UFC 314: Odds, Predictions, 2 Best Bets, and Underdog Slip for Saturday, April 12

UFC did not disappoint with the full card that UFC314 is set to deliver! Whether it’s established champions looking to defend their legacy or top contenders aiming to make a statement, UFC 314 will be full of vicious finishes and should entertain us all night!

In the main event, Alexander Volkanovski looks to silence any doubts and defend his featherweight title against hungry challenger Diego Lopes, whose unorthodox style and finishing ability have made him one of the division’s most exciting wildcards.

The co-main event could be the fight of the night as Michael Chandler finally makes his long-awaited return to take on Paddy Pimblett. Both fights carry massive stakes, and the outcomes could reshape both divisions in a big way.

Silva & Rodriguez Get Their Hands Raised

This parlay pairs two dynamic strikers with some anger on their minds. We have seen both Silva and Rodriguez get animated in UFC press conferences leading up to their respective fights and I believe both to be locked in on their tough task ahead. Jean Silva brings relentless forward pressure with high finishing instincts.

Silva can be patient, looking for his shots, while also demonstrating the ability to get up when taken down. Silca is facing an opponent who’s been hittable and if Bryce can’t control the grappling, it could be a long night for him.

Meanwhile, Yair Rodriguez’s creative striking, experience at the UFC level, and ability to manage range give me confidence to back him here.  I know a lot of people like to back Pittbul here, but his best days are behind him and stepping up to UFC competition is just different. If Yair can keep Pitbull at distance, and not find his back, he should be able to control the tempo with his versatility, this plus-money combo has real value.

Silva Is the Anchor

Putting Silva in a few parlays, which I don’t typically recommend, and I do really like Mitchell. His wrestling and grappling could cause some problems for Silva here, but I do trust Silva and the fighting nerds to have a solid game plan. I do expect Silva to get taken down in this fight, but I also expect his power and damaging blows over time to win this fight.

To bring the juice down, I like the over 1.5 in Ige vs. Woodson. Both are durable, composed fighters who tend to settle into a rhythm before really opening up. Ige has been in 11 decisions in his last 14 fights, while Woodson has been in 6 decisions in his 9 fight UFC career. With the length difference in this fight for Woodson, and the technical way he fights, I do think he will respect Ige and we will see this fight go deep.

Underdog Slip!

For the Underdog Slip this week I am backing both the Volkanovski vs. Lopes fight to go over 15 minutes, and the Pimblett vs. Chandler fight to go over 10 minutes, with a 2.18x payout. Volkanovski has been one of the most durable, disciplined champions, and I like his year layoff to get his mind in a good spot. While Lopes can be dangerous early, Volkanovski’s pace and composure usually push his fights deep.I would not be shocked if this fight reaches the championship rounds.

As for Pimblett vs. Chandler, despite the hype around an early finish, both fighters have shown they can survive wild exchanges. If Chandler doesn’t blitz out of the gate and catch himself in a bad spot, his cardio and ability to avoid dangerous positions can push it later. Paddy must stay composed, and avoid Chandler’s wild attacks, but I do believe this one has a strong shot seeing the 3rd round. I like a later finish, than an early one.

Best Bets:

Parlay: 1% Jean Silva ML + Yair Radriguez ML (+125)

Parlay: 1% Jean Silva ML + Ige/Woodson o1.5 Rounds (-121)

Underdog Slip (2.18x)
Paddy Pimblett Higher 10.0 Fight Time(Mins)
Volkanovski Higher 15.0 Fight Time(Mins)