UFC 334 Preliminary Card Predictions, Picks & Odds

The UFC 334 prelims bring together several familiar names in matchups that could produce some memorable finishes at Madison Square Garden.

Drew Dober and Chris Duncan promise a lightweight firefight, Terrance McKinney looks to overwhelm veteran Jim Miller, and Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson prepares for the final fight of his career against Charles Radtke.

Below are my UFC 334 predictions and free betting picks for Saturday's preliminary card.

UFC 333 prelim picks and predictions

Click on each fight to jump to the full analysis.

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UFC 334 prelim odds and picks

Drew Dober vs. Chris Duncan

Odds as of Nov. 13.

Drew Dober is tough as nails, but at 38, his durability isn't quite the insurance policy it once was. He's still dangerous, as evidenced by consecutive stoppage victories over Kyle Prepolec and Michael Johnson, but his willingness to absorb punishment to land something bigger continues to make every exchange a gamble.

Chris Duncan is more than willing to take that gamble. The Scottish lightweight brings an aggressive offensive approach, considerable finishing power, and enough versatility to exploit openings if the fight gets messy. He isn't particularly difficult to hit, which gives Dober a puncher's chance, but he has the tools to make the veteran pay for his defensive lapses.

This matchup has all the ingredients for an early firefight. Expect a violent opening round, with Duncan getting the better of the exchanges and putting Dober away before the fight reaches the second.

Prediction: Chris Duncan
Top pick: Duncan to Win in Round 1

Terrance McKinney vs. Jim Miller

Odds as of Nov. 13.

Jim Miller deserves considerable respect for remaining competitive at 43, but there's a difference between being dangerous and being capable of keeping up with a younger, more explosive opponent. Miller still possesses an opportunistic submission game, as demonstrated by his recent guillotine victory over Jared Gordon, but his physical limitations are becoming increasingly difficult to overlook.

Terrance McKinney is hardly a complete fighter. His approach rarely extends beyond rushing forward, throwing bombs, and attempting to finish opponents before his gas tank becomes an issue. It's a formula that has effectively established his ceiling, as his inability to sustain a measured attack has cost him against more capable opposition.

The biggest concern is McKinney's tendency to overcommit, which could leave him exposed to Miller's dangerous guillotine choke. If Miller can survive the opening assault and force McKinney to work, an upset becomes possible. Unfortunately for the veteran, that's a considerable obstacle to overcome.

Prediction: Terrance McKinney by first-round KO/TKO

Stephen Thompson vs. Charles Radtke

Odds as of Nov. 13.

Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson has chosen Madison Square Garden as the setting for his final UFC appearance, returning to the arena where he first challenged Tyron Woodley for the welterweight championship a decade earlier.

At 43, Thompson is clearly past his prime, having lost four of his last five fights. However, his recent record doesn't tell the entire story. He remains an exceptional technical striker with

excellent conditioning, disciplined footwork, and an unconventional karate-based offense that continues to frustrate opponents.

Charles Radtke represents a legitimate threat, particularly if he can turn the fight into a physical contest. His power and developing grappling game offer potential paths to victory, especially against an aging Thompson whose takedown defense has become less reliable.

Still, this is a favorable stylistic matchup for the former title challenger. Radtke should have his moments, but Thompson's superior technical striking and experience should be enough to carry him through three rounds.

Prediction: Stephen Thompson by unanimous decision

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