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UFC Fight Night: Blachowicz vs. Rakic – Preview and Betting Odds

UFC Fight Night: Blachowicz vs. Rakic – Preview and Betting Odds

UFC Fight Night

This Saturday, May 14th, we have a whole fight card to look forward to this time, as we analyze every one of the 11 fights that we will have that night.

The main event will be headlined by Jan Blachowicz and Aleksandar Rakic.

You can check all the UFC/MMA bets, the analysis of each fighter, and the final bet you can make in this fight.

UFC Fight Night – Blachowicz vs. Rakic – Betting Odds and Free Picks – Info

When: Saturday, May 14th, at 7:30 pm ET

Moneyline odds:

Jan Blachowicz +160 / Aleksandar Rakic -195

Ryan Spann +185 / Ion Cutelaba -225

Louis Smolka +245 / Davey Grant -305

Katlyn Chookagian -180 / Amanda Ribas +150

Frank Camacho +100 / Manuel Torres -130

Jake Hadley -220 / Allan Nascimento +180

Viviane Araujo -110 / Andrea Lee -120

Michael Johnson -150 / Alan Patrick +120

Virna Jandiroba -180 / Angela Hill +150

Carlos Candelario +195 / Tatsuro Taira -250

Nick Maximov -380 / Andre Petroski

Draw Offs: 

Where Can I Watch? ESPN +

Where Can I Stream? ESPN Go

UFC Fight Night: Jan Blachowicz vs. Aleksandar Rakic

Why Bet on Jan Blachowicz

The former champion is back and his “legendary Polish power” has seen him crush eight opponents, some with a single sledgehammer-like blow. His nine submission wins highlight what a well-rounded fighter he is. 

He was on a vicious five-fight win streak before his submission loss to Teixeira and will be looking to land a bomb to potentially earn an opportunity to reclaim the crown.

Why Bet on Aleksandar Rakic

Rising star Rakic (14-2) will have an even greater claim to fight the winner of the title bout between Teixeira and Jiri Prochazka in June if he can get past Blachowicz as he’s coming off major wins over Anthony Smith and Thiago Santos.

Neither was the most exciting performance, but then, third-ranked Rakic has never been a knockout artist, despite having nine KOs to his name.

Instead, he’s a sophisticated and calculated striker and a disciplined one at that, all of which saw him outpoint the above-mentioned former title challengers en route to back-to-back decision victories.

Blachowicz vs. Rakic Final Betting Analysis:

At 39 and 37 fights deep in his career, Blachowicz’s best days are behind him. That type of experience is invaluable but comes at a cost, and the worrying recent injury is a serious red flag.

At 30 and entering his 17th fight, the surging Rakic’s best days are ahead of him. Age and athleticism advantages aside, “Rocket” is the more skilled fighter; he throws a tapestry of techniques whereas Blachowicz banks on his hands and a wicked left body kick. 

With that in mind, the defensively-sharp Rakic should be able to stick and move and outpoint the former champion.

UFC Fight Night: Ryan Spann vs. Ion Cutelaba

Why Bet on Ryan Spann

At 6’5″, Spann (21-7) is a towering light heavyweight and will have a four-inch height and reach advantage over “The Hulk.”

He does his best work on the ground, where he’s one shy of a dozen submission wins, although, he’s a problem on the feet as well because of his wingspan. 

Why Bet on Ion Cutelaba

Cutelaba (16-6-1-1NC) is a bulldozing power puncher with 12 knockouts to his credit.

He’s a strong wrestler as well but considering Spann’s an Octopus-like threat in the grappling department, it’s unlikely he’ll shoot for a takedown

Spann vs. Cutelaba Final Betting Analysis:

Known as “Superman”, Spann’s kryptonite is his chin. The fearlessness and explosiveness of Cutelaba should see him get on the inside and seal the deal with his heavy hands. 

UFC Fight Night: Louis Smolka vs. Davey Grant

Why Bet on Louis Smolka

15 of Smolka’s 17 victories came via finish, eight of them by knockout. 

He comes from an up-and-down season in his career, having 3 losses in his last 5 fights.

Why Bet on Davey Grant

Eleven of Grant’s 13 wins are by stoppage, including eight submissions.

Davey needs a rebound as he has lost his last two fights, but comes in from 3 wins in his last 5 matches.

Smolka vs. Grant Final Betting Analysis:

Grant has more high-level experience, holds a victory over Marlon Vera, and is more durable than Smolka, so “Dangerous” should be the last man standing. 

