Damian Sosh
D* MLB TOTAL OF THE DAY
Game: (969) Baltimore Orioles at (970) Detroit Tigers
Date/Time: Jul 31 2021 6:10 PM EDT
Play Rating: D units
Play: Total Over 9.0 (-120) J Means (LHP), M Manning (RHP) Must Start
Take the Over
After just playing to a total of 7 runs yesterday I like us to see a lot more scoring in this game. I do not have a lot of confidence in either of tonight's starters. The Orioles Means in his last 12.1 IP has allowed 11 ER. Tiger's starter Manning doesn't average 5 IP per start and has given up 22 ER in 33 IP as a starter this season. In spite of the records of these two teams they do have offenses capable of putting up some big numbers. I believe we see that tonight and this game goes over the posted total.
D* MLB HIGH HEAT
Game: (953) Philadelphia Phillies at (954) Pittsburgh Pirates
Date/Time: Jul 31 2021 7:05 PM EDT
Play Rating: 4D
Philadelphia Phillies -1.5 (+100) A Nola (RHP), J Brubaker (RHP) Must Start
Take the Phillies on the run line
The Phillies still have a chance at making the post season as they sit just 3.5 games behind the Mets. They were buyers at the trade deadline but after laying an egg losing to the Pirates 7-0 yesterday I like them to get revenge today. Brubaker has been just awful for the Pirates of late. Over his last 3 starts he's pitched just 12.2 innings and has allowed 12 ER. The Pirates record in his starts this season is just 4-14. While Aaron Nola has had his ups and downs this season he is coming off his best outing of the season. He pitched 8.2 innings allowing just 1 run to the Braves his last start. His team really needs him to come up big tonight and I'm confident he will against this Pirates team that struggles offensively.
J* NL PLAY OF THE MONTH
Game: (955) Cincinnati Reds at (956) New York Mets
Date/Time: Jul 31 2021 7:10 PM EDT
Play Rating: J units
Play: Cincinnati Reds +108 W Miley (LHP), R Hill (LHP) Must Start
Take the Reds
This Cincinnati team is fun to watch and they have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs as they inch closer to catching the Padres for that final playoff spot. Wade Miley will be on the bump for the Reds in this game and he's 8-4 with a 2.86 ERA on the season for the Reds. Miley has been solid all year and gives Cincinnati a solid start each outing usually pitching at least 6 innings. Going just 6 innings for this Reds team might have been a problem a few days ago but Cincinnati was aggressive at the trade deadline making good moves to help their bullpen. The Reds will be facing Rich Hill of the Mets. Hill is 6-4 with a 3.95 ERA on the season. He's pitched well this season but the Reds are really swinging hot bats right now. We all know about Votto and his recent exploits but what you may not realize is the Reds are all hitting the ball. Over their last 7 games Reds hitters are a combined .315. I think they are playing with a renewed vigor after management went out and addressed the weakest part of the team in terms of their bullpen. Give me the Reds in this one as I make them my NL Play of the Month.
D* MLB TOTAL OF THE DAY
Game: (969) Baltimore Orioles at (970) Detroit Tigers
Date/Time: Jul 31 2021 6:10 PM EDT
Play Rating: D units
Play: Total Over 9.0 (-120) J Means (LHP), M Manning (RHP) Must Start
Take the Over
After just playing to a total of 7 runs yesterday I like us to see a lot more scoring in this game. I do not have a lot of confidence in either of tonight's starters. The Orioles Means in his last 12.1 IP has allowed 11 ER. Tiger's starter Manning doesn't average 5 IP per start and has given up 22 ER in 33 IP as a starter this season. In spite of the records of these two teams they do have offenses capable of putting up some big numbers. I believe we see that tonight and this game goes over the posted total.
