The UFC heads to Chicago as the United Center hosts the UFC 319 pay-per-view on Saturday evening. Culminating this card is a fight-of-the-year contender between middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev.
Below, I break down three fights in my free betting picks and predictions for Saturday’s event.
Best UFC 319 parlay picks
Edson Barboza moneyline
Chase Hooper by submission
Michael Page by decision
Edson Barboza moneyline
Edson Barboza enters his 31st UFC fight with a significant edge in experience and a stylistic advantage over Drakkar Klose. While Barboza has gone just 5-5 in his last 10 as a favorite, he’s faced top-tier competition and remains a dangerous striker.
That spells trouble for Klose, who has historically struggled against power punchers and has shown vulnerability when rocked. Klose gets shaky legs when hit hard, and Barboza certainly carries that power.
Though the odds suggest a competitive fight, and the over/under implies it likely goes the distance, Klose is just 1-3 in his last four as an underdog, which doesn't inspire confidence. Whether it’s a highlight-reel KO or a clean decision, Barboza has the tools to get his hand raised.
Chase Hooper by submission
Chase Hooper continues to improve, and this matchup with Alexander Hernandez sets up perfectly for another statement win. While Hernandez has pulled off a few upsets in the past, his recent form paints a different picture: he’s regressing, and his controversial win over Kurt Holobaugh (where eight of 10 media scores gave the fight to Holobaugh) did little to quiet those concerns.
Meanwhile, Hooper is steadily evolving, especially in the striking department, and his grappling remains a dangerous ace up his sleeve. Hernandez has been submitted before by rear-naked choke, the same technique that accounts for four of Hooper’s pro wins.
With the betting line moving toward Hooper and the fight expected to end inside the distance, this looks like a prime opportunity for the surging prospect to exploit a fading opponent. Simply put, these are two ships passing in the night, and Hooper’s should sail to a submission victory.
Michael Page by decision
Michael "Venom" Page should have a clear edge in speed and striking technique against Jared Cannonier, making this a favorable stylistic matchup. Page’s unorthodox movement and ability to control range should allow him to stay on the outside and pick Cannonier apart over the course of three rounds.
While Cannonier's clearest path to victory is through wrestling, he rarely shoots for takedowns, which makes it unlikely he’ll be able to impose that game plan. With Page likely dictating the tempo and distance, the fight sets up well for a tactical striking clinic.
That said, Cannonier is notoriously durable and owns a great chin, which should keep him in the fight from start to finish. Given those dynamics, the most probable outcome is a clean, measured decision win for MVP.
Not intended for use in MA.
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