UFC Abu Dhabi Punching Parlay
- Shara Magomedov ML (-235)
- Godinez/Dern Over 2.5 Rounds (-245)
UFC Pick: Two-Legged Parlay (+102) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
Dana White and co. continue their road trip with a stop in the UAE this weekend. UFC Abu Dhabi is stacked with talent, and I’m back to share some of my favorite betting picks from the top sportsbooks.
If you’re looking for the best MMA parlay selections and UFC odds, look no further than the ‘Punching Parlay.’ I’ve coupled two of my locks from UFC Abu Dhabi and sought out plus-money value for my fellow betting bargain hunters.
UFC Abu Dhabi Information
- Date & Time: Saturday, August 3, 2024 – 12:00 PM ET
- Location: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Scheduled Fights: 13
- Main Event: Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Cory Sandhagen (UFC Bantamweight Bout)
Shara Magomedov vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk
UFC Abu Dhabi Middleweight Bout
Magomedov: The Story So Far
The ‘Bullet’ is back and looking to extend a 13-fight undefeated professional record (2-0 UFC) in a co-main event position despite competing for the UFC on just two previous occasions. With a heavy Russian presence in Abu Dhabi, expect a few questionable judgments on the scorecards, but Shara, with a slick kickboxing style and aggressive nature, might not need such a scenario to obtain victory.
- Magomedov Pro MMA Record: 13-0-0
- Magomedov Knockout Wins: 11
- Magomedov Submission Wins: 0
Oleksiejczuk: The Story So Far
For all his downfalls, Michal Oleksiejczuk has been very active and consistent during his 14-fight UFC tenure. He returns from back-to-back submission defeats, but to his credit, the level of opposition he’s faced pales in comparison to his weekend foe.
- Oleksiejczuk Pro MMA Record: 19-8-0
- Oleksiejczuk Knockout Wins: 14
- Oleksiejczuk Submission Wins: 1
UFC Abu Dhabi Magomedov vs. Oleksiejczuk: Skillset Breakdown
While Michal is unquestionably a hit-or-miss fighter, he shouldn’t have to worry about offensive takedowns this weekend, which many believe goes in his favor. However, despite having career-long highlights that involved countless wins via KO/TKO, nobody has been able to overcome Shara Bullets’ speedy kickboxing skill set thus far, and if this boils down to a battle of durability, it won’t end well for the underdog.
Magomedov Moneyline Reasoning
I expect Michal to own a false sense of security, knowing that a non-grappling opponent stands before him. A willingness to pressure Shara and underestimate his opponent’s own striking credentials will leave him open for counterstrikes, and whether it’s inside the distance or across three rounds, I like the younger, faster, more durable fighter in Shara.
UFC Parlay Leg 1: Shara Magomedov ML (-235) at Heritage Sports
Loopy Godinez vs. Mackenzie Dern
UFC Abu Dhabi Women’s Strawweight Bout
Godinez: The Story So Far
It’s surprising that Dana White and the UFC didn’t save Loopy Godinez for the Noche UFC card at the Las Vegas Sphere next month. This Mexican representative has been a surprising package in the strawweight division, and while a 7-4 UFC record isn’t perfect, she’s 4-1 in her last five fights and is slowly climbing the rankings to cement her position as an elite contender.
- Godinez Pro MMA Record: 10-0-0
- Godinez Knockout Wins: 5
- Godinez Submission Wins: 5
Dern: The Story So Far
Mackenzie Dern began life as a UFC competitor seemingly capable of competing with the elite. A 6-1 record between 2018 and 2021, including four submission victories, placed her on a pedestal among critics, but it all came crashing down once she reached the top 115lb rankings.
Dern is now 2-4 in her last six fights, and she desperately needs a bounce back. Could Abu Dhabi be the turning point? Who knows? But stylistically, she’s at least facing an opponent that might feed into her grappling urges.
- Dern Pro MMA Record: 10-0-0
- Dern Knockout Wins: 5
- Dern Submission Wins: 5
UFC Abu Dhabi Godinez vs. Dern: Skillset Breakdown
Dern is a BJJ black belt and a respected grappler in pro-MMA. If she isn’t winning by submission, her transitions and ground dominance give her the edge. Although her striking isn’t desirable, she can certainly handle her own, and sometimes, she’s too tough for her own good.
Godinez, despite not having the same credentials as Dern, doesn’t mind grappling when necessary. Her best path to victory, however, is undoubtedly in the striking realm, where she should be the more technical and precise striker of the two.
Over 2.5 Rounds Reasoning
What I love about Godinez the most is her mental fortitude and perseverance. She’s the first and only woman in UFC history to win four fights in a calendar year, and with the Mexican blood running through her veins, are we surprised?
That said, while I believe she’s live to upset Dern in Abu Dhabi, the toughness and durability of both ladies are likely to be the spotlight factor surrounding this fight.
For this reason, backing this fight to go Over 2.5 rounds makes sense. Neither lady lacks durability, nor their respective gas tanks have held up for the most part.
Godinez has also never won a UFC bout via knockout or lost by submission, or KO/TKO, and submitting Dern is obviously off the cards. Similarly, Dern has lost just one of her 18 pro career bouts inside the distance, and going to the judges’ scorecards has been a rarity.
UFC Parlay Leg 2: Over 2.5 Rounds (-245) at Heritage Sports
The Parlay
- Shara Magomedov ML (-235)
- Godinez/Dern Over 2.5 Rounds (-245)
UFC Pick: Two-Legged Parlay (+102) at BetOnline
*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.
