UFC Atlantic City: Three Best Moneyline Bets
Ibo Aslan (12-1) vs Anton Turkalj (8-3)
UFC ATLANTIC CITY: THREE BEST MONEYLINE BETS – Coming into the UFC after a dominant contract-winning performance on the Contender Series, Aslan brings a resume of destruction to the UFC. He has gone out and finished all 12 of his wins by knockout with all but one coming in the first round. Explosive striking, big power, and fast hands is what you can expect from this monster.
Turkalj has had a rough go of things through his first three UFC fights and looks to save his roster spot with a win this weekend. Normally Turkalj implements a grapple-heavy approach that sees him grind his opponents out from top position or wait until a submission opportunity shows itself. He was undefeated before coming to the UFC, showing there are clear levels between the regional scene and the big show.
This is a rematch of a fight that took place 3.5 years ago. The first 6 minutes or so was dominated by the finishing power of Aslan, but somehow Turkalj managed to survive. Once Aslan started gassing out, Turkalj used his grappling to find a rear naked choke and pull off the comeback victory. I expect to see a more calculated approach from Aslan this time around to close the show for good within the first 5 minutes.
The Pick: Ibo Aslan -115
Hey, while you’re at it, click here to check out our Godzilla Wins Daily Staff Picks!
Virna Jandiroba (19-3) vs Lupita Godinez (12-3)
Now 5-3 through her UFC career, the previously 14-0 Jandiroba is still trying to find her footing with the promotion and accelerate into the title picture. She currently rides a two-fight winning streak while showcasing her grappling dominance over solid opposition. We know all about her high level BJJ game, but her average wrestling and below average striking has largely been the reason she is being kept from the top of the division.
It took a few fights for Godinez to get into her groove but now she finds herself on a four-fight winning streak and fighting better competition each time out. Many originally praised her for her wrestling game but the improvements she has been able to make in the striking realm has been on full display through this current run.
Jandiroba will have a solid advantage in the BJJ realm, but I believe Godinez’ wrestling background will help her keep this fight in a place where she is more comfortable. Whether that’s in the striking game or with her in top position, nullifying most of Jandiroba’s threats off her back. A little chalky here but I feel the big advantage in wrestling and scrambling should be the difference-maker here.
The Pick: Lupita Godinez -210
Vicente Luque (22-9-1) vs Joaquin Buckley (17-6)
After having his four-fight winning streak snapped by Belal Muhammad, Luque fell once again to Geoff Neal later that year. He returned a full year later and put on a solid all-around performance against Rafael dos Anjos in a main event slot. He returns now to get some momentum going and remind people of how dangerous he can be. From his vicious striking style to his slick submission game, Luque is still a top welterweight.
Buckley rides a two-fight winning streak going into the biggest fight of his career. He has largely fizzled out since the highlight reel knockout of Impa Kasanganay, but he is always a knockout away from reminding people of the threat he brings to the table. We’ve seen him try to incorporate more than just striking to his game, but I’m not sold it is something he can do against topflight competition.
Besides the knockout power from Buckley, I think Luque has all the skills to be dominant in this matchup. It took a relentless, all-offense style from Muhammad to muzzle Luque. It also took a technical striking war from Neal to finish Luque. I don’t think Buckley provides threats in either of those realms, so I’ll happily take a near pick ‘em price on a top 10 welterweight against a guy I’ve largely believed to be hype.
