In what is sure to be one of the best Fight Night cards of 2024, the UFC is headed to Abu Dhabi for a spectacular evening of scraps. Headlined by a potential No. 1 contenders bout in the stacked bantamweight division between Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomdeov, this upcoming Fight Night is one you won’t want to miss.
The only way the action of the upcoming event could get any better is by getting some skin in on the bouts with our UFC Abu Dhabi picks, predictions, and odds.
Below, we’ve provided our expert analysis on each of the main card fights scheduled for UFC Abu Dhabi, as well as where you can score the best value on all your upcoming bets. Not only can you find the best bets on this Fight Night card, but we also supply you with in-depth reviews on the best UFC betting sites to place your wagers with.
Score your next big win with our UFC Abu Dhabi picks featured below and tap out the oddsmakers with these moneymaking predictions.
Umar Nurmagomedov Moneyline
-312
Joel Alvarez vs. Elves Brener
Best odds on Alvarez to win fight: Sports Interaction (-175)
Best odds on Brener to win fight: Betway (+162)
A thrilling opening bout between explosive finishers, Joel “El Fenomeno” Alvarez is set to square off against Elves Brener. Both combatants have established themselves as dangerous fighters at all levels of mixed martial arts, making this upcoming bout a can’t-miss clash.
While Alvarez holds the edge in size and experience, look for Brener to pull off the upset against the Spanish fighter. Having racked up two devastating knockout victories in his young UFC career, Brener has shown he packs plenty of power in his 5-foot-10 frame. With Alvarez having knocked out in two of his three career losses, it seems testing his chin is the best path toward success for his opposition.
Alvarez is an incredibly aggressive fighter, having only gone the distance once in 23 career bouts. With his eagerness to throw down and chase the finish, this could leave him susceptible to the power of Brener.
Another factor that goes in favour of Brener’s chances of finishing El Fenmeno is the grappling battle. With both fighters sporting decorated records in terms of their submission game, look for this to cancel each other out and instead force them to compete on their feet, an area we give the edge to Brener in.
Kickstart your UFC Abu Dhabi bets with a sizeable payday, back Brener to open the main card with a knockout win over Alvarez.
Prediction: Brener to Win by Knockout (+650 @ bet365)
Mackenzie Dern vs. Lupita Godinez
Best odds on Dean to win fight: Sports Interaction (-115)
Best odds on Godinez to win fight: Pinnacle (+101)
In a clash between two potential contenders in the women’s strawweight division, Mackenzie Dern will face off against Lupita “Loopy” Godinez in a battle between top-10 ranked opponents. In what is sure to feature no shortage of grappling exchanges, look for the wrestling of Godinez to play the x-factor in securing her win against Dern in Abu Dhabi.
Continuing to grow and showcase new levels to her game whenever she enters the Octagon, Godinez is evolving at a rapid pace. Possessing stellar strength and quickness, she can be a lot to handle when she’s moving forward. With Dern seemingly on a downward trajectory after losing three of her last four fights, this could be the perfect opportunity for Godinez to jump her in the division standings.
Look for Godinez to cruise past Dern in any standup exchanges, possessing terrific power and speed in her boxing as she goes up against the non-existent striking ability of her opponent. Once she has begun to land, look for her to shoot for a takedown and control the fight from top position, maintaining dominant position, and landing stiff ground-and-pound throughout the 15-minute bout.
Bank on the slight underdog Godinez to upset Dern, continuing her rise to title contention at 115 lbs, and scoring you a juicy payout in the process.
Prediction: Godinez to Win by Decision (+130 @ bet365)
Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Chiesa
Best odds on Ferguson to win fight: bet365 (+450)
Best odds on Chiesa to win fight: Pinnacle (-592)
In a battle between two slumping veterans, someone’s lengthy losing streak is set to come to an end as Tony “El Cucuy” Ferguson takes on Michael “Maverick” Chiesa. While both of these fighters have impressive resumes in the UFC, their later years have not been kind to them.
With Ferguson entering into this bout rocking a seven-fight losing streak, as Chiesa sports a three-fight losing skid of his own, it’s safe to say both fighters’ best days are behind them. As they sit deeply on the wrong side of 30, expect to see Chiesa have his hand raised on the judges’ scorecards.
