UFC Fight Night: Gane vs. Volkov betting odds and picks
Source: UFC
In the final event before the return of Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier, the top dogs are on full display at UFC Fight Night: Gane vs. Volkov. The main event features two top-5 heavyweight contenders, as well as two up-and-coming prospects in the co-main event. Let’s dive right into the betting odds and picks for UFC Fight Night: Gane vs. Volkov! All stats are from UFCStats.com
All odds are via Fanduel Sportsbook.
NOTE: All picks and predictions are for entertainment purposes only. Fightlete does not facilitate gambling activities. Please gamble responsibly if you so choose.
Results from the last event:
Abraham: 3-2, -0.30 units
Sean: 2-3, -1.42 units
Drew: 1-4, -3.58 units
Kirien: N/A
Mike: N/A
Results for 2021:
Mike: 45-35, -5.29 units
Drew: 44-47, -9.53 units
Abraham: 20-19, -6.58 units
Sean: 41-45, -15.91 units
Kirien: 38-41, -16.71 units
Alexander Volkov (+132) vs. Cyril Gane (-168)
To go the distance? Yes/No (-110/-116)
Drew’s Pick: Gane
In the latest installment of veteran vs. up-and-comer, Gane’s fast-rising path is not slowing down any time soon. Although Volkov runs laps around Gane in terms of experience, Gane is quicker, has more momentum, and more to lose. I am riding with the young gun in this one.
Abraham’s Pick: Gane
Volkov is a dangerous striker when he controls the distance and gets into a rhythm. However, Gane will not let that happen because his footwork is the best in the heavyweight division. He is too elusive for Volkov and will get a win in similar fashion to his last fight against Rozenstruik. It won’t be a fan friendly win, but a win is a win in the heavyweight division.
Sean’s Pick: Yes
Gane and Volkov are both highly skilled in similar areas, so this fight probably won’t result in a finish. Gane has a 100% takedown defense score that will prevent Volkov from attempting a takedown of his own. Gane and Volkov both have similarly impressive stats, with Gane having 5.04 landed strikes per minute compared to Volkov’s 4.88 landed strikes per minute. This is also true when you look at their striking accuracy 55% (Gane) and 59% (Volkov). The main advantage Volkov has is his takedown accuracy of 70% compared to Gane’s 26%. It will definitely be interesting to see how this fight develops over 5 rounds.
Tanner Boser (-152) vs. Ovince Saint Preux (+120)
Drew’s Pick: Saint Preux
This one is a nightmare to pick. Neither one of these fighters have been able to get much going in the UFC as of late, and the potential for being released is very real. I am going with OSP because of his experience in the Octagon and the plus money that comes along with the pick.
Abraham’s Pick: Tanner Boser
Tanner Boser has the knockout power to finish Saint Preux—whether he gets the job done is another discussion. But, Saint Preux’s chin is questionable since his last loss at 205. Now, going up in weight against the hard hitting Boser is a tough task for any man so I’m going with the heavy hitter.
Sean’s Pick : Saint Preux
I think St Preux thrives when he’s on top with his famous Von Flue choke ready at his disposal. Both fighters have a similar takedown defense rating, but fatigue from the fight is going to drain that stat in both of them. With the way St Preux is built, he isn’t easy to get down either. Tanner Boser is already in trouble and a loss to OSP would put him at three in a row, which could mean him being released.
Kennedy Nzechukwu (-112) vs. Danilo Marques (-112)
Drew’s Pick: Nzechukwu
Generally when it is a toss up, I go with the person who has been more active while still finding success. This is why I am going with Nzechukwu. He is 8-1 and has fought a few more times in the past couple of years than Marques. It’ll be a close fight, but I am riding with Nzechukwu.
Abraham’s Pick: Kennedy Nzechukwu
Nzechukwu is a scary man with equally scary knockout power. He has the power to put an opponent to sleep with a single punch. It’s going to be a tough night at the office for Marques, but it’ll be a quick one. The “African Savage” gets the knockout in this one.
Sean’s Pick :Nzechukwu
I don’t think there is a closer fight with odds than this matchup. Marques hasn’t lost since 2017, but I can just see Nzechukwu getting his hand raised after connecting a devastating shot somewhere in the 2nd or 3rd round.
Andre Fili (-220) vs. Daniel Pineda (+170)
Drew’s Pick: Fili
This is another tough pick for me to make. I feel like the odds could be a bit closer, but Fili does have a significant edge when it comes to UFC experience. I am playing it safe and picking Fili.
Abraham’s Pick: Fili
Don’t get me wrong, Pineda is a scrappy veteran who can finish fights no matter where they end up. However, Fili is just too good for Pineda. The Team Alpha Male standout is going to use his movements, a variety of striking techniques, and mix in some wrestling to keep Pineda guessing.
Sean’s Pick: Fili
This fight really favors Fili given his proficiency with landing and keeping takedowns. However, Pineda’s higher striking accuracy at 49%(compared to Fili’s 36%) means that this fight could get ugly if Pineda manages to keep the fight on its feet. I bet that this fight is going to be a decision, as we haven’t had a consistent rate of finishes from Fili or wins in a row. Fili will smother Pineda on route to a decision victory.
Julia Avila (-350) vs. Julija Stoliarenko (+250) (Prelims)
Drew’s Pick: Avila
Normally, I would not make a pick with this bad of odds, but this could be a decent parlay pick. Both are coming off of a loss, but Stoliarenko lost her UFC debut last year. The pressure to get in the UFC win column could be too overwhelming, especially against someone like Avila.
Abraham’s Pick: Julia Avila
Avila is coming off her first UFC loss. However, that loss came against Sijura Eubanks. Following her last loss, she went on a four fight winning streak with three of those wins being finishes. If this fight stays standing, don't be surprised if Avila gets the finish within two rounds. Sadly for Stoliarenko, she’ll still be searching for her first UFC win.
Sean’s Pick: Julia Avila
I don’t see Julija having much to offer Julia on the ground. The takedown accuracy stats benefit Avila at 50%, compared to Stoliarenko’s 0%. Although we've seen Julija struggle against Kuniskaya when she was on the ground, she usually is good at keeping the fight from going there. Avila and Stoliarenko have nearly identical takedown rates at 60% and 66% respectively. Avila will score points on the feet while waiting for Julija to give up the takedown. Look for this fight to be a quick finish from there in the 2nd round.