UFC Fight Night: Katlyn Chookagian vs. Amanda Ribas

Why Bet on Katlyn Chookagian

Chookagian (17-4) is a tall order in every sense; she’s a former title challenger, on a three-fight win streak, and a rangy, lanky tactician. 

At 5’9″, she’s a full five inches taller than Ribas and will have a two-inch reach advantage.

Why Bet on Amanda Ribas

Looking to make a power play, Ribas (11-2) moves up from strawweight, where she’s ninth in the rankings, to take on the number one contender in the flyweight division.

The Brazilian’s had success at 125 in the past, but she’s a natural 115-pounder and making a major leap here. 

Chookagian vs. Ribas Final Betting Analysis:

Ribas is a gamer and will look to smother and drag the “Blonde Fighter” into her world on the map, but Chookagian’s too big and too skilled of a cyborg-like striker. 

With both being decision machines, bank on Chookagian to prevail on points.

UFC Fight Night: Frank Camacho vs. Manuel Torres

Why Bet on Frank Camacho

Out since the middle of last year due to a car accident, veteran knockout artist Camacho (22-9) plans on turning the page in his return to the Octagon.

Chasing his first win since 2019 and 18th KO, his experience will stand him in good stead as he welcomes his opponent to the UFC

Why Bet on Manuel Torres

A blue-chip prospect, Torres (12-2) punched his ticket to the big time with a first-round knockout of Kolton Englund that extended his win streak to three.

A natural finisher who’s equally dangerous on the feet and the ground, “El Loco” has only gone to a decision once.

Camacho vs. Torres Final Betting Analysis:

Expecting the newcomer to be super dynamic in this fight, the chances are that he’ll signal his arrival in style against the rusty Camacho.

UFC Fight Night: Jake Hadley vs. Allan Nascimento

Why Bet on Jake Hadley

With a perfect 8-0 record (50% submission rate), Hadley makes his much-anticipated UFC debut and the pairing with Nascimento (17-6) is an indication that the matchmakers want to see him showcase all of his skills. 

Why Bet on Allan Nascimento

Nascimento is also looking for his first UFC win after a questionable split decision spoiled his promotional debut against Tagir Ulanbekov. The Brazilian is in his element on the ground and boasts 13 submission wins.

Hadley vs. Nascimento Final Betting Analysis:

When grappling wizards are matched up, they invariably end up mainly trading on the feet as their strengths cancel each another out. 

Being a southpaw will be of great benefit to Hardy against a limited striker like Nascimento. The angles it creates will see the former Cage Warriors champion lead the dance and pick up a decision victory. 

UFC Fight Night: Viviane Araujo vs. Andrea Lee

Why Bet on Viviane Araujo

Viviane Araujo (10-3) followed a brutal one-punch knockout win in her debut by winning three of her next four, among them decisions over veterans Alexis Davis and Roxanne Modafferi.

Then came Katlyn Chookagian, who out-lasted Araujo en route to a narrow decision victory.

Why Bet on Andrea Lee

Andrea Lee (13-5) went from starting her UFC career 3-0 to losing her next three, including two by split decision.

“KGB” has since bounced back with a pair of finishes, among them a bonus-winning beatdown of Cynthia Calvillo in Nov. 2021.

Araujo vs. Lee Final Betting Analysis:

Araujo’s disinclination to improve or even properly manage her cardio will forever keep her out of contention. Her one-shot power and ground game are genuinely elite for the division and allowed her to control one of the division’s most frustrating fighters in Chookagian early on, but they’re only a threat for two rounds maximum.

Lee, on the other hand, looked better than ever against Calvillo. Her consistent, effective striking attack should allow her to hold her own early and take over down the stretch.

UFC Fight Night: Michael Johnson vs. Alan Patrick

Why Bet on Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson (19-7) broke out of a 1-5 slump with consecutive decisions over Andre Fili and Artem Lobov to kick off his first multi-fight win streak in three years.

He has since lost four straight, two of them by comeback finish.

Why Bet on Alan Patrick

Alan Patrick (15-3) quietly put together a 5-1 run to kick off his Octagon career, the only loss coming to a streaking Mairbek Taisumov.

He now sits at 0-2 (1 NC) in the last 3.5 years, most recently getting smashed by Mason Jones before escaping with an eye poke “No Contest.”

Johnson vs. Patrick Final Betting Analysis:

Johnson is one of the biggest choke artists in UFC history and the gap between what he’s accomplished and what he’s capable of accomplishing is mind-boggling. Luckily for him, Patrick avoids the “underachiever” label by just plain not being very good.

