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JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - MAY 16: A detailed view of the octagon is seen in a nearly empty arena prior to UFC Fight Night at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on May 16, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

The name 'Nurmagomedov' resonates with the entire MMA community. Fight fans get to watch Usman Nurmagomedov take on Patrik Pietila Saturday, and we have your MMA picks.

The retirement of Khabib Nurmagomedov was a difficult pill for MMA fans to swallow. His cousin, Usman Nurmagomedov (13-0-0), is expected to follow in his footsteps and become one of the most well-established fighters on the planet.   

Pietila (11-8) doesn't possess the most desirable martial arts record, but the Finnish fighter attempts to shock the world as a massive underdog.

Here are my picks and predictions for Saturday's Bellator 269 lightweight bout between Usman Nurmagomedov and Patrik Pietila (odds via BetWay).

Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Patrik Pietila Fight Info

Date/Time: Saturday, October 23, at 3:30 p.m ETTV: Showtime app & websiteLocation: CSKA Arena, Moscow, Russia

Nurmagomedov vs. Pietila Odds Analysis

If the opening odds for Nurmagomedov weren't bad enough at -700, we've now witnessed a line movement that's jolted the Russian prospect into the -2000 range. 

I believe the listed odds speak volumes on how this MMA contest will play out. Of course, this is mixed martial arts where anything can happen, but Pietila's chances are incredibly low outside of a surprise injury or a potential earthquake swallowing Nurmagomedovinto the ground.

Usman Nurmagomedov Betting Profile

When the name Nurmagomedov is brought into a conversation, it usually begins and ends with the attention revolving around an established wrestling/grappling skillset. This is mainly because Khabib retired from the Ultimate Fighting Championship undefeated with an MMA gameplan solely focused on offensive wrestling. 

Usman is highly touted as the next big thing, but a wrestling-based style isn't how the Dagestani fighter has obtained such praise. 

At 23 years old, Usman has already racked up a 13-0 professional MMA record. Naturally, most Dagestani fighters stem from a foundation in grappling; however, Usman has bucked this trend with eight career wins via knockout. 

It's difficult to deny Usman could become the next big superstar out of Russia. 

Fast combinations with the use of both kicks and punches, a great sense of controlling range, and the ability to disguise his takedown attempts with a pressured striking onslaught pit the youngster as a severe threat to Bellator's lightweight division.

Patrik Pietila Betting Profile

Pietila isn't entirely out of his realm; a focus on kickboxing will allow the Finland native to go strike for strike with Usman on his feet. 

It's a shame Pietila is being used as a lamb to the slaughter. A lesser-known, lower-level fight could certainly favor his striking skills. 

Pietila is faced with a highly challenging matchup. Still, we must give credit to him for accepting a fight of this magnitude. Unfortunately for Pietila, he lost his Bellator MMA debut via decision more than two years ago and will return to compete against one of the lightweight division’s most outstanding prospects.

Nurmagomedov vs. Pietila Betting Picks

Usman Nurmagomedov to win (-2000)Under 1.5 rounds (-188)

SEE ALSO: Emelianenko vs. Johnson picks

Nurmagomedov vs. Pietila Betting Predictions

Nurmagomedov to win (-2000)

It doesn't take an expert to realize Nurmagomedov should easily dominate this contest. A 95.24 percent implied win probability doesn't come around often in mixed martial arts.

Usman will have the ability to dictate this fight in both stand-up and ground areas. Should Pietila cause him some issues in the striking battle, he'll have the second option of grounding this bout. 

Bellator President Scott Coker is priming the Russian; this much is obvious. Bellator regularly sets their prospects up with winnable fights to create a high profile, and this matchup is the perfect example. 

The available price is challenging to bet, unless, of course, you want to wager $2,000 and collect $100 profit – which, as they say, "is free money". With that said, as a long-term bettor, you want to avoid these positions that generate a poor return on investment. Focus on our alternative betting pick.

Under 1.5 rounds (-188)

Like many of his opponents, Nurmagomedov doesn't hang around to get the job done. The 1.5-round total is one of the few markets where betting value can be found. 

I wouldn't argue betting Usman to win 'inside the distance', but again, a price of -400 isn't highly desirable unless you want to parlay this addition. 

The 1.5-round total equals 7 minutes 30 seconds; I believe this is more than enough time for Usman to accomplish the task at hand. You'll rarely witness the Dagestani exceed this time limit during his bouts. The -188 line is an ideal approach to gain some value from this highly juiced MMA contest.  

Picks made 10/22/2021 at noon ET.