UFC Vegas 102 Three Best Moneyline Bets
Julia Avila (9-3) vs Jacqueline Cavalcanti (8-1)
We have not seen Avila all that active as of late, seeing as this will be her third fight since June 2021. Becoming a mother was a huge reason for that, but she wants to prove that she is better than her 1-2 run over her last three fights. She is a BJJ black belt and gets her best work done when she takes opponents to the mat. Read moreUFC Vegas 102 three best moneyline bets.
Cavalcanti has had a strong 3-0 start to her UFC career after making her debut just under 1.5 years ago. Relying heavily on her striking, she looks to batter opponents with combinations and from distance. Her grappling has been her issue in the past, but she is slowly improving that aspect of her game so she can further her career.
This might be the first time since I’ve been doing these articles that I’ll suggest a play that goes against my prediction. With Cavalcanti being a -730 favorite, the implied odds expect her to win nearly 88% of the time. I think that is way off, especially considering some of the grappling success Avila could have. Thus, +520 in this matchup is a no-brainer.
The Pick: Julia Avila +520
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Vince Morales (16-8) vs Elijah Smith (7-1)
Although he could not secure victory upon his return to the promotion, it is still clear that Morales has made tremendous improvements to his game since being released from the promotion in November 2022. Specifically with his grappling, where he’s been able to force submissions against solid opposition.
Growing up around MMA, it made sense that Smith would eventually make it to the UFC. With his father as a BJJ black belt and a former TUF contestant, we knew Elijah would be groomed to make it here. The question is whether he is biting off more than he can chew by coming into the UFC as a 22-year-old.
We saw strength of schedule and experience be a factor in the Rongzhu/Kody Steele fight last weekend, that could ring true once again here. Getting a veteran like Morales as an underdog is a must-shoot spot. Smith has shown issues against guys that can put together solid game plans and push a pace, Morales can replicate that.
The Pick: Vince Morales +125
Angela Hill (17-14) vs Ketlen Souza (15-4)
To some, the 17-14 record of Hill may seem a little salty. To me, scanning the names and types of performances she has had, Hill is probably the most experienced woman on the UFC roster. Seeing as she is 2-1 in her last three against some decent competition, she does not seem to be slowing down a whole lot.
Souza pulled off a huge upset back in September when she submitted Yazmin Jauregui. She landed a big shot that opened a back take and submission for Souza, where she ended up putting Jauregui to sleep. Souza is 7-1 over her last 8 fights and came into the UFC as an Invicta FC champion.
Hill is always a decent play at these odds against fighters that are looking to break into the top 5-10 range. She gives them a legit veteran’s test and see whether they deserve to make it to the next level. Look for her to use her volume striking approach to outpoint Souza in what should turn out to be a close fight.
