UFC Vegas 102 has all the makings of an underrated beauty. While UFC 312 is still talked about as a lackluster card, UFC Vegas 102 has the potential to make up for it.
The prelims feature an absolute banger between Gabriel Bonfim and Khaos Williams while showcasing two flying-high featherweights Rafael Estevam and Jesus Aguilar. Elijah Smith is a highly-talked-about prospect who gets his chance to shine against veteran Vince Morales.
The main card promises to showcase up-and-coming UFC talent with dark horse title challenger implications. Here’s a look at the main card with some best bets.
Connor Matthews vs. Jose Delgado
The line in this fight is one of the widest on the card. Coming out of the MMA Lab, Jose Delgado oozes potential. Tapology ranks him the 24th-best featherweight in North America and he has yet to be finished in 9 fights. He’s 8-1 after his successful second-round TKO on Dana White’s Contender Series and gets Connor Matthews in his debut.
The issue in this fight is Matthews struggled with defense in his previous fight and Delgado is the real deal. He’s good everywhere and will push a pace that could result in a highlight-reel finish. Even if it doesn’t, it’s hard to see Matthews grind out a win when he’ll rely on his submission game, something Delgado should be ready for in a three-round battle. Delgado to Win at 1.25 should be a good parlay piece.
Rodolfo Vieira vs. Andre Petroski
In a perfect world, this is one of those process-by-elimination fights. Both guys are in their mid-thirties and have been serious letdowns in previous fights.
Both fighters do well in different circumstances. Rodolfo Vieira is aggressive early and tries to find a submission in the first round. Andre Petroski is a grinder and tends to do better as the fight progresses.
The shocking part about this fight is Vieira is a 1.36 favorite. If he can’t find the finish early, he’ll be labored. If it comes down to all-around skill and MMA experience, and with both guys drained midway through the fight, it’s hard to ignore the value on Petroski. While Petroski to Win at 3.35 is enticing, the best part of this fight is you can see how the first round goes and find good value on Petroski if Vieira looks labored.
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Ismael Bonfim vs. Nazim Sadykhov
Ismael Bonfim and Nazim Sadykhov bring a lot to the table. Whether it’s hype or skill, it doesn’t matter. Both guys are in a position to make the most of their UFC careers with big wins, and Bonfim is on the right track after losing to Benoit Saint-Denis. Sadykhov hasn’t been in action since 2023 but is riding a 10-fight undefeated streak. His most recent fight was a majority draw against Viacheslav Borshchev in November 2023.
This fight is a stay-away because both guys aren’t the most active and their improvements can’t be quantified in the betting line. Sadykhov has looked great in his UFC fights and the 2.85 betting line could be a steal. At the same time, Bonfim, at his best, can find a finish against anyone. Betting this fight live would be the only recommendation given how action-packed the first round can be, but Bonfim is the rightful favorite.
Edmen Shahbazyan vs. Dylan Budka
While this one could blow up in everyone’s face, it’s hard to ignore the edge that Edmen Shahbazyan should have in this fight. Dylan Budka is on the hot seat with two straight losses and will likely be cut with another loss. Shahbazyan was rushed as a young fighter but has taken on the division’s best at 27 years old.
Shahbazyan is 2-5 in his last 7 UFC fights, but the losses are against Derek Brunson, Jack Hermansson, Nassourdine Imavov, Anthony Hernandez and Gerald Meerschaert. His gas tank and energy management are the biggest questions, but this should be a fight where he can finish on the feet or the ground. While you understand what you’re getting into, you can’t overthink this. Shahbazyan to Win at 1.27 is the perfect parlay piece and Shabazyan to Finish at 1.80 seems like a must-take.
Calvin Kattar vs. Youssef Zalal
This is a tough one to call. The line is far too wide in favor of Youssef Zalal, but he’s done everything right in his second stint with the UFC. Calvin Kattar is in a buy-low spot after his last few fights, and losing a grappling clinic to Aljamain Sterling isn’t that bad. He’s 1-4 in his last five but got injured against Arnold Allen, lost via split against Josh Emmett, and, well, we know what happened against Max Holloway.
The big question here is can Zalal find the takedowns? Kattar is a great boxer with a solid chin, so the only way Zalal lives up to this betting line is by finding the wrestling success and locking up a submission. The thing is, Kattar’s last submission loss was in 2008. If this fight stays standing, it should be a lot more competitive than the line suggests. It’s hard to pass up Kattar to Win at 4.80 when he has the better experience and doesn’t get finished easily.
Jared Cannonier vs. Gregory Rodrigues
This is one of the hardest fights to call but the betting line disagrees. After Jared Cannonier opened as a 1.76 favorite, his line is as good as 2.9. Gregory Rodrigues went from 2.10 underdog to a 1.43 favorite.
The value is with Cannonier, but Rodrigues’ improvement is some of the best we’ve seen in the division and the betting line proves that. However, when you break down his fights, Rodrigues hasn’t fought someone this experienced and credentialed. The biggest counter to Cannonier is his age. Will he last five rounds with a heavy-handed Rodrigues? In his previous two fights, his age and durability played a factor. That’s where the public seems to be heading as well. It’s hard to find betting value here, other than giving Cannonier a live look based on how round one plays out.
UFC Vegas 102 is stacked, especially compared to UFC 312. There is a perfect balance between veterans and promising, raw talent. Whether the fights live up to the hype remains to be seen, but it’s always nice to see some consistency in the card with fighters who always give it their all.
Catch UFC Vegas 102 this weekend. Check your local listings for exact times. As always, keep it locked to SlotsFighter.com for all your UFC breakdowns, previews, and bets.
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