UFC 303 parlay, odds and tips: Alex Pereira repeat, Anthony Smith experience, Ian Garry hunger

The show which originally meant to mark the return of Conor McGregor has a new main event and it’s certainly a biggie.

Pereira is arguably the current face of the UFC but faces a stiff challenge from his former foe in the main event.

There are plenty of eye-catching fights on the card so without further to do, let’s dive straight into the betting.

(Odds are correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.)

 

Alex Pereira (8/13) vs Jiri Prochazka (6/5)

The defending champion heads into the fight as the slight favourite, though let’s face it, the odds are close.

The first encounter between these two men ended in a somewhat controversial technical knockout as Pereira claimed the vacant UFC light-heavyweight crown.

The Brazilian is arguably one of the finest strikers in MMA history and he certainly proved that at UFC 300 when he knocked out Jamahal Hill in the main event.

In the other corner stands a wild man in the form of Jiri Prochazka. While the Czech fighter is the better grappler, he is also no slouch when it comes to striking.

However, while Prochazka can bang, Pereira possesses legitimate knockout power.

With that in mind, and the fact he won the first encounter, we’re backing the Brazilian to come out on top.

 

Brian Ortega (11/10) vs Diego Lopes (4/6)

Diego Lopes enters this fight with serious momentum under his belt having own his last three UFC outings.

Victories over Gavin Tucker, Pat Sabatini and Sodiq Yusuff have all come in the first round. Impressive stuff.

However, Brian Ortega is no mug. The two-time UFC featherweight championship contender enters this bout having avenged his defeat to Yair Rodriguez.

Ortega picked up a third-round submission victory over Rodriguez last February and scooped up the Performance of the Night along the way.

Lopes will fancy his chances on the ground in what promises to be a thrilling battle. Bearing that in mind, we’re edging towards in-form Lopes.

 

Anthony Smith (11/10) vs Roman Dolidze (4/6)

I know what you’re thinking. Dolidze is moving up from middleweight to light-heavyweight and you may be tempted to back Smith.

But don’t forget, Dolidze was a huge middleweight and the move in weight shouldn’t be a big problem.

The Georgian is tough and athletic, but he may not possess the knockout power that Smith’s original opponent, Carlos Ulberg, brought to the table.

Speaking of Smith, the experienced veteran heads into his 58th professional MMA bout.

The American is a savvy operator and we’re backing him to find a way past a tricky opponent.

 

Mayra Bueno Silva (5/6) vs Macy Chiasson (10/11)

Not all fights can be instant classics and this one is certainly one of those contests.

Mayra Bueno Silva came up short against Raquel Pennington in the UFC women’s bantamweight championship bout back in January.

Macy Chiasson, meanwhile, is not necessarily known for excitement in the octagon.

Bueno Silva is priced as the favourite, but the way she faded against Pennington gives us cold feet.

Instead, we’re going with Chiasson to edge it. The American has the size advantage and the ground game to go with it.

 

Ian Machado Garry (4/7) vs Michael Page (5/4)

Well, well, well. Aside from the main event, it’s fair to say that a lot of fans will be particularly excited about this one.

Both men have talked a good game in the lead up to this fight, and both have a lot to prove in this fight.

While Ian Garry wants to reaffirm his potential, MVP will be intent on underlining his credentials and proving that he belongs in the elite.

Page is a born entertainer and is not afraid to take risks. Garry, on the other hand, is a good defensive fighter and we wouldn’t be surprised if he takes a more cautious approach.

We’re backing Garry to come out on top and defend his undefeated record. The Irishman has a lot of critics to answer, and he is clearly hungry to get to the top.

MVP is 10 years older than his opponent and his risky style is – as the word suggests – risky. We expect Garry to take down his rival and work his way to an impressive victory.