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UFC 294: Makhachev vs Volkanovski 2 Preliminary Card Predictions, Odds & Picks
Written by: Devon Platana
Last Updated:
Read Time: 7 minutes
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One of the biggest MMA events of the year is just over 24 hours away as UFC 294 is set to air live from Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on Saturday. Once again, the upcoming PPV’s preliminary card is stacked with betting opportunities for experienced and new bettors alike.
There’s a lot to keep track of regarding the early betting action, but Betting News has you covered. Continue reading for the UFC 294 preliminary odds and my betting picks ahead of this weekend’s eight early fights.
UFC 294 Prelims Predictions & Odds
The UFC 294 odds listed below are courtesy of Bovada as of Friday, Oct. 20 at 10:20 a.m.
Tim Elliott vs. Muhammad Mokaev Prediction — Flyweight
- Tim Elliott (+315)
- Muhammad Mokaev (-425)
Tim Elliott (19-12-1) has turned things around lately, going 4-1 in his last five fights with each win coming via unanimous decision. His winning ways are in jeopardy at UFC 294, though, as he faces the undefeated Muhammad Mokaev (10-0, 1NC).
In what should be a grapple-heavy showdown, I’m taking Mokaev to win. He’s averaging 7.34 takedowns per 15 minutes on 53% accuracy. While Elliott is a solid wrestler, I expect him to be on the defense more often than not much to his detriment.
Keeping that in mind, I see Elliott being worn out from the favorite’s grappling, eventually leading to a submission victory for Mokaev.
Elliott vs. Mokaev Pick: Mokaev via Submission (+165)
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Mohammad Yahya vs. Trevor Peek Prediction — Lightweight
- Mohammad Yahya (+140)
- Trevor Peek (-170)
Mohammad Yahya (12-3) is set to make his UFC debut after winning five straight UAE Warriors fights. His first-ever opponent will be Trevor Peek (8-1, 1NC), who’s coming off a unanimous decision loss to Jose Mariscal.
I’m expecting a hard-hitting fight between two lightweights with 15 knockouts between them. Nevertheless, I like Yahya winning this weekend. As solid as Peek is, the underdog will have the crowd’s full support as he becomes to first UAE fighter in UFC history.
It’ll be a close back-and-forth affair, however, I see Yahya capitalizing on Peek’s first-ever loss.
Yahya vs Peek Pick: Yahya Outright (+140)
Javid Basharat vs. Victor Henry Prediction — Bantamweight
- Javid Basharat (-550)
- Victor Henry (+400)
Javid Basharat (14-0) is one of the hottest bantamweight on the planet, heading into UFC 294 without a loss in 14 fights. He’ll look to take on 13-year MMA veteran Victory Henry, who’s now 2-1 in three UFC fights.
Basharat is easily the better fighter, so I won’t even question him. However, I see him most likely winning by points due to each of his last three wins coming by unanimous decision. On top of Henry having yet to be finished, as well, each of the underdog’s last three fights went the distance, too.
Basharat vs Henry Pick: Basharat via Points (-150)
Abu Azaitar vs. Sedriques Dumas Prediction — Middleweight
- Abu Azaitar (+195)
- Sedriques Dumas (-240)
The UFC 294 prelims card also sees Abu Azaitar (14-3-1) returning to the octagon following a 31-month absence from the octagon. At the same time, Sedriques Dumas (8-1) has a pep in his step following a UD victory over Cody Brundage back in June.
Let’s go with Dumas on Saturday. It’s been almost three years since Azaitar’s last UFC fight and there’s no telling what he has left in the tank. Meanwhile, Dumas looked great against Brundage controlling the fight for more than 11 minutes while outstriking his foe 17-3.
I expect Dumas to follow a similar game plan tonight as he tests Azaitar’s cardio following the latter’s absence.
