The next Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Heavyweight title challenger could be determined this Saturday (June 26, 2021) when unbeaten Ciryl Gane and stalwart veteran Alexander Volkov lock horns inside the promotion’s APEX facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. UFC Vegas 30 will also see Tanner Boser step up on short notice to meet Ovince St. Preux in a Heavyweight clash and Raoni Barcelos take on Timur Valiev in a clash of elite Bantamweight strikers.
With the Fourth of July looming, now’s the time to stock up on barbecue and fireworks — here’s how to potentially build up some funds:
What Went Wrong at UFC Vegas 29?
I could sit here and argue that with proper officiating, the event would have been a huge success. Roque Martinez deserved the decision against Josh Parisian, and if Nicolae Negumereanu’s blatant fence grabs had actually resulted in a point deduction, the resultant draw would have allowed the Casey O’Neill pick to hit.
At the end of the day, however, all that matters is what’s on the scoreboard.
I know I’m doing terrible thus far this year and that people who’ve put their trust in me are getting screwed as a result. I’m afraid if this keeps up, I’ll start hating this sport — I’m tired of watching fights with a massive knot in my stomach. All we can do is keep trying …
UFC Vegas 30 Odds For The Under Card:
Kennedy Nzechukwu (-125) vs. Danilo Marques (+105)
Shavkat Rakhmonov (-275) vs. Michel Prazeres (+235)
Warlley Alves (-230) vs. Jeremiah Wells (+190)
Marcin Prachnio (-190) vs. Ike Villanueva (+165)
Julia Avila (-345) vs. Julija Stoliarenko (+285)
Charles Rosa (-175) vs. Justin Jaynes (+150)
Damir Hadzovic (-140) vs. Yancy Medeiros (+120)
Thoughts: Seeing as he’s fighting a guy who got brutally knocked out in three of his last four fights, Ike Villanueva strikes me as a smidge undervalued. Sure, he’s nothing special, but Marcin Prachnio is both physically fragile and defensively lax. I’d say “Hurricane” is worth the investment just based on Prachnio’s inability to take a punch.
Besides him, you might be able to squeeze something out of Charles Rosa. Justin Jaynes has been stopped three times in a row, while Rosa — who’s coming off a loss — has never dropped two straight. History suggests that “Boston Strong” is due for a win, and parlaying him with Julia Avila — who’s going to destroy Julija Stoliarenko on the feet — gives positive odds.
UFC Vegas 30 Odds For The Main Card:
Ciryl Gane (-165) vs. Alexander Volkov (+145)
Tanner Boser (-170) vs. Ovince St. Preux (+150)
Raoni Barcelos (-210) vs. Timur Valiev (+175)
Andre Fili (-225) vs. Daniel Pineda (+185)
Tim Means (-130) vs. Nicolas Dalby (+110)
Renato Moicano (-240) vs. Jai Herbert (+200)
Thoughts: Ciryl Gane is the best striker in the Heavyweight division and the best bargain on the card. His footwork, speed and fluidity make him much more dangerous than Volkov in “Drago’s” wheelhouse, and he has the cardio to run circles around the Russian all night. Without a strong takedown game to keep “Bon Gamin” honest, there’s little stopping the Frenchman from cruising to victory, so be sure you’re in position to benefit.
There’s also value to be found in Andre Fili, Tim Means and Renato Moicano. “Touchy” has the technical striking and durability to hold his own on the feet against Daniel Pineda, plus the wrestling to exploit “The Pit’s” historically shaky takedown defense. “The Dirty Bird” is up against an inferior striking technician in Nicolas Dalby, who also tends to get violently dropped once per fight. Finally, Moicano has a huge advantage over Jai Herbert on the ground and is good enough to match him on the feet.
UFC Vegas 30 Best Bets:
- Parlay — Ciryl Gane and Ike Villanueva: Bet $70 to make $228.20
- Parlay — Ciryl Gane and Renato Moicano: Bet $120 to make $153.60
- Parlay — Tim Means and Andre Fili: Bet $80 to make $124.80
- Parlay — Charles Rosa and Julia Avila: Bet $100 to make $105
UFC Vegas 30 ain’t the prettiest mixed martial arts (MMA) event, but it does have the best Heavyweight striker in the game, so that’s worth something. See you Saturday, Maniacs.
Remember that MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC Vegas 30 fight card right here, starting with the ESPN+ “Prelims” matches, which are scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. ET, then the remaining main card balance on ESPN+ at 4 p.m. ET.
To check out the latest and greatest UFC Vegas 30: “Gane vs. Volkov” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here.