D* MLB HIGH HEAT
Game: (953) Philadelphia Phillies at (954) Pittsburgh Pirates
Date/Time: Jul 31 2021 7:05 PM EDT
Play Rating: 4D
Philadelphia Phillies -1.5 (+100) A Nola (RHP), J Brubaker (RHP) Must Start
Take the Phillies on the run line
The Phillies still have a chance at making the post season as they sit just 3.5 games behind the Mets. They were buyers at the trade deadline but after laying an egg losing to the Pirates 7-0 yesterday I like them to get revenge today. Brubaker has been just awful for the Pirates of late. Over his last 3 starts he's pitched just 12.2 innings and has allowed 12 ER. The Pirates record in his starts this season is just 4-14. While Aaron Nola has had his ups and downs this season he is coming off his best outing of the season. He pitched 8.2 innings allowing just 1 run to the Braves his last start. His team really needs him to come up big tonight and I'm confident he will against this Pirates team that struggles offensively.
J* NL PLAY OF THE MONTH
Game: (955) Cincinnati Reds at (956) New York Mets
Date/Time: Jul 31 2021 7:10 PM EDT
Play Rating: J units
Play: Cincinnati Reds +108 W Miley (LHP), R Hill (LHP) Must Start
Take the Reds
This Cincinnati team is fun to watch and they have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs as they inch closer to catching the Padres for that final playoff spot. Wade Miley will be on the bump for the Reds in this game and he's 8-4 with a 2.86 ERA on the season for the Reds. Miley has been solid all year and gives Cincinnati a solid start each outing usually pitching at least 6 innings. Going just 6 innings for this Reds team might have been a problem a few days ago but Cincinnati was aggressive at the trade deadline making good moves to help their bullpen. The Reds will be facing Rich Hill of the Mets. Hill is 6-4 with a 3.95 ERA on the season. He's pitched well this season but the Reds are really swinging hot bats right now. We all know about Votto and his recent exploits but what you may not realize is the Reds are all hitting the ball. Over their last 7 games Reds hitters are a combined .315. I think they are playing with a renewed vigor after management went out and addressed the weakest part of the team in terms of their bullpen. Give me the Reds in this one as I make them my NL Play of the Month.
SDQL
L.A. DODGERS @ ARIZONA | 07/31 | 8:10 PM EDT
L.A. DODGERS -177
ANALYSIS: The Dodgers are 10-0 in the second game of a series as a favorite of -140 or more when their opponent's starter has an ERA of more than 4.00 on the season. The Diamondbacks are 0-10 as a dog of +140 or more off a game as a dog when their opponent's starter has a strike-per-ball ratio less than 1.6 on the season.
CLEVELAND @ CHI. WHITE SOX | 07/31 | 7:10 PM EDT
CHI. WHITE SOX -153
ANALYSIS: The White Sox are 16-0 in the second game of a series as a favorite of at least -130 when they did not win by five or more runs in the series opener. The Indians are 0-13 in the second game of a series as a dog of at least +125 after they allowed five or more walks.
N.Y. YANKEES @ MIAMI | 07/31 | 6:10 PM EDT
N.Y. YANKEES -179
ANALYSIS: The Yankees are 13-0 in the second game of a series when they won and never trailed in the series opener. The Marlins are 0-12 in the second game of a home series when they are off a loss as a dog in which they had at least three times as many hits as runs.
L.A. DODGERS @ ARIZONA | 07/31 | 8:10 PM EDT
L.A. DODGERS -177
ANALYSIS: The Dodgers are 10-0 in the second game of a series as a favorite of -140 or more when their opponent's starter has an ERA of more than 4.00 on the season. The Diamondbacks are 0-10 as a dog of +140 or more off a game as a dog when their opponent's starter has a strike-per-ball ratio less than 1.6 on the season.
CLEVELAND @ CHI. WHITE SOX | 07/31 | 7:10 PM EDT
CHI. WHITE SOX -153
ANALYSIS: The White Sox are 16-0 in the second game of a series as a favorite of at least -130 when they did not win by five or more runs in the series opener. The Indians are 0-13 in the second game of a series as a dog of at least +125 after they allowed five or more walks.
