UFC Vegas 98 Punching Parlay: Lock in Rodriguez and Dawson for a Winning Combo
-
David Manyun
- October 12, 2024
UFC Vegas 98 Punching Parlay
- Daniel Rodriguez ML (-210)
- Grant Dawson ML (-400)
UFC Pick: Two-Legged Parlay (-118) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
The Ultimate Fighting Championship is back in Vegas for a fun-filled night of octagon wars, with Brandon Royval and Tatsuro Taira topping the bill. And, of course, I’m here to supplement your UFC parlay betting needs from top sportsbooks.
Below are two of my favorite moneyline selections from the UFC Vegas 98 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.’
The highly anticipated Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul boxing showdown is just around the corner next month—make sure to check out the latest betting odds to get the best value before placing your bets.
If you’re looking for more value picks, make sure to take a look at our YouTube channel for another parlay, featuring Brandon Royval vs. Tatsuro Taira and Themba Gorimbo vs. Niko Price.
UFC Vegas 98 Information
- Date & Time: Saturday, October 12, 2024 – 04:00 PM ET
- Location: UFC Apex, Las Vegas
- Scheduled Fights: 13
- Main Event: Brandon Royval vs. Tatsuro Taira (UFC Flyweight Bout)
Daniel Rodriguez vs. Alex Morono
UFC Vegas 98 Welterweight Bout
Rodriguez: The Story So Far
Forget what you heard. D-Rod is the man! No, a 7-4 UFC record isn’t the prettiest set of numbers you’ve ever seen, but when you realize the current three-fight losing streak he’s on involves a trio of top-15-ranked foes, you can’t put too much hate on the downfalls he’s suffered of late.
- Rodriguez Pro MMA Record: 17-5-0
- Rodriguez Knockout Wins: 8
- Rodriguez Submission Wins: 4
Morono: The Story So Far
In all honesty, Alex Morono is a significant step down in competition for D-Rod, and that’s likely the reason why oddsmakers are seeing the number heavily sway to one side. Moreno is 13-7 in the UFC but doesn’t have a significant name on his record, and almost every name worth mentioning from his record has involved defeat.
- Morono Pro MMA Record: 24-10-0
- Morono Knockout Wins: 6
- Morono Submission Wins: 7
UFC Vegas 98 Rodriguez vs. Morono: Skillset Breakdown
We have a small welterweight in Morono, who’s far from the most athletic guy, going against a fighter in D-Rod who could easily move to middleweight and probably find success. Now, the obvious path for Morono here would involve taking advantage of Rodriguez’s grappling deficiencies. Still, he doesn’t have the strength or cardio to maintain this for 15 minutes, and a kickboxing war will undeniably go against him.
D-Rod is long, more athletic, and durable. He can crack hard, and in the striking area, he does have the fundamentals down to a tee. Although Morono is younger and has a potential grappling upside, he’s one of the most unpredictable fighters who rarely put together a viable game plan versus opponents worth mentioning.
Rodriguez Moneyline Reasoning
Morono is one of the most unpredictable fighters. In the past, fighters with power, e.g., Niko Price, Joaquin Buckley, and Santiago Ponzinibbio, could damage that soft body quite easily and force him to fight timidly, and Rodriguez fits the same bill.
The available UFC odds favor Rodriguez, and rightfully so. We keep this one simple with the moneyline because I struggle to see a world where Morono can cause D-Rod complications in two out of the three rounds.
UFC Parlay Leg 1: Daniel Rodriguez ML (-210) at BetOnline
Grant Dawson vs. Rafa Garcia
UFC Vegas 98 Lightweight Bout
Dawson: The Story So Far
Eleven fights under the UFC banner and nine victories are the makings of a future UFC title contender. Grant Dawson’s stock may have lowered since Bobby Green flatlined him, but what’s great about this wrestler/grappler is that he’s active in position and does his best to entertain us instead of holding to a bore decision.
- Dawson Pro MMA Record: 21-2-1
- Dawson Knockout Wins: 4
- Dawson Submission Wins: 13
Garcia: The Story So Far
Consistency has been the issue, but toughness certainly isn’t. Mexico’s Rafa Garcia has gone 4-3 in the UFC since 2021, but most notably, he’s won four of his last five, and those consistency complications are seemingly fading. Sadly, maintaining it will be difficult, with a fighter in Dawson that’s 9-1-1 for the promotion opposed to him.
- Garcia Pro MMA Record: 16-3-0
- Garcia Knockout Wins: 1
- Garcia Submission Wins: 8
UFC Vegas 98 Dawson vs. Garcia: Skillset Breakdown
Striking favors Garcia, and wrestling/grappling favors Dawson. The latter, however, can keep top control and not fade for 15 straight minutes. We shouldn’t be surprised to see him at -400, despite a recent setback versus Bobby Green that exposed a questionable chin and striking ability because of how damn good his wrestling is.
If this was strictly boxing, it’s Rafa all day long. Unfortunately for him, this is MMA. Dawson will do what he does best: chain-wrestle until he gets to the back, attack chokes, mix in some ground and pound, and hunt the finish or settle for a unanimous decision stemming from complete grounded dominance.
Dawson Moneyline Reasoning
Despite being the more talented striker, Garcia won’t have enough time on the feet to let loose. As he isn’t a power puncher, he’ll need time to find his technique, range, and comfortability, but before that can happen, he’ll be eating octagon canvas.
The available UFC odds favor Dawson at -400, and yes, he’s the biggest betting favorite at UFC Vegas 98, but for a very good reason… the grappling is too lopsided, and it’s the same story with the majority of his opponents.
UFC Parlay Leg 2: Grant Dawson ML (-400) at BetOnline
The Parlay
- Daniel Rodriguez ML (-210)
- Grant Dawson ML (-400)
UFC Pick: Two-Legged Parlay (-118) 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.
