UFC Macau Three Best Moneyline Bets
Kiru Sahota (12-2) vs Dong Hun Choi (8-0)
Going to a decision in both of his RTU matchups, Sahota has shown tremendous improvements in his game. He is a lanky flyweight who maximizes his range with his striking, utilizing straight shots down the pipe and an active kicking game. Grappling has usually been where he struggles in the past, but he has made the correct improvements in his game to rectify that.
Choi was one of my favorites to win the whole flyweight tournament based on the potential he has. He’s fast, quick, and carries some respectable power down at this 125 lb. weight class. An undefeated 8-0 record also showcases the type of potential and skills he holds.
Unfortunately for Choi, I believe Sahota’s 5” height and 7” reach advantage will play too much of a factor. Look for Sahota to batter Choi from distance with volume, output, and damage. In the clinch, Sahota could also be a menace with his knees and elbows. At a pick ‘em price, I’ll lean with Sahota to get his hand raised on the scorecards.
The Pick: Kiru Sahota -110
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Bargeng Jieleyisi (19-5) vs Su Young You (13-3)
Coming up short in last season’s RTU tournament, Jieleyisi has made good on his run this time by finishing his first opponent and grinding out his last. Largely leaning on his grappling, Jieleyisi has tried incorporating some striking, but it seems he still struggles to be comfortable throwing leather.
You is a very fun fighter to watch, especially as he starts getting his grappling going. His scrambling and unwillingness to settle for bad positions always makes him a difficult puzzle to crack. Striking is really not his forte, but if he is forced to he can find ways to make the most of it.
This should be a fun grappling battle, but I believe the line movement this week is correct. You found himself closer to -140, but now slowly ballooning up to -160. Jieleyisi will struggle to outgrapple You, allowing You to get the upper hand in scrambles and enjoy control time to get the win here.
The Pick: Su Young You -160
Yan Xiaonan (18-4) vs Tabatha Ricci (11-2)
It was a disappointing night at UFC 300 for Xiaonan as outside of the third round, she was able to have no success against the current champion. Xiaonan’s striking style is always something to worry about, but she slowly starts to struggle as opponents penetrate her grappling flaws. There are improvements there for Xiaonan, but I don’t believe to the point that she can find herself challenging for the title again.
Ricci has an impressive 6-1 record while being a strawweight in the UFC. Another impressive aspect is the evolution we’ve seen in her game. Coming in lauded for her BJJ, she is rounding out her striking game and ability to execute an efficient gameplan to get her hand raised. At 29 years old, she’s entering her prime and putting the division on notice.
Xiaonan’s striking will be a threat, obviously, however I think we can see Ricci mix this up enough to get off on success of her own. From striking to setting up her grappling or even success in the clinch with control and damage, look for Ricci to put together a better body of work to get the win via judges decision.