N.Y. YANKEES @ MIAMI | 07/31 | 6:10 PM EDT
N.Y. YANKEES -179
ANALYSIS: The Yankees are 13-0 in the second game of a series when they won and never trailed in the series opener. The Marlins are 0-12 in the second game of a home series when they are off a loss as a dog in which they had at least three times as many hits as runs.
Ian Parker
UFC
Sean Strickland (-210) vs. Uriah Hall (+180): Hall (best bet)
Sean Strickland is riding a four-fight win streak dating back to 2018. He will have his toughest test to date in Uriah Hall. Strickland will need to use a ton of feints when closing the distance and not just walk forward and box like he has done in his last few fights. Hall is an elite striker, so Strickland will need to mix in his wrestling if he wants to confuse Hall and get the biggest win of his career. In my opinion, the value here is on Hall. He will be the better striker and has fought the higher-level competition. As long as Hall can let loose early, this matchup stylistically favors Hall. Hall is his own worst enemy and, if he can overcome that, he's a tough fight for anyone.
Ashley Yoder (-140) vs. Jinh Yu Frey (+120): Yoder (best bet)
Look for Ashley Yoder to use her striking to keep Jinh Yu Frey backed up. Once Yoder closes the distance, look for her to get the fight to the floor. She will be the better grappler and have a huge advantage.
Rafa Garcia (-250) vs. Chris Gruetzemacher (+210): Garcia (best bet)
Chris Gruetzemacher has only one win in his last four fights. With his back against the wall, he will have to get a victory over Rafa Garcia. Unfortunately for Gruetzemacher, this is not an ideal matchup for him. Garcia is better everywhere and should be able to get the better of Gruetzemacher early on with his striking.
Bryan Barberena (-260) vs. Jason Witt (+220): Barberena (best bet)
Bryan Barberena returns to the octagon from the longest layoff of his career. He will be looking to get past Jason Witt and make it two wins in a row. Look for Barberena to keep the fight standing, where he will have the advantage. If the fight goes to the floor, as long as he lands on top in the scramble, Barberena should have no trouble working his grappling.
Nicco Montano (-210) vs. Yanan Wu (+180): Montano (best bet)
Nicco Montano will be looking to put her last loss to Julianna Pena in the rearview mirror as she takes on Yanan Wu. Look for Montano to close the distance early and get the fight to the floor. Montano will be better everywhere, but I expect her to play it safe.
Orion Cosce (-185) vs. Philip Rowe (+165): Cosce (best bet)
Orion Cosce will be looking to maintain his perfect record as he takes on Phillip Rowe. Cosce will be the better striker and the more aggressive fighter. Rowe has shown he can strike, but his hesitancy and slow start will not work against a powerful aggressive striker in Cosce.
Cheyanne Buys (-180) vs. Gloria De Paula (+160): Buys (lean)
Cheyanne Buys will be looking to bounce back from her last fight in which she lost to Montserrat Ruiz by decision. Buys will have to use her wrestling in order to get the win. She will be the better wrestler and should have no issue controlling De Paula on the ground.
Mounir Lazzez (-190) vs. Niklas Stolze (+170): Lazzez (lean)
Look for Mounir Lazzez to pressure early with his striking. In his last fight, he was too hesitant and he paid for it. Look for him to come out and get to work early and often. He will be the better striker and, as long as he can dictate the pace, this fight should be all Lazzez.
Kyung Ho Kang (-140) vs. Rani Yahya (+120): Yahya (lean)
This will be the first fight for Kang in over 18 months and he is getting quite the step up in competition against ground specialist Rani Yahya. Look for Yahya to push the pace early and look to get the fight to the ground. If Yahya imposes his will and controls Kang on the ground, it will be his fight to win.
