Feb 12, 2023; Perth, WA, AUSTRALIA; Jamie Mullarkey (not pictured) fights Francisco Prado (blue gloves) during UFC 284 at RAC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasmin Frank-USA TODAY Sports

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Francisco Prado vs Nikolay Veretennikov Preview, Predictions And MMA Betting Odds

Get to know the betting odds, predictions and picks for the upcoming Francisco Prado vs Nikolay Veretennikov fight at UFC 318!

Feb 12, 2023; Perth, WA, AUSTRALIA; Jamie Mullarkey (not pictured) fights Francisco Prado (blue gloves) during UFC 284 at RAC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasmin Frank-USA TODAY Sports

Both Francisco Prado and Nikolay Veretennikov find themselves in rough spots right now. Prado is still adjusting to welterweight after moving up from lightweight. Veretennikov is trying to find his first UFC win after a rocky start to his promotional career. Neither man has looked like world beaters lately. But someone has to win this fight. The question is whether either fighter can rise to the occasion at UFC 318 or if fans are in for a long night of tentative striking exchanges.

Francisco Prado vs Nikolay Veretennikov Fight Preview

Prado enters this bout with a 12-3 record and some growing pains from his recent weight class change. His unanimous decision loss to Jake Matthews was close, but it still exposed some issues. Before that, he had a Fight of the Night performance against Daniel Zellhuber that ended in defeat. The Matthews fight marked his welterweight debut, and the size difference seemed to bother him throughout the contest.

Standing 5’10” with a 69 inch reach, Prado fights from an orthodox stance. His striking output averages 4.38 significant strikes per minute with 41% accuracy. He absorbs 5.32 strikes per minute while defending 55% of incoming attacks. His wrestling numbers are 0.31 takedown attempts per fight at 9% accuracy. His takedown defense sits at a worrying 25%, which could be exploited by the right opponent.

Veretennikov brings a 12-6 record and an 0-2 UFC start. His last fight against Austin Vanderford ended with him shoving his opponent after getting stopped in the second round. He claimed the stoppage was early, but most felt the referee made the right call.

The Russian measures 6’1″ with a 74 inch reach and fights from an orthodox stance. His striking output sits much lower at 2.73 significant strikes per minute but with better 56% accuracy. He takes less damage, absorbing 3.54 strikes per minute while defending 48% of strikes. His wrestling statistics are practically non-existent with 0 takedown attempts per fight and 0% accuracy. His takedown defense sits at 57%, which is respectable but not spectacular.

Francisco Prado vs Nikolay Veretennikov MMA Betting Odds

According to Fanduel, the oddsmakers have made Francisco Prado the slight favorite at -156, while Nikolay Veretennikov returns at +122. These odds suggest a very close fight with minimal separation between the two fighters.

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The odds for the fight going the distance has also come out. The probability of the fight ending before the final bell is slightly lower and the odds (+118) reflect that. The odds for the fight seeing the judges scorecards stand at -150.

Francisco Prado vs Nikolay Veretennikov Predictions And Picks

This fight comes down to activity levels and who can impose their pace more effectively. Prado’s higher output gives him an advantage on the scorecards if he can maintain his usual volume. His willingness to engage should create more opportunities to land significant strikes. However, his defensive issues remain a concern against any opponent willing to return fire.

Veretennikov’s reach advantage could play a significant role if he uses it properly. His five inch reach edge should allow him to control distance and pick his spots more effectively. The problem is his low activity rate and negative striking style. He’s shown little willingness to press forward and create meaningful exchanges.

If we bet on the fight, we are going with Francisco Prado to win the fight via unanimous decision.

(Image Credit: Jasmin Frank – Imagn Images)

Francisco Prado

Nikolay Veretennikov

UFC 318

Zaid Quraishi

mma

I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!