Johnson has one of the worst bottom games I’ve ever seen, so it’s more than possible that Patrick zombies his way to some successful takedown.

More likely, though, Johnson chews him up on the feet for a unanimous decision or late stoppage.

UFC Fight Night: Virna Jandiroba vs. Angela Hill

Why Bet on Virna Jandiroba

Jandiroba split her two appearances in 2021, earning a second-round stoppage win over Kanako Murata in June before dropping a decision to Ribas at UFC 267.

The 33-year-old has settled into life in the Octagon and a place in the rankings following her first three years on the roster, and now she looks to find the consistency needed to climb into the Top 10 and push towards contention in the talent-rich 115-pound weight class.

Why Bet on Angela Hill

Officially, Hill is 1-4 in her last five fights, but she could very easily be 4-1, as three of her four losses have come by split decision.

The most recent of those narrow defeats came on last year’s final fight card, where the TUF 20 alum again fell on the wrong side of the verdict in a competitive, entertaining clash with Amanda Lemos.

Jandiroba vs. Hill Final Betting Analysis:

This profiles as a classic “grappler vs. striker” matchup, but Jandiroba has improved her hands, and Hill’s takedown defense has always been solid, so this could play out any number of ways.

We are taking Jandiroba as our pick in what should be a fast-paced, competitive, and exciting fight.

UFC Fight Night: Carlos Candelario vs. Tatsuro Taira

Why Bet on Carlos Candelario

Candelario didn’t earn a contract following his victory on the first season of Dana White’s Contender Series, but he made history in Season 5, becoming the first fighter to lose, but still, be called to compete in the UFC following his debated split decision loss to Victor Altamarino on last year’s opening week.

The 30-year-old New England native is 8-1 overall and should serve as a tremendous test for the promising Japanese prospect on Saturday night.

Why Bet on Tatsuro Taira

Unbeaten in 10 professional appearances after a 9-0 run as an amateur, the 22-year-old Taira is arguably the best Japanese prospect to matriculate to the UFC since Kyoji Horiguchi.

With good size for the division, a solid strength of schedule, and finishes in eight of his 10 wins, Taira is one to watch going forward in the 125-pound weight class.

Candelario vs. Taira Final Betting Analysis:

After originally being scheduled to compete late last month only for the fight to be scratched at the last minute, Shooto champion Tatsuro Taira and Dana White’s Contender Series grad Carlos Candelario will once again attempt to make their joint promotional debuts this weekend.

Each of these men is worth keeping tabs on in the long term.

This weekend’s victor should take a solid step forward, and our pick for the fight is placed on the Japanese Fighter.

UFC Fight Night: Nick Maximov vs. Andre Petroski

Why Bet on Nick Maximov

Maximov earned a win over the much bigger, much more experienced Oscar Cota on Season Four of Dana White’s Contender Series but didn’t earn a contract.

At the start of February, the unbeaten 24-year-old edged out Punahele Soriano to push his record to 8-0 and continue gaining traction in the 185-pound weight class.

Why Bet on Andre Petroski

A semifinalist on Season 29 of The Ultimate Fighter, Petroski landed an opportunity to compete in the finale and has made the most of it, securing a third-round stoppage win over fellow Team Ortega representative Micheal Gillmore before earning a similar result against Hu Yaozong two months later in Abu Dhabi.

Now 7-1 for his career, the Daniel Gracie disciple looks to keep rolling and halt Maximov’s winning streak on Saturday night.

Maximov vs. Petroski Final Betting Analysis:

Both Maximov and Petroski are at their best on the canvas and will likely engage in a scramble-heavy battle inside the Octagon. The victor will be on a three-fight run of success in the UFC, and we are putting our token on Maximov.

Blachowicz vs. Rakic Betting Pick: Aleksandar “Rocket” Rakic

Spann vs. Cutelaba Betting Pick: Ion “The Hulk” Cutelaba

Smolka vs. Grant Betting Pick: Davey “Dangerous” Grant

Chookagian vs. Ribas Betting Pick: Katlyn “Blonde Fighter” Chookagian

Camacho vs. Torres Betting Pick: Manuel “El Loco” Torres

Hadley vs. Nascimento Betting Pick: Jake “White Kong” Hadley

Araujo vs. Lee Betting Pick: Andrea “KGB” Lee

Johnson vs. Patrick Betting Pick: Michael “The Menace” Johnson

Jandiroba vs. Hill Betting Pick: Virna “Carcara” Jandiroba

Candelario vs. Taira Betting Pick: Tatsuro Taira

Maximov vs. Petroski Betting Pick: Nick Maximov

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