UFC on ESPN 97 takes place on Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas and this should be an exciting card. Let’s take a look at a free play on each of the main card fights to make your Saturday a winning one.
Gilbert Burns vs Sean Brady
Burns +154 / Brady -184 // Total Rounds: 4.5
Sean Brady and Gilbert Burns face off in a welterweight showdown in the main event, and this should be quite the exciting fight. This is a big step up in competition for Brady, but he’s going to find success. Brady is a pure wrestler and that’s exactly what he’s going to use to advantage here. Burns has struggled a bit heading into this game and he has lost two straight fights. I don’t trust Burns chin here, and although he might not get knocked out, he’s going to get worn down. Brady might not get the finish, but he will come out on top. Back Brady by decision.
Jessica Andrade vs Natailia Silva
Andrade +250 / Silva -310 // Total Rounds: 2.5
You know exactly what you are going to get when Jessica Andrade steps into the octagon; she’s going to put the pressure on and really try to wear down her opponent. The problem for Andrade though is she’s fighting against Natailia Silva who has won her last five fights in the UFC. She knows that with a win here she’s probably going to get a chance at a title soon, but will she be able to get that done? There are better fights on the board to bet, but Andrade is +250 and I am not ready to pass that up yet. I am throwing a few dollars on the underdog. Back Andrade +250 to cash.
Steve Garcia vs Kyle Nelson
Garcia -185 / Nelson +154 // Total Rounds: 1.5
Kyle Nelson was originally supposed to be fighting by Calvin Kattar in this fight in a featherweight battle but he had to pull out and now he’s going to fight Steve Garcia. Nelson is fighting really well heading into this game and he has won two fights in a row. Nelson’s last fight came against Bill Algeo and late in the first round he was able to get the fight by finish. Garcia is going to struggle from the pressure of Nelson, and the longer this fight goes on, the better the chance Nelson gets the job done. Back Nelson on the money line.
Matthew Christopher Schnell vs Cody Durden
Schnell +250 / Durden -325
Cody Durden is stepping in on short notice to fight Matt Schnell and he’s a sizable favorite, and for good reason. Schnell’s chin has been a major issue as of late and he has lost two fights in a row. Each of those losses have been by knockout. Durden is going to put on a show with his hands, and will get the job done. Back Durden by knockout.
Trevor Peek vs Yanal Ashmouz
Peek -130 / Ashmouz +110 // Total Rounds: 2.5
Trevor Peek and Yanal Ashmouz face off in a lightweight battle in a matchup I am very much looking forward to as a fan. Peek is one who wants to put on a show every time he steps into the octagon, but that also sometimes gets him in trouble. Ashmouz is someone who is going to be fine getting into a slugfest, and he’s going to be throwing heavy shots early. Anyone could win this fight so we will take the underdog. Back Asmouz to win this fight as the underdog.
Shane’s Pick Sean Brady by Decision
AUTHOR: Shane Mickle
Mitch's Take...