Ryan Benoit (-135) vs. Zarrukh Adashev (+115): Benoit (lean)
Ryan Benoit will be the faster and overall better striker. My only concern for Benoit is he tends to give up compromising positions during scrambles. If he can stay composed and keep the fight standing, he should get the win.
Ronnie Lawrence (-145) vs. Trevin Jones (+125): Lawrence (lean)
Trevin Jones looked fantastic in his last fight in which he won by TKO over Mario Bautista. However, he has a different challenge in Ronnie Lawrence. Lawrence will be the better striker and has an endless gas tank. I strongly believe the output of strikes from Lawrence, along with his blistering pace, will be too much for Jones
Bellator
Patricio Freire (-125) vs. A.J. McKee (+105): McKee
Arguably the most important fight in Bellator history, A.J. McKee takes on double-champ Patricio "Pitbull" Freire. McKee needs to use his speed and range in order to avoid the power of Freire. If he chooses to take the fight to the ground, as good as he is off his back, he cannot afford to accept that position and risk Freire landing damaging strikes from his guard. Look for McKee to avoid the power of the champ and get the upset win.
Emmanuel Sanchez (-105) vs. Mads Burnell (-115): Sanchez
Emmanuel Sanchez will be looking to bounce back from his last fight, in which he lost to the champ Freire. Sanchez will need to avoid the heavy ground attack from Burnell and keep the fight standing, where he will have the advantage. Based on experience and level of competition, I think Sanchez will grind out a victory.
Brent Primus (+180) vs. Islam Mamedov (-210): Primus
Brent Primus will be looking to make it three wins in a row when he takes on Islam Mamedov. Mamedov is a strong wrestler with great submissions. However, he has not fought the same level of competition that Primus has faced. Primus a successful wrestler as well, will have the striking advantage and I believe will be able to surprise Mamedov.
Usman Nurmagomedov (-1,300) vs Luis Muro (+800): Nurmagomedov
This is another showcase fight for Usman Nurmagomedov. The question isn't if he is going to win, it's how he wants to win. Look for Nurmagomedov to control the pace from the moment the bell rings and completely dominate his opponent.
UFC
Sean Strickland (-210) vs. Uriah Hall (+180): Hall (best bet)
Sean Strickland is riding a four-fight win streak dating back to 2018. He will have his toughest test to date in Uriah Hall. Strickland will need to use a ton of feints when closing the distance and not just walk forward and box like he has done in his last few fights. Hall is an elite striker, so Strickland will need to mix in his wrestling if he wants to confuse Hall and get the biggest win of his career. In my opinion, the value here is on Hall. He will be the better striker and has fought the higher-level competition. As long as Hall can let loose early, this matchup stylistically favors Hall. Hall is his own worst enemy and, if he can overcome that, he's a tough fight for anyone.
Ashley Yoder (-140) vs. Jinh Yu Frey (+120): Yoder (best bet)
Look for Ashley Yoder to use her striking to keep Jinh Yu Frey backed up. Once Yoder closes the distance, look for her to get the fight to the floor. She will be the better grappler and have a huge advantage.
Rafa Garcia (-250) vs. Chris Gruetzemacher (+210): Garcia (best bet)
Chris Gruetzemacher has only one win in his last four fights. With his back against the wall, he will have to get a victory over Rafa Garcia. Unfortunately for Gruetzemacher, this is not an ideal matchup for him. Garcia is better everywhere and should be able to get the better of Gruetzemacher early on with his striking.
Bryan Barberena (-260) vs. Jason Witt (+220): Barberena (best bet)
Bryan Barberena returns to the octagon from the longest layoff of his career. He will be looking to get past Jason Witt and make it two wins in a row. Look for Barberena to keep the fight standing, where he will have the advantage. If the fight goes to the floor, as long as he lands on top in the scramble, Barberena should have no trouble working his grappling.
