UFC 280 Prelims & Early Prelims Predictions, Odds & Picks

The stars of UFC are taking over the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates this weekend for UFC 280. Though many fans and bettors have their attention set on the plethora of main card bouts, there are also several intriguing fights on the preliminary card worth watching.

It can be tough to keep track of that many fights, but there’s no need to worry. Betting News has gathered the latest odds for the UFC 280 preliminary card, as well as a prediction for each of those fights.

UFC 280 Preliminary Card and Odds (Odds as of Friday, October 21)

The UFC 280 odds listed below are via BetOnline Sportsbook.

Welterweight: Belal Muhammad (+108) vs. Sean Brady (-138)

Fans can anticipate an entertaining matchup when Belal Muhammad steps into the octagon with Sean Brady this weekend.

Muhammad has been on fire lately, winning seven of his last eight fights — including the last three in a row by unanimous decision. However, extending that streak won’t exactly be easy.

After all, Brady is a perfect 15-0 in his MMA career. The 29-year-old Philadelphia native has easily handled every UFC opponent put in his path thus far, winning three of his last five fights by unanimous decision, while the other two featured submission victories.

Having said that, Brady has looked untouchable lately. While Muhammad has the experience advantage, I’m back Brady here.

Best Bet: Sean Brady by Decision (+155)

Middleweight: Makhmud Muradov (+176) vs. Caio Borralho (-230)

After years of dominating the Czech MMA scene, Makhmud Muradov won three straight fights to begin his UFC career. Unfortunately, his momentum came to a stop in his last outing, where he was forced to submit to Gerald Meerschaert at UFC Vegas 35.

Meanwhile, Caio Borralho has gone 4-0 since arriving at UFC, having won three of those matchups by decision. He’s yet to fight on a premium PPV like UFC 280, so only time will tell if the spotlight is too big for him or not.

Though Borralho is the favorite here, I think that Muradov has the striking skills and takedown defense to stop his opponent. It’ll be a close fight, but give me Muradov coming out on top.

Best Bet: Makhmud Muradov Outright (+176)

Light Heavyweight: Nikita Krylov (-196) vs. Volkan Oezdemir (+152)

It’s been tough for Nikita Krylov to string together wins ahead of UFC 280. The 30-year-old Ukrainian has gone 3-4 since making his company debut, unable to get back-to-back wins over that stretch. However, he did knock out Alexander Gustafsson in his last outing, making it interesting to see if he can build on that win.

Volkan Oezdemir has had struggles in his recent matchups too, also going 3-4 in his last seven fights. He definite Paul Craig by unanimous decision in his last fight back in July, which also took place on the same day as Krylov’s last win.

With these fighters being evenly matched, I could see this going the distance. Oezdemir has actually won back-to-back fights recently, though, so he’s my pick to emerge on top.

Best Bet: Volkan Oezdemir Outright (+152)

Welterweight: Abubakar Nurmagomedov (-184) vs. Gadzhi Omargadzhiev (+142)

Abubakar Nurmagomedov’s UFC debut go as planned, losing to David Zawada by submission nearly three years ago. Fortunately, he was able to rebound as Nurmagomedov scored an unanimous decision win over Jared Gooden in his last fight.

Gadzhi Omargadzhiev looks to stop his opponent’s momentum, though. Omargadzhiev will likely be out for blood after Borralho put an end to his 13-0 run in his most recent matchup. Now, he has to figure out how to get back on his horse at Nurmagomedov’s expense.

Nevertheless, I am backing Nurmagomedov to win this fight. It’s going to be a hard-hitting, drawn-out battle, but Nurmagomedov has the tools to outlast Omargadzhiev.

Best Bet: Abubakar Nurmagomedov by Decision (+140)

Middleweight: Armen Petrosyan (-230) vs. A.J. Dobson (+176)

Another UFC 280 middleweight contest pits Armen Petrosyan against A.J. Dobson.

Petrosyan had won three MMA fights in a row before coming up short back in July, losing to Borralho by unanimous decision. He’s yet to lose two fights in a row in his young career, however, neither has his opponent.

Dobson was 6-0 in his career prior to his own unanimous decision loss to Jacob Malkoun at UFC 271. Keeping that in mind, I do like Dobson’s chances of getting back on track.

Considering how Petrosyan has been knocked out before, give me Dobson by KO/TKO.

Best Bet: A.J. Dobson by KO/TKO (+300)

Flyweight: Malcolm Gordon (+750) vs. Muhammad Mokaev (-1600)

The sole flyweight fight of the night pits Malcolm Gordon against the undefeated Muhammad Mokaev.

After losing each of his first two UFC fights, Gordon has now won back-to-back outings. His last victory came against Denys Bondar when the latter could no longer continue after breaking his arm.

Meanwhile, Mokaev enters this fight after going 8-0 to begin his MMA career. He’s likely going to do whatever he can to get his opponent on the ground, which could spell trouble for Gordon.

Due to Mokaev having superior defense and takedown skills, I’m taking him to win this fight by submission.

Best Bet: Muhammad Mokaev by Submission (+120)

Women’s Bantamweight: Karol Rosa (-350) vs. Lina Lansberg (+255)

Karol Rosa heads into UFC 280 after losing her first fight since 2018. Her unanimous decision loss to Sara McMann ended the former’s six-fight winning streak, leaving time to tell how she’ll rebound on Saturday.

On the flip side, Lina Lansberg has suffered back-to-back losses for the first time in her MMA career. She’s lost to McMann and Pannie Kianzad by unanimous decision in her last two fights, leaving her in desperate need of a win.

Considering how Rosa has had more success out of the two recently, I expect the Brazilian fighter to get back into the win column.

Best Bet: Karol Rosa by Decision (-125)

UFC 280 Event Details

When is UFC 280?

UFC 280 will take place on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022.

Where is UFC 280?

UFC 280 will take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

What time does UFC 280 start?

• UFC 280 Prelims Start Time: 10 a.m. ET
• Start Time of UFC 280’s Main Card: 2 p.m. ET

How can I watch UFC 280?

The UFC 280 prelims will be available on both ESPNEWS and ESPN+, and the main card will be available via pay-per-view (which can be ordered through the ESPN+ app).

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