Fight Night Atlanta is almost here, and we have already released the Fight Club of Pain, which is a huge part of this article as well. Like I said last week, my articles and podcasts are like peanut butter and jelly. You can enjoy one, but together, it’s even better. That being said, this Saturday’s main event features Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley. This match features a rising star and a legend, which means it could go either way. The fight theory discussed for this fight and many others was talked about in the Fight Club, so make sure you listen to that. For now, let’s get into the Five-tastic Picks that will help you slay the slates this week. Have a great day, everyone, and may the fights be with you.
Cameron Smotherman vs. Ricky Simon
The first fight we’re going to talk about is Cameron Smotherman vs. Ricky Simon. Since we have already won money with both of these fighters, this breakdown becomes much easier. Which still has no odds other than the moneyline right now, as the sportsbooks are wary of us. That means this fight should go under, which will probably be a -210 with Simon’s knockout being more. The reason I highlighted this fight is that if Smotherman can survive, his price on both DFS sites is perfect for taking a Hail Mary on him. However, DraftKings screwed up Simon’s salary, which is $8,700, putting him 10th on the slate as opposed to being fourth on FanDuel for $20.
Malcolm Wellmaker vs. Kris Moutinho
Next up is a squash match between Malcolm Wellmaker vs. Kris Moutinho. First off, all fighters have a fighting chance in any combat sport. That being said, it doesn’t help that Moutinho absorbs over 15 strikes per minute to Wellmaker’s almost six strikes per minute. This is a disastrous match-up for Moutinho, who is most likely going to get knocked out in the first round. That is why Wellmaker is the most expensive fighter for DFS this week and is currently sitting at a -2000 for his moneyline. Right now, you can get under 1.5 rounds for a -168, which is a clear path to make money off a fight the site doesn’t want you to.
Edmen Shahbazyan vs. Andre Petroski
This fight is going to be a little closer than the previous two mentioned as we get ready to watch Edmen Shahbazyan and Andre Petroski throw it down in the octagon. Petroski had a clear path to success through his grappling and sloppy strikes. Those strikes have been known to knock people down to set up a submission, which is sitting at +600. This fight isn’t predicted to go the distance, with the odds sitting at -250. So if Petroski can get Shahbazyan down, there is a chance this fight could go the distance, which is a +188. However, I feel Shahbazyan can secure a finish with both his knockout and submission odds currently at -115. Also, the knockout prop for both fighters is a -110 at the moment, which gives you a safety net if you want to go that route. This number was +110 last night when it was suggested on the Fight Club, so jump on that now, before it moves again.
Rose Namajunas vs. Miranda Maverick
Rose Namajunas will be facing Miranda Maverick on the co-main event on Saturday, in what should be a high-paced match between the two. Even though it’s going to be a war, the sportsbooks have this fight going the distance with odds at -550, right now. I simply love Maverick’s price on the DFS sites, and with her output, she should be able to score over 35 points in a loss. Namajunas should win this fight but both fighters are solid and have had great fights with other ranked Flyweights in their division. So, both are usable in DFS, but if you want to get aggressive, the knockout prop is currently +750, which I think is a gift since both of these fighters are great ground-and-pound finishers.
Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley
Now it’s time for the main event between the legendary Kamaru Usman, who is facing a powerhouse in Joaquin Buckley. With this being a five-round fight, you’ll need to decide if you want to pay up for Buckley for DFS or go cheap with Usman. Usman can make this a match, but with the sites thinking this fight will go under, which means finishes are in play. Buckley knocking out the aging vet in round one is sitting at +650, but after that, you’re not going to get much. Both fighters’ knockout prop is -130, and if you want more coverage, Buckley’s second, third and fourth round knockout prop is a +340. Usman’s knockout for those same rounds is a +900 as well, giving you a chance to make some money. If you want bets that are more juicy than that, you’ll have to hear what Dan mentioned on the Fight Club, which has a +3100, showing why we’re one of the best in the industry when it comes to making finishes.
