Fight Island in Abu Dhabi, UAE is set to host one of the most exciting UFC cards of the year this Saturday. For viewers in the USA, it’s an early start with the first prelim beginning at 10:00 AM Eastern and the main card, UFC 294, starting at 2:00 PM Eastern. The anticipation is high as fans look forward to the prop bets available for this event. While more prop bets will be released later in the week, bettors are already taking advantage of those released last night. Let’s dive into the thrilling UFC 294 prop bets and see what opportunities lie ahead.
Magomedov vs Silva
One intriguing match-up is Sharabutdin Magomedov (-250) against Bruno Silva (+210). Silva, a durable Brazilian striker known for his heavy hands and ground and pound skills, has proven his resilience by going the distance with former UFC Middleweight Champion Alex Peirera. On the other hand, Magomedov, a one-eyed Muay Thai specialist hailing from Dagestan, Russia, is undefeated in his professional career with a perfect record of 11-0. Despite being the betting favorite, Magomedov may not have an easy time defeating Silva, who has never been finished by strikes in his 32 professional fights at 185 pounds. While Magomedov is likely to come out on top, it’s worth considering that Silva could hold on past the halfway mark.
Yahya vs Peek
In the fight between Mohammad Yahya (+132) and Trevor Peek (-152), Yahya, the first fighter from the UAE to compete in the Octagon, faces a tough challenge. While he is listed as a kickboxer, Yahya’s defensive flaws could be exposed by the aggressive and heavy-handed Peek. With Peek’s relentless attack, it’s expected that he will find success against Yahya. Betting on Peek to win inside the distance seems like a promising option.
Mokaev vs Elliott
Muhammad Mokaev (-440) takes on Tim Elliott (+340) in a highly anticipated bout. Mokaev, a young and talented fighter from Dagestan, holds an impressive win streak of 33 fights. With his superior skills and potential to compete for a world title at 125 pounds, Mokaev is expected to outperform Elliott. Betting on Mokaev to win inside the distance provides an opportunity for a better payout, considering Elliott’s ability to escape tricky situations. It’s doubtful that a decision win for Mokaev would significantly boost his stock, as he is always on the hunt for a finish.
Ankalaev vs Walker
In the matchup between Magomed Ankalaev (-360) and Johnnie Walker (+285), an upset may be on the cards. Walker, known for his dynamic style and long reach, could catch Ankalaev off guard with a flying knee. While Ankalaev is likely to attempt takedowns and control the fight on the mat, Walker possesses the mindset of an underdog, unafraid to take risks. Betting on Walker to win by KO/TKO offers an enticing payout, while Ankalev’s odds for a submission win are intriguing, despite going against the narrative.
Chimaev vs Usman
Khamzat Chimaev (-300) faces Kamaru Usman (+250) in a recently arranged matchup. Usman has moved up in weight to 185 pounds for this world title eliminator fight. The over 1.5 rounds bet seems favorable considering Usman’s endurance and Chimaev’s wrestling abilities, which are likely to result in a fair amount of groundwork in the opening round. Betting on the fight to go past the halfway mark offers a solid chance of success.
Makhachev vs Vokanovski
Finally, the main event features Islam Makhachev (-250) against Alexander Vokanovski (+210). While a rematch between these two fighters seemed unlikely, Vokanovski stepped up to the challenge after Charles Oliveira’s unfortunate injury. Although prop bets are the focus here, betting on Makhachev’s moneyline is appealing for bettors who are willing to take on the (-250) juice. As for a prop bet, selecting the fight to go the distance seems reasonable, considering the first fight between them went the full 25 minutes. This bet offers even money odds.
