Ali Bagautinov (13-2): +435<\/strong><\/p>\nDemetrious Johnson will defend the Featherweight strap for the third time Saturday looking nearly impossible to stop. In his last three fights he has won by decision by armbar and by knockout! Translation \u2013 he can and will beat you anywhere the fight happens to go. Ali Bagautinov, the 2012 World Sambo Champion provides the challenge Saturday and himself brings with him a good set of all around skills.<\/p>\n
Bagautinov will attempt to utilize his strong striking game and hope to throw some of his patented takedowns in there. But perhaps his best weapon ahead of this fight is his takedown defense \u2013 he has shown a tremendous ability to shrug his opponents\u2019 takedowns and keep fights standing \u2013 exactly where he likes it.<\/p>\n
Johnson\u2019s quickness is already legendary in the UFC \u2013 you have to catch him in order to do any damage. While I don\u2019t see Johnson being able to drag this fight to the mat, I do see Johnson being able to stay out of the danger zones with his insane footwork and speed. It looks like a lopsided win for Mighty Mouse as he peppers Baugautinov during a standup war en route to a relatively easy decision win.<\/p>\n
Bring on John Dodson!<\/p>\n
Pick:<\/strong> Demetrious Johnson -565<\/p>\nRory MacDonald (16-2): +125<\/strong>
\n Tyron Woodley (13-2): -145<\/strong><\/p>\nRory MacDonald will attempt to climb the Welterweight ladder on Saturday when he takes on Tyron Woodley who has absolutely taken the UFC by storm. MacDonald, ranked #2 in the division is coming off a unanimous decision against Demian Maia while Tyron Woodley is fresh off an incredible knockout win against the terrific Carlos Condit \u2013 his third KO win in his last four fights overall.<\/p>\n
MacDonald has struggled in his career against top level competition and he has been largely unflattering in his last couple of fights. On the other hand Woodley has been uber-impressive every time out \u2013 his only loss in the organization was controversial to say the least \u2013 against Jake Shields.<\/p>\n
Woodley\u2019s aggressiveness, his wrestling prowess and his power will serve him well against a fighter that seems to retreat into a conservative shell when pressed in fights. One mistake is all Woodley needs \u2013 I think MacDonald is good for one of those Saturday night.<\/p>\n
Pick:<\/strong> Tyron Woodley -145<\/p>\nRyan Bader (16-4): -143<\/strong>
\n Rafael \u201cFeijao\u201d Cavalcante (12-4, 1 NC): +123<\/strong><\/p>\nLight Heavyweight do battle on Saturday night when former Strikeforce champion Rafael Cavalcante takes on Ryan Bader for a little credibility within the Light Heavyweight division. Bader brings a smothering wrestling game to the Octagon on the heels of a win while Cavalcante brings a 1-1 record in the UFC \u2013 his win came in TKO fashion last time out against Igor Pokrajak and his loss was at the hands of Thiago Silva in his UFC debut.
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\nThis fight is a true contrast in styles with both fighters are desperate to climb the UFC ladder – neither can afford a loss. Look for the former two-time All-American wrestler Ryan Bader to impose his will in this fight \u2013 any sense of trouble for the American and he will certainly drag this fight to the mat where he has a distinct advantage. It may not be the most exciting win but Bader should be able to grind out a victory here.<\/p>\n
Pick:<\/strong> Ryan Bader -143<\/p>\nAndrei Arlovski (21-10, 1 NC): +125<\/strong>
\n Brendan Schaub (10-3): -145<\/strong><\/p>\nAndrei Arlovski will be welcomed back to the UFC by #13 ranked Heavyweight Brendan Schaub on Saturday night, nine years after he wore the UFC Heavyweight strap. While Arlovski has lost a step or two he will have a distinct striking advantage in this fight which should be enough. Both of these fighters have been knocked out in the recent past \u2013 neither has a particularly good chin.<\/p>\n
Because of that, I have to go with the better striker \u2013 a motivated Arlovski is that guy!<\/p>\n
Pick:<\/strong> Andrei Arlovski +125<\/p>\nOvince Saint Preux (15-5): -145<\/strong>
\n Ryan Jimmo (19-3): +125<\/strong><\/p>\nLight Heavyweights kick off the Pay-Per-View portion of UFC 174 when Ovince Saint Preux takes on Ryan Jimmo, who will attempt to win two straight fights for the first time in his UFC career. Saint Preux has been on fire \u2013 three straight wins but Jimmo possesses a very dangerous right hand as displayed in his seven second knockout win in his UFC debut.<\/p>\n
Jimmo\u2019s pattern recently has been win one and then lose one. No reason to think that the pattern changes against a very confident Saint Preux. Saint Preux makes a statement Saturday night and takes another step up the UFC ladder.<\/p>\n
Pick:<\/strong> Ovince Saint Preux -145<\/p>\nPreliminary Card (on Fox Sports 1)<\/h3>\n
Daniel Sarafian (8-4): -360 vs. Kiichi Kunimoto (16-5-2, 1 NC): +295
\nPick:<\/strong> Daniel Sarafian -360<\/p>\nValerie Letourneau (5-3): -130 vs. Elizabeth Phillips (4-1): +100
\nPick:<\/strong> Valerie Letourneau -130<\/p>\nYves Jabouin (19-9): +155 vs. Mike Easton (13-4): -180
\nPick:<\/strong> Yves Jabouin +155<\/p>\nKajan Johnson (19-10-1): -170 vs. Tae Hyun Bang (16-8): +145
\nPick:<\/strong> Tae Hyun Bang +145<\/p>\nPreliminary Card (on UFC Fight Pass)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nRoland Delorme (9-2): -105 vs. Michinori Tanaka (9-0): -115
\nPick:<\/strong> Michinori Tanaka -115<\/p>\nJosh Shockley (11-2): +115 vs. Jason Saggo (9-1): -135
\nPick:<\/strong> Jason Saggo -135<\/p>\n