Nicco Montano (-210) vs. Yanan Wu (+180): Montano (best bet)
Nicco Montano will be looking to put her last loss to Julianna Pena in the rearview mirror as she takes on Yanan Wu. Look for Montano to close the distance early and get the fight to the floor. Montano will be better everywhere, but I expect her to play it safe.
Orion Cosce (-185) vs. Philip Rowe (+165): Cosce (best bet)
Orion Cosce will be looking to maintain his perfect record as he takes on Phillip Rowe. Cosce will be the better striker and the more aggressive fighter. Rowe has shown he can strike, but his hesitancy and slow start will not work against a powerful aggressive striker in Cosce.
Cheyanne Buys (-180) vs. Gloria De Paula (+160): Buys (lean)
Cheyanne Buys will be looking to bounce back from her last fight in which she lost to Montserrat Ruiz by decision. Buys will have to use her wrestling in order to get the win. She will be the better wrestler and should have no issue controlling De Paula on the ground.
Mounir Lazzez (-190) vs. Niklas Stolze (+170): Lazzez (lean)
Look for Mounir Lazzez to pressure early with his striking. In his last fight, he was too hesitant and he paid for it. Look for him to come out and get to work early and often. He will be the better striker and, as long as he can dictate the pace, this fight should be all Lazzez.
Kyung Ho Kang (-140) vs. Rani Yahya (+120): Yahya (lean)
This will be the first fight for Kang in over 18 months and he is getting quite the step up in competition against ground specialist Rani Yahya. Look for Yahya to push the pace early and look to get the fight to the ground. If Yahya imposes his will and controls Kang on the ground, it will be his fight to win.
Ryan Benoit (-135) vs. Zarrukh Adashev (+115): Benoit (lean)
Ryan Benoit will be the faster and overall better striker. My only concern for Benoit is he tends to give up compromising positions during scrambles. If he can stay composed and keep the fight standing, he should get the win.
Ronnie Lawrence (-145) vs. Trevin Jones (+125): Lawrence (lean)
Trevin Jones looked fantastic in his last fight in which he won by TKO over Mario Bautista. However, he has a different challenge in Ronnie Lawrence. Lawrence will be the better striker and has an endless gas tank. I strongly believe the output of strikes from Lawrence, along with his blistering pace, will be too much for Jones
Bellator
Patricio Freire (-125) vs. A.J. McKee (+105): McKee
Arguably the most important fight in Bellator history, A.J. McKee takes on double-champ Patricio "Pitbull" Freire. McKee needs to use his speed and range in order to avoid the power of Freire. If he chooses to take the fight to the ground, as good as he is off his back, he cannot afford to accept that position and risk Freire landing damaging strikes from his guard. Look for McKee to avoid the power of the champ and get the upset win.
Emmanuel Sanchez (-105) vs. Mads Burnell (-115): Sanchez
Emmanuel Sanchez will be looking to bounce back from his last fight, in which he lost to the champ Freire. Sanchez will need to avoid the heavy ground attack from Burnell and keep the fight standing, where he will have the advantage. Based on experience and level of competition, I think Sanchez will grind out a victory.
Brent Primus (+180) vs. Islam Mamedov (-210): Primus
Brent Primus will be looking to make it three wins in a row when he takes on Islam Mamedov. Mamedov is a strong wrestler with great submissions. However, he has not fought the same level of competition that Primus has faced. Primus a successful wrestler as well, will have the striking advantage and I believe will be able to surprise Mamedov.
Usman Nurmagomedov (-1,300) vs Luis Muro (+800): Nurmagomedov
This is another showcase fight for Usman Nurmagomedov. The question isn't if he is going to win, it's how he wants to win. Look for Nurmagomedov to control the pace from the moment the bell rings and completely dominate his opponent.
Kyle Marley
UFC
Sean Strickland (-210) vs. Uriah Hall (+180): Strickland by decision
Hall is a great striker, but he isn't high-paced enough to see him winning any other way than by KO. Strickland is the more well-rounded fighter, and he will be the one landing more strikes. I think Strickland can win with a KO, submission or a decision.
