- UFC Vegas 96 goes down this Saturday (August 24) at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas
- Jared Cannonier vs Caio Borralho headlines the ESPN+ main card
- Read below for UFC Vegas 96 odds, picks and predictions
UFC Vegas 96 goes down this Saturday, August 24, 2024 at the UFC APEX facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. The prelims kick off at 7pm ET on ESPN, with the main card following at 10pm ET on ESPN+.
In the main event, top middleweight contenders collide as #5 ranked Jared Cannonier takes on surging #12 Caio Borralho. The co-main spotlights a pivotal strawweight clash between #9 Angela Hill and #11 Tabatha Ricci.
Let’s break down the key matchups and best bets for this Fight Night card. All odds referenced are courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
UFC Vegas 96 Odds – Main Card
| Fighter | Odds | Over/Under Rounds |
|---|---|---|
| Edmen Shahbazyan | -345 | O 1.5 +110 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | +275 | U 1.5 -140 |
| Fighter | Odds | Over/Under Rounds |
| Neil Magny | +600 | O 2.5 -180 |
| Michael Morales | -900 | U 2.5 +140 |
| Fighter | Odds | Over/Under Rounds |
| Kaan Ofli | +164 | O 1.5 -238 |
| Mairon Santos | -198 | U 1.5 +180 |
| Fighter | Odds | Over/Under Rounds |
| Ryan Loder | +136 | O 2.5 +124 |
| Robert Valentin Frey | -162 | U 2.5 -160 |
| Fighter | Odds | Over/Under Rounds |
| Angela Hill | +114 | O 2.5 -600 |
| Tabatha Ricci | -135 | U 2.5 +390 |
| Fighter | Odds | Over/Under Rounds |
| Jared Cannonier | +210 | O 4.5 -110 |
| Caio Borralho | -258 | U 4.5 -120 |
The biggest favorite on the UFC Vegas 96 main card is Michael Morales at -900 over Neil Magny (+600). Those odds imply Morales has a 90% chance of winning the fight, while Magny has just a 14.29% probability of pulling off the upset.
The tightest odds on the main card are for the Hill vs Ricci co-headliner. Ricci is a slight -135 favorite, giving her a 57.45% implied chance of victory. Hill comes back at +114, equating to a 46.73% win probability.
Odds as of August 24, 2024, at DraftKings Sportsbook. Claim the DraftKings promo code to bet on UFC Fight Night tonight.
Cannonier vs Borralho Prediction
Middleweight gatekeeper Jared Cannonier (#5) welcomes his stiffest test in years against surging prospect Caio Borralho (#12). The UFC Vegas 96 odds price the Texas native as a notable +210 underdog in this bout.
At 40 years old and on a quick turnaround from a TKO loss in June, I have doubts about Cannonier’s ability to hang with the younger, hungrier Brazilian over five rounds.
| 40 | Age | 31 |
| 17-7 | Record | 16-1 (1 NC) |
| 5’11” | Height | 6’1″ |
| 77″ | Reach | 75″ |
| 4.62 | Strikes Landed Per Min | 2.91 |
| 61% | Takedown Defense | 76% |
| KO Power | Best Weapon | Grappling |
| #5 | UFC Middleweight Rank | #12 |
Sure, Cannonier has ridiculous KO power and Borralho hasn’t faced a striker of this caliber yet. But “The Natural” has an insane motor, technical striking of his own, and a suffocating top game.
Borralho may eat a few shots early, but look for him to weather the storm, dominate grappling exchanges, and pour it on late for a statement win. Don’t be shocked if he taps out a fading Cannonier down the stretch.
The value is too good to pass up here. I’m predicting Borralho gets it done via submission and announces himself as a serious title threat at 185lbs.
Cannonier vs Borralho Pick:
- Caio Borralho via Submission (+300)
Hill vs Ricci Prediction
Angela Hill returns for her 25th UFC bout, tying Jessica Andrade for most appearances by a female fighter. She’ll need every bit of that experience against Brazilian submission threat Tabatha Ricci.
While Ricci has outstanding BJJ and lives to grapple, I don’t see her taking down Hill consistently or controlling her on the mat. Hill’s 76% takedown defense is legit and she’s a master at winning grueling decisions.
I’m banking on “Overkill” to do what she does best – push the pace on the feet, mix in her own grappling, and outwork Ricci down the stretch. It won’t be a cakewalk, but Hill is battle-tested in this exact type of matchup.
Hill vs Ricci Pick:
- Angela Hill ML (+114)
Quick Hits: Other UFC Vegas Bets to Consider
Aside from the top two fights, there’s still plenty of betting value to be found on this card. Here are some of my other favorite plays for UFC Fight Night this Saturday:
Morales vs Magny Over 2.5 Rounds (-180)
Michael Morales is a monster prospect, but laying -900 on the moneyline is just silly. I actually don’t hate Neil Magny at +600 for a huge upset, but the safer play is over 2.5 rounds at -180.
Dennis Buzukja (+130) vs Francis Marshall
If you’re looking for a slobberknocker, look no further than Dennis Buzukja vs Francis Marshall at lightweight. I slightly favor Buzukja as a +130 underdog, thanks to his slick striking and training at Xtreme Couture.
Cong Wang To Win By KO/TKO/DQ (-110) vs Leonardo
Undefeated Wang Cong makes her UFC debut against Victoria Leonardo in a gross mismatch. Bet on Kong via KO/TKO at -110, as Leonardo has major defensive flaws and likely can’t hang at this level.
-
DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOKBET $5 & GET $150 INSTANTLY!
-
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOKBET $5 & GET $150 IF YOUR BET WINS!
-
BETMGM SPORTSBOOKGET UP TO $1,500 BACK IN BONUS BETS!
-
CAESARS SPORTSBOOKGET UP TO $1,000 BACK – ON CAESARS!
-
BET365 SPORTSBOOKBET $5 & GET $150 IN BONUS BETS!
-
FANATICS SPORTSBOOKBET & GET UP TO $1,000 IN BONUS BETS!
The post UFC Fight Night Odds, Picks & Predictions: Cannonier vs Borralho, Hill vs Ricci appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.
