UFC Vegas 34: Jared Cannonier vs. Kelvin Gastelum Punching Parlay

The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to the Apex Centre in Las Vegas for another eventful night of mixed martial arts. Let's waste no time because the fight odds are now available for us to delve into some parlay betting picks for UFC in Vegas 34 - headlined by middleweight contenders Jared Cannonier and Kelvin Gastelum, competing live on ESPN this weekend.

Clay Guida vs. Mark Madsen

UFC Lightweight Bout

Saturday, August 21, 2021 - 10:15 PM EDT at Apex Centre

The Fighters

Clay, "The Carpenter" Guida, will make his 57th walk into an MMA cage this weekend. To say this man's a legend of the sport is an understatement. And sure, Guida isn't delivering the same high-level output and gruelling offenses he once did, but to be competing at this level of the sport in 2021 is an impressive accomplishment in itself.

https://youtu.be/RPL94oVSccU

There aren't many elite wrestlers stemming from Denmark, but Olympic silver medallist Mark O. Madsen could take the crown as one of Europe's best. The Danish Olympian transitioned into mixed martial arts just eight years ago, aged 29. Still, his background in wrestling assisted him with those absent years in MMA, and now we're witnessing a 10-0 fighter take on the UFC's lightweight division.

UFC Parlay Pick

The evident approach for Madsen isn't uncharted territory for MMA analysts, and the blueprint isn't a secret as we already know a wrestling-based strategy has dictated the pace in 100% of his professional bouts.

In the striking realm of the sport, Madsen is very green but does own a certain level of power that can deem his opponent's unconscious, particularly with his overhand rights. With that said, this approach is doubtful, especially when considering Clay Guida's granite chin.

https://twitter.com/DManyun_/status/1428180388476858368?s=20

Guida's usual gameplan within the fight's where he's found success is also a wrestling-based strategy. unfortunately, "The Carpenter" won't have the wood to carve out a victory through this method—leaving his only option to a striking based approach and in this area, he's undoubtedly slowed down over the years.

I expect Madsen to dictate the pace and control this fight by utilizing his wrestling credentials, and if Guida wants to attempt some takedowns of his own, I'd be cautious of his neck getting caught and strangled by the Dane.

The available UFC odds with Sportsbook Review favor Madsen, but the money seems to be coming in on Guida. Starting at a -220 favorite, we can now grab the Olympian at a great price of -160.

UFC Parlay Prediction: (visit our Sportsbook Review)

Brandon Royval vs. Alexandre Pantoja

UFC Flyweight Bout

Saturday, August 21, 2021 - 11:15 PM EDT at Apex Centre

The Fighters

After defeating the current UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno back on The Ultimate Fighter 24 reality show, it's hard to discredit the Brazilian native in any facet of the game. A fearless striker whose chin has yet to be tested is accompanied by a creme de la crème Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offense.

https://twitter.com/UltimateFighter/status/771218909370339328?s=20

Without angling towards an "MMA math" style of analysis, Brandon Royval is returning to the octagon following a one-year layoff and a loss to Brandon Moreno. However, this shouldn't degrade his accomplishments since joining the UFC. Stoppage victories over the likes of Tim Elliot and Kai-Kara-France upon his arrival to the promotion were evidence that Royval belongs. Take it into consideration for your UFC picks.

UFC Fight Prediction

Watching Pantoja defeat an experienced striker in Manel Kape during his previous bout was impressive; taking a unanimous decision over a competitor who stems from a deep history in the striking game is something to take note of.

Royval will own a significant size advantage, as he does in the majority of his contests, but his flashy style is paired with too much risk. Without a doubt, Royval is entertaining and knows how to lock up a submission, but these tactics will backfire against the experience and high-level martial arts skillset of Pantoja.

UFC Parlay Prediction:

The UFC in Vegas 34 Punching Parlay

Parlay Odds:

Do not forget to use our parlay calculator to determine your bets' return.

*The pick reflects the line at the moment the writer made the play, the odds at the beginning of this article show the live line movement. Since the lines might vary, don’t forget to refer back to our live odds. 

UFC in Vegas 34 Main Card on ESPN & ESPN+

Jared Cannonier vs. Kelvin Gastelum(UFC middleweight main event bout)Clay Guida vs. Mark O. Madsen(UFC lightweight bout)Chase Sherman vs. Parker Porter(UFC heavyweight bout)Vinc Pichel vs. Austin Hubbard(UFC flyweight bout)Alexandre Pantoja vs. Brandon Royval(UFC welterweight bout)