Kyung Ho Kang (-140) vs. Rani Yahya (+120): Yahya by submission
might be submission or bust for Yahya, but he is live to get that sub. I don't think Yahya can successfully wrestle consistently for three rounds, but he may only need to get the fight to the mat one time to get the win. Kang is the better striker and he also looks like he is the better offensive wrestler. But he has been off for almost two years and I think Yahya lands at least one takedown before he gasses out.
Cheyanne Buys (-180) vs. Gloria De Paula (+160): Buys by decision
Buys had a poor UFC debut, but I still think she is the better striker in a fight that should mostly stay standing. I also think Buys is more likely to get takedowns and land some ground-and-pound. Give me Buys to win a decision.
Bryan Barberena -260) vs. Jason Witt (+220) : Barberena by stoppage
Witt is going to need to win this fight with his wrestling. That is his one advantage and he might be able to grind out a decision with takedowns and heavy top control. Barberena is the better striker with higher output. He was taken down five times in his last fight and still got the victory. I don't like this price at all, but Barberena is the pick.
Nicco Montano (-210) vs. Yanan Wu (+180): Montano by decision
I think Montano is the better fighter everywhere in this matchup. She is the better striker and I also see her being the one with higher output. I also think she is more likely to land takedowns and ride out top-control time.
Melsik Baghdasaryan (-145) vs. Collin Anglin (+125): Anglin by decision
Baghdasaryan is a scary striker in Round 1. He is explosive and powerful, and he has four wins in 32 seconds or less. I expect him to win the first round and he might get the finish. He slows down after that though and, if he can't get the early knockout, he might lose Rounds 2 and 3. Anglin isn't great anywhere, but I expect him to be the fresher fighter after that first round and I think he can win the latter rounds, if not get a finish of his own.
Rafa Garcia (-250) vs. Chris Gruetzemacher (+210): Garcia by stoppage
I think Garcia is the better fighter anywhere this goes, and Gruetzemacher isn't going to give him many issues. Rafa is my most confident pick on the card, and I think he dominates this fight en route to a finish.
Kai Kamaka (-120) vs. Danny Chavez (+100): Kamaka by decision
I think Kamaka is better offensively everywhere other than leg kicks, and I just see him being the higher-paced fighter working more for the win. I don't see him dominating, and he slows down late in fights. But I think he is stronger and faster and wins on the scorecards.
Ashley Yoder (-140) vs. Jinh Yu Frey (+120): Yoder by decision
Frey should be the better striker, but I don't see Yoder accepting a striking match. Yoder should have a big edge on the mat, and I think she can land a takedown or more in every round. Give me Yoder to win a decison by grinding this fight out against the cage and on the mat.
Ronnie Lawrence (-145) vs. Trevin Jones (+125): Lawrence by decision
Jones has big power, and he is always going to be live for the KO. I just love the work rate from Lawrence, and I think that is how he is going to win. He landed 12 takedowns in his "Contender Series" fight and eight in his UFC debut. There aren't many fighters who can land that many takedowns without gassing out and I see him having a similar game plan.
Orion Cosce (-185) vs. Philip Rowe (+165): Cosce by decision
This fight might be closer than the line indicates but I am going to lean with Cosce. He looks like the better overall striker, and I also think he can have success with his wrestling. Rowe has a 9-inch reach advantage, sso Cosce will need to close the distance. That is what I see him doing and not giving Rowe any room to start working his game.
Ryan Benoit (-135) vs. Zarrukh Adashev (+115): Benoit by decision
I think Benoit is more likely to land more volume as well as more likely to wrestle. I don't think he dominates Adashev, but he should be slightly better everywhere. I will take him to win on the scorecards by mixing in takedowns.
