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Prediction, pick for Mehemmedeli Osmanli vs. Ilimbek Akylbek at UFC Vegas 121

Prediction, pick for Mehemmedeli Osmanli vs. Ilimbek Akylbek at UFC Vegas 121

UFC Sports Betting Picks DraftKings Network MMA

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By: Ryan Wohl

The Ultimate Fighter Season 34 Finals are taking place at tonight’s UFC Fight Night! The second TUF 34 final on the card is a Bantamweight bout between Mehemmedeli Osmanli and Ilimbek Akylbek. Both fighters were on Team Bisping for this season of The Ultimate Fighter. This fight is on the Main Card, which begins at 8:00 p.m. ET on Paramount+. 

Check out my best bet for Mehemmedeli Osmanli vs. Ilimbek Akylbek at tonight’s UFC Fight Night below.

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Fight not to go the Distance (-170)

Mehemmedeli Osmanli’s run on TUF has been impressive, as he is 2-0 with two submissions over Artem Belakh and Christian Strong. Meanwhile, Akylbek beat Sean Mora by split decision and Xavier Franklin by unanimous decision. Their first two fights on The Ultimate Fighter aren’t considered professional fights. But before they went on the show, Osmanli went 12-1 with 10 finishes, while Akylbek is 10-3 with six submissions. 

In this bout, Osmanli is the favorite at -298 with Akylbek as a +240 underdog on DraftKings Sportsbook. The over/under is set at 1.5 rounds, with the over at -180 and the under at +140. Osmanli is also +200 to win by decision and +240 by KO/TKO/DQ. Osmanli is two inches taller (5’9″ vs. 5’7″) than Akylbek. 

Although Akylbek’s two TUF fights went the distance, his previous four bouts before the show ended by knockout or submission. Six of Akylbek’s previous seven professional fights have featured a finish. 11 of Osmanli’s 13 professional MMA fights have ended by a finish. With the winner of this fight earning a UFC contract, Osmanli and Akylbek should be extra motivated to put on an impressive performance. My favorite play in this contest is that the fight won’t go the distance at -170.

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Ryan Wohl
Ryan Wohl
Ryan is a University of Arizona graduate and Philadelphia native. Since 2024, he has been a writer for DraftKings Network, primarily covering combat sports. He is a big Philly sports fan and loves to collect sneakers, as well.
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