny “The Hatchet” Henry is well-versed as ten of his 12 pro wins come by TKO or submission -five each. If the fight goes south, Henry can grapple out of trouble and his striking edge (5.85 significant strikes landed per minute) over Amirkhani is pronounced. While Henry’s 2-0 UFC start was recently erased by a Dan Ige rear-naked choke, look for a brewing upset from the Higher Level Martial Arts trainee.
The Outcome
There’s no shame in losing to Ige. Further, Henry stuffs three of every four takedown attempts. Roll with Danny Henry Saturday as his crisp striking and volume output will edge favored Amirkhani over 15 minutes.
Henry by Decision
Roman Bogatov (+155) vs. Leonardo Santos (-175)
Undefeated prospect Roman Bogatov faces UFC veteran Leonardo Santos to open undercard action.
Due to inactivity and being 40-years-old, Santos is a tough sell opposite the unknown, unbeaten Russian. That stated, at 6-0-1 in UFC events and having recently TKOd veteran Stevie Ray, unless newcomer Bogatov can make a huge class jump Saturday, take Santos by decision.
The Outcome
Both fighters are mat savvy with Santos gaining nine taps and Bogatov five. The difference is Leonardo Santos’ experience and deeper MMA toolbox.
Leonardo Santos by Decision