UFC
Sean Strickland (-210) vs. Uriah Hall (+180): Strickland by decision
Hall is a great striker, but he isn't high-paced enough to see him winning any other way than by KO. Strickland is the more well-rounded fighter, and he will be the one landing more strikes. I think Strickland can win with a KO, submission or a decision.
Kyung Ho Kang (-140) vs. Rani Yahya (+120): Yahya by submission
might be submission or bust for Yahya, but he is live to get that sub. I don't think Yahya can successfully wrestle consistently for three rounds, but he may only need to get the fight to the mat one time to get the win. Kang is the better striker and he also looks like he is the better offensive wrestler. But he has been off for almost two years and I think Yahya lands at least one takedown before he gasses out.
Cheyanne Buys (-180) vs. Gloria De Paula (+160): Buys by decision
Buys had a poor UFC debut, but I still think she is the better striker in a fight that should mostly stay standing. I also think Buys is more likely to get takedowns and land some ground-and-pound. Give me Buys to win a decision.
Bryan Barberena -260) vs. Jason Witt (+220) : Barberena by stoppage
Witt is going to need to win this fight with his wrestling. That is his one advantage and he might be able to grind out a decision with takedowns and heavy top control. Barberena is the better striker with higher output. He was taken down five times in his last fight and still got the victory. I don't like this price at all, but Barberena is the pick.
Nicco Montano (-210) vs. Yanan Wu (+180): Montano by decision
I think Montano is the better fighter everywhere in this matchup. She is the better striker and I also see her being the one with higher output. I also think she is more likely to land takedowns and ride out top-control time.
Melsik Baghdasaryan (-145) vs. Collin Anglin (+125): Anglin by decision
Baghdasaryan is a scary striker in Round 1. He is explosive and powerful, and he has four wins in 32 seconds or less. I expect him to win the first round and he might get the finish. He slows down after that though and, if he can't get the early knockout, he might lose Rounds 2 and 3. Anglin isn't great anywhere, but I expect him to be the fresher fighter after that first round and I think he can win the latter rounds, if not get a finish of his own.
Rafa Garcia (-250) vs. Chris Gruetzemacher (+210): Garcia by stoppage
I think Garcia is the better fighter anywhere this goes, and Gruetzemacher isn't going to give him many issues. Rafa is my most confident pick on the card, and I think he dominates this fight en route to a finish.
Kai Kamaka (-120) vs. Danny Chavez (+100): Kamaka by decision
I think Kamaka is better offensively everywhere other than leg kicks, and I just see him being the higher-paced fighter working more for the win. I don't see him dominating, and he slows down late in fights. But I think he is stronger and faster and wins on the scorecards.
Ashley Yoder (-140) vs. Jinh Yu Frey (+120): Yoder by decision
Frey should be the better striker, but I don't see Yoder accepting a striking match. Yoder should have a big edge on the mat, and I think she can land a takedown or more in every round. Give me Yoder to win a decison by grinding this fight out against the cage and on the mat.
Ronnie Lawrence (-145) vs. Trevin Jones (+125): Lawrence by decision
Jones has big power, and he is always going to be live for the KO. I just love the work rate from Lawrence, and I think that is how he is going to win. He landed 12 takedowns in his "Contender Series" fight and eight in his UFC debut. There aren't many fighters who can land that many takedowns without gassing out and I see him having a similar game plan.
Orion Cosce (-185) vs. Philip Rowe (+165): Cosce by decision
This fight might be closer than the line indicates but I am going to lean with Cosce. He looks like the better overall striker, and I also think he can have success with his wrestling. Rowe has a 9-inch reach advantage, sso Cosce will need to close the distance. That is what I see him doing and not giving Rowe any room to start working his game.
Ryan Benoit (-135) vs. Zarrukh Adashev (+115): Benoit by decision
I think Benoit is more likely to land more volume as well as more likely to wrestle. I don't think he dominates Adashev, but he should be slightly better everywhere. I will take him to win on the scorecards by mixing in takedowns.
