UFC 308 Punching Parlay: These Abu Dhabi Moneyline Wagers Will Hit!
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David Manyun
- October 24, 2024
UFC 308 Punching Parlay
- Magomed Ankalaev ML (-360)
- Myktybek Orolbai ML (-300)
UFC Pick: Two-Legged Parlay (-140) at Bovada (visit our Bovada Review)
The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to the UAE for an action-packed evening of octagon violence. It’s a special one from the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi this weekend, with Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway, and Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev topping the bill! And, of course, I’m here to supplement your UFC parlay betting needs with my carefully selected parlay legs.
According to the top sportsbooks, here are two of my favorite moneyline selections from the UFC 308 fight card. After thoroughly analyzing these UFC odds and betting markets, I think they present the perfect pairing for this week’s edition of the ‘Punching Parlay.’
UFC 308 Information
- Date & Time: Saturday, October 26, 2024 – 10:00 AM ET
- Location: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Scheduled Fights: 13
- Main Event: Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway (UFC Featherweight Title Bout)
Aleksandar Rakic vs. Magomed Ankalaev
UFC 308 Light Heavyweight Bout
Rakic: The Story So Far
There’s no denying Aleksandar Rakic’s skill level, but after suffering back-to-back knockout losses, a 6-3 UFC record isn’t the prettiest resume for a fighter seeking championship glory.
Of course, losses to Prochazka and Blachowicz, two former champions, don’t hold much shame. However, is it proof that he isn’t cut out as a top-five fighter? His octagon wins have included a lot of aging, worn-down fighters. He can prove everyone wrong this weekend, but it’s not an easy task at hand.
- Rakic Pro MMA Record: 14-4
- Rakic Knockout Wins: 9
- Rakic Submission Wins: 1
Ankalaev: The Story So Far
Twelve fights, ten wins, one loss, one draw, and one no-contest under the UFC banner, including six wins by KO/TKO, and Magomed Ankalaev is still pursuing a title opportunity versus the formidable Alex Pereira.
Perhaps the UFC is protecting their golden boy, but this cannot last forever. With another top-ranked light heavyweight lined up for the Russian, a significant win at UFC 308 guarantees Ankalaev the title opportunity, and he is probably the man to end “Poatans” reign.
- Ankalaev Pro MMA Record: 19-1-1
- Ankalaev Knockout Wins: 10
- Ankalaev Submission Wins: 1
UFC 308 Rakic vs. Ankalaev: Skillset Breakdown
I envision this fight as one in which both men avoid overcomplicating their offense. They often make their opposition pay for the red flags they present. Therefore, it’ll be intriguing to see how these two, similar in stature, approach one another regarding the early stages of opening up their offenses.
While Rakic, on paper, would be the fighter you’d believe to be more dynamic and offensive, it’s hard not to ignore Ankalaev, who’s more effective in getting his offense going, predominantly due to the varied selection of set-ups at his disposal.
The leg-kicking game is another intriguing aspect of this bout. Still, since Ankalaev took a lot of damage in this area during the Blackowicz fight, he’s evidently leveled noticeably against Johnny Walker, where he countered beautifully and soon stopped the incoming low kicks.
Wrestling has been a part of Rakic’s game, but I believe it’s best he ignores this route. The expended energy he might lose in situations isn’t likely going to help him win rounds versus such a talented grappler in Ankalaev.
Ankalaev Moneyline Reasoning
Ultimately, Ankalaev has more offensive skills in his bag of tricks. When it comes to a technical battle, which I believe this fight will present, the Russian is more fundamentally sound in all areas, and that’s why he’ll enter with a large price tag next to his name.
The available UFC odds favor Ankalaev at -360, and it’s difficult to challenge this price. Rakic’s losing streak is a concern alone, and although I respect his versatility in the cage, he’s one step behind Ankalaev in all facets of mixed martial arts.
UFC Parlay Leg 1: Magomed Ankalaev ML (-360) at Bovada
Myktybek Orolbai vs. Mateusz Rebecki
UFC 308 Lightweight Bout
Orolbai: The Story So Far
Uzbekistan, Dagestan, Kyrgyzstan, should a location end with ‘stan,’ it’s probably worth paying attention to the fighter as these eastern European/Asian areas of the world produce some of the gnarliest fighters in pro-MMA.
This goes for Kyrgyzstan native Myktybek Orolbai. This lightweight savage arrived on the UFC scene last year and has collected two dominant wins since. He’s a wrestling savant with just one loss in six years of competing as a professional, and of course, said loss required a Russian fighter with elite grappling to give him a run for his money.
- Orolbai Pro MMA Record: 13-1-1
- Orolbai Knockout Wins: 6
- Orolbai Submission Wins: 5
Rebecki: The Story So Far
Often overlooked and understated, Poland’s Mateusz Rebecki is a serious talent. For some reason, his UFC stock dropped significantly after losing to a world-class grappler, Diego Ferreira, but we shouldn’t be so quick to judge.
Rebecki, with a decade of experience, is accustomed to European savages. He’s no stranger to defeating a Russian or two, and wrestling is actually one of his strong suits. Whether he can match a young and hungry Orolbai, however, is something we’ll find out this weekend.
- Rebecki Pro MMA Record: 19-2-0
- Rebecki Knockout Wins: 9
- Rebecki Submission Wins: 7
UFC 308 Orolbai vs. Rebecki: Skillset Breakdown
Rebecki loves to pressure his opponents. From a southpaw stance, he likes to crack the whip and smother his foes until they’re against the fence. With tidy footwork and movement, he’s open to attack from all three levels, whether low, body, or head.
Regarding wrestling, Rebecki’s physicality has been an issue for most. He’s hard to maintain top control over and is pretty crafty at gaining back control. He’s a durable fighter, but although his cardio is fine, the high pace he puts on has seen him fade in later rounds.
No matter how good Rebecki’s wrestling is, it’s not as slick as his opponents. Two wrestlers with big power on the feet, Orolbai, will be at a disadvantage in striking situations. Still, , as the takedown threat will cause Rebecki to be more cautious than usual.
Orolbai Moneyline Reasoning
Orolbai is the more technical grappler, and there’s a good chance he’ll be too much for Rebecki to handle. He’s got enough power behind his punches where Rebecki won’t get too crazy, and in scrambling situations, he’ll often come out on top.
The available UFC odds favor Orolbai quite heavily. This overreaction in the market is annoying, especially when we have high-level fighters. That said, the favored fighter does sit in a rightful position, and I believe it is a nice parlay addition to even out the juiced numbers.
UFC Parlay Leg 2: Myktybek Orolbai ML (-300) at Bovada
The Parlay
- Magomed Ankalaev ML (-360)
- Myktybek Orolbai ML (-300)
UFC Pick: Two-Legged Parlay (-140) at Bovada
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
