UFC 171 Predictions

Last week went terrible for me, but I’m looking to bounce back this week with my UFC 171 predictions. The PPV event will be coming to us live from the American Airlines Arena in Dallas, Texas. The prelims will be airing on Fox Sports 1 and UFC Fight Pass.

Best Bets for UFC 171

• Hendricks / St. Preux / Andrade Parlay +122 (SportBet) – 2 Units

Johny Hendricks (15-2) takes on Robbie Lawler (22-9-1) in the main event for the Welterweight Championship. I’m a little surprised that Lawler got the title shot, but he has been impressive in the UFC with a 3-0 record, which includes two TKO/KO victories.

Hendricks has to be cautious of the 5’’ reach advantage that Lawler has due to his striking power, but Hendricks should be able to take this fight to the ground where he’ll have an edge. I’m also taking Ovince St. Preux (14-5) to defeat Nikita Krylov (16-3).

Al Capone is an interesting character and at just 22 he has a great future ahead of him. Palelei KO’ed Krylov in his UFC debut, but he bounced back with a TKO win over Walt Harris in 25 seconds. With a win OSP will likely get a much bigger fight next time out.

OSP is bigger than the Ukrainian and he should use his size and athleticism to his advantage. OSP has a great chin and I think he’ll be able to finish this fight with his striking. I’m also betting on Jessica Andrade (10-3) to beat Raquel Pennington (4-3) on the prelims.

Andrade is much more talented and while Pennington has a size advantage that doesn’t seem to matter as much with the women. I don’t like a ton on this fight card, but I’m confident in this parlay and will be betting 2 units on it, which I rarely do if you follow.

• Jim Hettes +200 (Pinnacle) vs. Dennis Bermudez

Jim Hettes (11-1) has one career loss against Marcus Brimage, but let’s hope that was a one-time thing. Dennis Bermudez (12-3) has really been rolling, as he has won five straight including wins over Holloway and Siler recently, but can he avoid being submitted?

Bermudez has excellent wrestling and he should look to control this fight from top position. However, he’s known to put himself into bad positions and all of his losses are by submission. Hettes just beat Whiteford by submission after a long layoff and I’m on him.

• Tyron Woodley +166 (Pinnacle) vs. Carlos Condit

Tyron Woodley (12-2) is 1-2 in the UFC with wins over Hieron and Koscheck. His loss was a split decision against Shields. He’s fighting Carlos Condit (29-7). Condit just knocked out Kampmann, but it wasn’t an easy fight for him and I think Woodley can win this one.

Woodley needs to use his wrestling to takedown Condit and keep him on the ground. Condit has been taken down way too much in his recent fights. Condit is a lethal striker in the cage, but Woodley has only been KO’ed once (Marquardt) and he’s looking better.

• Hector Lombard –200 (BetDSI) vs. Jake Shields

Hector Lombard (33-4-1-1) has the power to end a fight with one strike and I’m putting my money on him ending this fight against Jake Shields (29-6-1-1). Shields is a great wrestler and has only been KO’ed once, but Lombard is a different beast when focused.

• Gastelum/Story + Sanchez/Jury Both Go the Distance Parlay +125 (5Dimes)

I expect Gastelum and Jury to both win close fights by decision. The reason I decided to parlay both fights going the distance rather than taking the two fighters I think will win on the parlay is because I think it’s a lot less risky, as Sanchez or Story could win.

The reason I like both fights going the distance is because Sanchez has only been stopped once in his career while Story has only lost one fight by stoppage as well (Sub). I don’t think either fighter will get stopped and at plus money I think this parlay is a great bet.