UFC Prelim Parlays: Chopurov, Dawson and Murzakanov

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Combat Sports Report

Two Prelim Parlays Target Favorable Matchups and Vulnerable Chins

The first prelim parlay pairs Shaparov at -7.5 with Grant Dawson on the money line at +181.

Although I have backed Kobe Thickness with good results since he joined the UFC, I believe Shaparov will be too much for him. Shaparov enters the UFC as a champion with a well-rounded skill set. Thickness leaves himself exposed, which could lead to a finish. If the fight reaches the scorecards, I expect Shaparov to win all three rounds and cover the spread.

With Grant Dawson, the main question is whether his opponent has the ability to knock him out because Dawson’s chin is the weakest part of his game. Aliev frequently goes to decisions, so I am not particularly concerned about Dawson getting knocked out. Dawson should also have the advantage in the grappling exchanges.

The second parlay fades vulnerable chins. The first leg is Yakayev to win in round one against Nikita Krilov, whose chin appears to be badly compromised.

The other leg is Azamat Mirzakanov on the money line against Dominic Reyes. Mirzakanov has significant power and speed, and I believe he can win by knockout. Even if he does not secure the stoppage, I still expect him to win the fight. Reyes tends to become tentative when facing an opponent with power.

The Yakayev round-one and Mirzakanov money-line parlay is priced at +141. Those are the two prelim parlays I have put together so far.