UFC On ESPN 11 Blaydes vs. Volkov Preview Predictions and Odds

UFC On ESPN 11 sees the return of multiple ranked fighters on one main card edition from the Apex Facility in Las Vegas, Nevada.

#8Alexander Volkov (+325) vs. # 3Curtis Blaydes (-400)

If not for Francis N'Gannou problems, dual threat Curtis Blaydes (13-2) would be an undefeated fighter even after finding the UFC heavyweight division deep end. The powerful wrestler holds three straight wins and made recent short work of former champ Junior Dos Santos.

Likewise, Alexander Volkov has won seven of eight against lower level competition. And while the Russian owns 20 career TKOs, only three have come against Octagon opponents.

Still after showing a weak chin vs. N'Gannou, it would be wise for Blaydes to play his wrestling card through five rounds vs. lengthy striking. A conditioned heavyweight from his prior combat sports disciplenes, look for a Blaydes decision win Saturday. It's worth noting Volkov (31-7) has been stopped just twice by punches or kicks in 38 paid fights.

Curtis Blaydes by decision

Josh Emmett (+115) vs. Shane Burgos (-135)

Co-main event action pits top ten featherweights Josh Emmett (#8) vs. Shane Burgos (#10). Emmett (15-2) has won four of five and carries three consecutive TKO wins into this weekend' encounter. Though, versatile Burgos holds a five inch height and reach edge vs. his older opponent. Look for Burgos (whose one loss comes via TKO vs. Calvin Katta) to use those physical tools to remain free from Emmett's power zone. As the final horn sounds signifying the end of hard fought Octagon battle, take Burgos (13-1) via decision.

Burgos wins by decision

Marion Reneau (+125) vs. Raquel Pennington (-145)

In the evening's top female bout, rated 135 lb. competitors Raquel Pennington (#6) and Marion Reneau (#10) face off. While each is likely on the down side of competitve MMA life, the latter turns 43 Saturday.

While Reneau (9-5-1) holds wealthy highlights opposite elite names, her two recent losses vs. Cat Zingano and Yana Kunitskaya reveal signs of a closing Indian summer.

Meanwhile, at 31 Pennington looks for a second win in three outings. The former title challenger steps back a competitive field after losing in January to Holly Holm.

By virtue of Pennington being 12 years the junior of Reneau, and having a solid wrestling base, which translates well to female MMA, take "Rocky" Penington here by split decision.

Raquel Pennington by decision

Lyman Good (+125) vs. Belal Muhammad (-145)

Belal Muhhamad enters his eleventh UFC 170- pound tilt slightly favored over Lyman Good. "Remember The Name" has won seven of ten Octagon appearances, including each of the six fights where he played favorite. Muhammad (16-3) has carved his niche as a points-based grappler while winning eleven fights by decision. The 31-year-old recently earned a performance bonus for submitting heavy dog (+300) Takashi Soto at UFC 242 to continue a two-fight unbeaten run.

Former Bellator Welterweight champion Lyman Good is back to full health after a Coronavirus bout. ESPN reported the TUF and UFC vet began feeling lethargic two months ago before testing revealed the virus. Now 35, Good seeks another Octagon win after splitting four recent outings. "American Cyborg" has won his last three fights by TKO to sport 11 career knockouts.

While Good (21-5) looks better than Muhammad on paper, any lingering Coronavirus effects, age, and the lack of recent impact wins make Lyman Good a tough pick Saturday. That stated, take Belal Muhammad via decision.

Muhammad by decision

Jim Miller (+185) vs. Roosevelt Roberts (-225)

Roosevelt Roberts earned his proving ground shot vs. Jim Miller Saturday by methodically submitting Brok Weaver on May 30. Roberts (10-1) stands tall among 155 lb. prospects after showcasing literate standup and polished grappling to better three of four UFC opponents. At 26, and 6'2' "The Predator" takes a step toward fringe contention by overwhelming Miller.

After 34 Octagon walks and 20 UFC lightweight wins, Miller's (31-14-1) MMA experience and longevity speak volumes. Towering Roberts' experience, 36-year-old Jim Miller has applied understanding of whichever route this weekend's fight will take.A contender tracing back to the Spike TV era, the savvy grappler has defeated standouts Mac Danzig, 'Bang' Ludwig, Gleison Tibau, Melvin Guillard, Joe Lauzon, Takanori Gomi, Thiago Alves and most recently Clay Guida.

However, in this new guard vs. old guard pairing, take Roberts by stoppage as his reflexes are too sharp for past-prime Miller, who has dropped six of nine.

Roosevelt Roberts by stoppage