At 40 years old, the former Boogeyman of the lightweight division, Ferguson is simply a shadow of his former self. Having been beaten and battered in all of his recent bouts, including being finished four times in the process, he simply doesn’t have the ability or athleticism to compete at the highest-level. Chiesa, on the other hand, is still in terrific shape and has all the tools to control this bout with his high fight IQ.
Bet on Chiesa to cruise to a win by decision over Ferguson as he snaps his recent losing streak, putting himself, as well as you into the win column.
Prediction: Michael Chiesa to Win by Decision (+125 @ bet365)
Marlon Vera VS Deiveson Figueiredo
Best odds on Vera to win fight: bet365 (+125)
Best odds on Figueiredo to win fight: Pinnacle (-143)
In a potential fight of the night candidate, a bout between two of the most exciting combatants in the UFC is scheduled as Marlon “Chito” Vera goes toe-to-toe with Deiveson “Deus da Guerra” Figueiredo. Both fighters have cemented themselves as legends of the sport and are both actively pushing to claim UFC gold in the bantamweight division.
Coming off a decisive loss to current division champion, Sean O’Malley, look for Vera to once again come up short as he’s defeated by Figueiredo. Since moving up in weight after a dominant run in the flyweight division, Figueiredo has looked sensational. Having picked up wins over Cody Garbrandt and Rob Font, Figueiredo appears poised to push himself into title contention.
While Vera holds the size advantage in this bout, look for Figueiredo to apply ample pressure against the calculated kickboxer, forcing his back against the fence, before dumping him on the canvas. While Chito has showcased a terrific grappling skillset in the past, watch as he is submitted for the first time in his career as the strength and skill of the former-flyweight champ is put on full display, forcing the tap out inside the distance.
Easily the top moneymaking pick of the night, score yourself a hefty payday with this brilliant UFC prop bet and back Figueiredo to submit Vera in their upcoming matchup.
Prediction: Deiveson Figueiredo to Win by Submission (+1200 @ Sports Interaction)
Figueiredo to Win via Submission
+1200
Shara Magomedov vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk
Best odds on Magomedov to win fight: Betway (-250)
Best odds on Oleksiujczuk to win fight: Pinnacle (+215)
Don’t blink or you might just miss the finish of this upcoming co-main event as Shara “Bullet” Magomedov looks to remain undefeated against Michal “Hussar” Oleksiejczuk.
Pitting two of the most dangerous brawlers in the UFC against one another, there’s sure to be no shortage of fireworks on display in this co-main event. While Oleksiejczuk has built a reputation as a fast-starter, look for him to be put dead in his tracks but the knockout power of Magomedov. Having won 11 bouts by way of knockout, Magomedov has proven himself to be a world class kickboxer. Able to use his calculated striking skillset to his advantage, watch as he bides his time before going in for the kill against Oleksiejczuk in their upcoming bout.
Bank on Magomedov to score the win over Oleksiejczuk by knockout as he continues his ascent in the UFC, earning you an easy win on your Fight Night bets.
Prediction: Magomedov to Win by KO/TKO/DQ (-105 @ bet365)
Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov
Best odds on Sandhagen to win fight: Pinnacle (+267)
Best odds on Nurmagomedov to win fight: Sports Interaction (-312)
With major title implications on the line in the main event of UFC Fight Night: Abu Dhabi, Cory “Sandman” Sandhagen will look to be the first fighter to defeat Umar Nurmagomedov. The winner of this bout is likely slated to be next in line for a world title opportunity, making this bout as high-stakes as it gets.
While his cousin Khabib was able to remain unbeaten throughout his UFC tenure, look for Umar to taste defeat for the first time as Sandhagen scores the knockout victory. Making a massive leap in level of competition, Nurmagomedov may suffer a stiff reality check as he goes up against one of the top talents the UFC has ever seen at 135 lbs.
Sandhagen is the first ranked opponent of Nurmagomedov’s UFC career, meaning he may not be able to rest on his wrestling lorals as he struggles to close the distance against his well-versed opponent. Holding a three-inch advantage in height, as well as an inch in reach, Sandhagen is set to keep Nurmagomedov at bay with his deadly striking ability, mixing in a variety of thrilling spinning kicks and elbows to damage the Russian fighter.
Possessing a killers mentality and willingness to take on any-and-all comers, watch as Sandhagen silences the doubters by knocking out Nurmagomedov and cashing-in a +650 ticket for all UFC bettors riding our main event pick.
Prediction: Cory Sandhagen by Knockout (+650 @ bet365)
