UFC Fight Night Picks: Cannonier vs. Rodrigues

UFC Fight Night 251 offers exciting matchups, with a few on the main card you do not want to miss. Middleweights Jared Cannonier (17-8-0) and Gregory Rodrigues (16-5-0) headline the main event on Saturday, February 15 with the main card kicking off at 7:00 PM ET at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Main Event Betting Preview

Cannonier is currently ranked as the seventh-best fighter in the middleweight division. He is currently listed as an underdog at +185 at MyBookie.

He has plenty of wins against some of the better fighters in the division, but a couple of previous defeats have dropped his momentum rapidly. His fighting style usually allows him to dictate the pace, but being 40 will definitely have its disadvantages.

Rodrigues is moderately favored here with a moneyline at -225. He has won his last five of six fights, with power that could definitely end a fight soon. In addition, four of those wins have been by knockout in that stretch.

His ability to close the distance is special enough and you cannot teach youth. Rodrigues’ power will be a good counter when facing Cannonier and should be able to pick his best shots.

Co-Main Event Betting Preview

Calvin Kattar (23-8-0) and Youseff Zalal (16-5-1) will fight in the co-main event. Kattar is a heavy underdog at +370, while Zalal is a heavy favorite with odds at-485.

Youseff has not looked the same since his knee injury back in 2022. He has a lot of work to do if he wants a chance at winning. His speed, stamina, and power just does not appear to be at the same level as it used to appear.

Kattar has lost his last three fights and he does not have great momentum. He has been plagued with injuries and some inactivity that have hindered his growth in the octagon. He will definitely be trying to land some heavy hits, but Zalal has an edge here.

Zalal will likely do a good job at forcing Kattar to improve on his speed and power. His quickness and precision striking will be pivotal here.

Odds, Series Trends, and Free Pick

MyBookie provides you with the best UFC Fight Night 251 betting odds. Both heavy favorites in each fight are expected to win, with some fighters having a better chance than others.

Bettors should consider building a parlay with multiple fights on the night. With Rodrigues at -225 and Zalal at (-485). By combining both of these fighters in a parlay, it offers you the opportunity to win big or at least more appealing odds.

You could also consider the type of win method, such as knockout or submission. Rodrigues has 10 knockouts in his career and Zalal has nine submissions. Both are going to have great opportunities to win their respective fights.

Final Pick: Gregory Rodrigues and Youseff Zalal to Win Outright in Parlay