Azaitar vs Dumas Pick: Dumas via Points (+275)
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Now, back to the octagon…
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UFC 294 Preliminary Card Predictions & Odds
Mike Breeden vs. Anshul Jubli Prediction — Catchweight (159.5 lbs)
- Mike Breeden (+200)
- Anshul Jubli (-250)
Mike Breeden (10-6) has dropped three straight fights ahead of UFC 294 with two of those losses coming via KO/TKO. He’s going to have his hands full with the undefeated Anshul Jubli (7-0), who knocked Jeka Saragih out in February to win the Road to UFC Season 1 Lightweight Tournament.
With how easily Breeden has been finished lately, backing Jubli is a no-brainer. The Indian fighter averages 5.69 significant strikes per minute and has finished three of his last five opponents. If he can get out to a strong start, I won’t be surprised if Jubli finishes Breeden, too.
Breeden vs Jubli Pick: Jubli via KO/TKO (+200)
Nathaniel Wood vs. Muhammad Naimov Prediction — Featherweight
- Nathaniel Wood (-310)
- Muhammad Naimov (+240)
Nathaniel Wood (20-5) has found his footing as a featherweight, boasting a 3-0 record since moving to the division. His momentum is on the line against Muhammad Naimov (9-2), who last scored a knockout win over Jamie Mullarkey back in June.
Wood has the edge across most statistics, especially grappling. He averages 1.70 takedowns (with 54% accuracy) and 0.5 submissions per minute, which looks appealing given that Naimov has been taken down six times in two UFC fights.
Without a finish in four years, look for Wood to win this one with some help from the judges.
Wood vs Naimov Pick: Wood via Points (+105)
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Victoria Dudakova vs. Jinh Yu Frey Prediction — Catchweight (116.6 lbs)
- Victoria Dudakova (-600)
- Jinh Yu Frey (+405)
All eyes are on Victoria Dudakova (7-0) at UFC 294 after she remained undefeated with a first-round TKO win over Istela Nunes. Needless to say, Jinh Yu Frey (11-9) has her work cut out for her, especially after losing three straight fights.
I wouldn’t overthink things: pick Dudakova to win. Frey has been getting beaten left and right, having not won a fight in over two years. Dudakova is a beast — backed by an 85.7% finish rate — and will likely end this fight before it comes close to reaching the round limit.
Dudakova vs Frey Pick: Dudakova Inside the Distance (+135)
Sharabutdin Magomedov vs. Bruno Silva Prediction — Middleweight
- Sharabutdin Magomedov (-300)
- Bruno Silva (+240)
Sharabutdin Magomedov (11-0) finally makes his UFC debut on Saturday after picking up 10 of his 11 career victories by knockout. He gets to take on Bruno Silva (23-9), who’s tasted defeat in three of his last four outings.
Does anyone really think Silva will survive all three rounds? This fight is Magomedov’s to lose. He’s destroyed the majority of competition put in front of him and I doubt Silva will be an exception to the rule.
Expect Magomedov to end this early.
Magomedov vs Silva Pick: Magomedov Inside the Distance (-135)
UFC 294 Information FAQ
When is UFC 294?
- UFC 294 will take place on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.
Where is UFC 294?
- UFC 294 will take place at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
What time does UFC 294 start?
- Preliminary Card Start Time: 10 a.m. ET
- Main Card Start Time: 2 p.m. ET
How can I watch UFC 294?
- The UFC 294 prelims can be viewed on ESPN+ and the UFC Fight Pass while the main card action takes place exclusively on ESPN+ and PPV providers..
How can I bet on UFC 294?
- All of the top online sports betting sites will have UFC 294 odds, but here are some of the sites we recommend most for MMA betting enthusiasts.
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Devon is a Master of Journalism graduate who joined the sports betting world in 2020. His favorite leagues to cover are the NHL, NBA and NFL, and has a soft spot for fantasy football specifically. Outside of sports, he enjoys the finer things in life like pasta, live music and getting even more tattoos.
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