Main pick: Yadier Del Valle defeats Darren Elkins.
Confidence: 4/5.
Explanation: Del Valle has a considerable difference in youth, speed, and explosiveness, as well as offensive grappling capable of punishing Elkins' increasingly slow ins and outs. The veteran maintains exceptional endurance and can complicate any fight if he survives the start, forcing the opponent to work on scrambles and turning the fight into a physical battle. However, he absorbs too much damage and needs to receive to impose his attrition, an especially dangerous dynamic against a fast favorite with a threat of submission. Del Valle must avoid emptying himself for immediate finishing and prioritize safe positions when he knocks down. If he maintains discipline, he should master the initial exchanges and conserve enough energy to continue controlling after the first round.
Insider Tip: Del Valle by KO/TKO or submission. His ML is not worth a single bet at this price and could only be used in a very short accumulator. It is also reasonable to check.
ML Odds Cut: You wouldn't play your ML in single below 1.25; the current odds offer too little return on Elkins' durability.