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UFC Atlanta: Kamaru Usman versus Joaquin Buckley continues the prelims with a fight between Ricky Simon and Cameron Smotherman in the bantamweight division. Check out our UFC odds series for our Simon-Smotherman prediction and pick.
Ricky Simon (21-6) snapped a three-fight skid with a thunderous first-round knockout of Javid Basharat in February, reminding fans of his finishing power. Before that, Simon dropped decisions to Vinicius Oliveira and Mario Bautista. Now, Simon aims to build momentum against Cameron Smotherman at UFC Atlanta this Saturday night.
Cameron Smotherman (12-5) made a splash in his UFC debut with a unanimous decision win over Jake Hadley last October, but dropped a hard-fought decision to Serhiy Sidey in May. Now, the former Fury FC bantamweight champ looks to rebound and prove himself against Ricky Simon at UFC Atlanta this weekend.
Here are the UFC Atlanta Odds, courtesy of DraftKings.
UFC Atlanta Odds: Ricky Simon-Cameron Smotherman Odds
Ricky Simon: -520
Cameron Smotherman: +390
Over 2.5 rounds: +105
Under 2.5 rounds: -135
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Why Ricky Simon Will Win
- Last Fight: (W) Javid Basharat – KO R1
- Last 5: 2-3
- Finishes: 11 (7 KO/TKO/4 SUB)
Ricky Simon’s experience and skill set give him a clear edge over Cameron Smotherman at UFC Atlanta. A UFC veteran with 21 career wins, Simon has finished seven opponents by knockout and four by submission, showcasing his ability to end fights both on the feet and on the ground.
Simon’s relentless wrestling pressure is his trademark, he excels at chaining takedowns, maintaining top control, and wearing down his opponents with ground and pound. Against a late-replacement opponent like Smotherman, who is stepping in on just five days’ notice, Simon’s pace and grappling could be overwhelming, especially as the fight progresses.
On the feet, Simon’s striking is tight and efficient, often used to set up his wrestling. He’s demonstrated knockout power recently, as seen in his first-round finish of Javid Basharat, and he’s capable of mixing up his attacks to keep opponents guessing. Smotherman, while aggressive and durable, has been susceptible to early finishes and has not faced the caliber of opposition that Simon regularly does.
Ultimately, Simon’s experience against elite bantamweights, combined with his wrestling and finishing instincts, should allow him to dictate where the fight takes place and capitalize on any mistakes from the less-experienced Smotherman. Expect Simon to control the action and secure a decisive win in Atlanta.
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Why Cameron Smotherman Will Win
- Last Fight: (L) Serhiy Sidey – DEC
- Last 5: 4-1
- Finishes: 7 (6 KO/TKO/1 SUB)
Cameron Smotherman’s relentless pace and forward pressure make him a live underdog against Ricky Simon at UFC Atlanta. Smotherman thrives in chaotic exchanges, weaponizing his cardio and volume striking to break opponents, as seen in his gritty UFC debut win over Jake Hadley.
Unlike many bantamweights, Smotherman welcomes deep waters and has repeatedly shown the ability to gut out tough rounds, even when taking clean shots early. His willingness to push the pace can force Simon onto his back foot, disrupting Simon’s rhythm and neutralizing his wrestling chains, especially if Smotherman maintains distance and avoids prolonged clinch exchanges.
Smotherman’s recent experience stepping in on short notice and still performing at a high level has given him a fresh perspective on fight preparation, making him more adaptable and mentally sharp heading into this matchup. He’s hungry for redemption after setbacks and carries a chip on his shoulder, driving him to seize every opportunity.
If Smotherman can keep the fight standing and turn it into a high-volume striking affair, he has the tools to outwork Simon and earn a statement win. His competitive spirit and ability to thrive in high-pressure moments could be the difference-maker against the seasoned veteran this weekend.
Final Ricky Simon-Cameron Smotherman Prediction & Pick
Ricky Simon vs. Cameron Smotherman at UFC Atlanta is a compelling late-notice matchup that pits veteran experience against youthful hunger. Simon, coming off a highlight-reel knockout of Javid Basharat, is eager to reestablish himself in the bantamweight hierarchy after a rough patch that included losses to Vinicius Oliveira and Mario Bautista. His wrestling pedigree, finishing ability, and high-level UFC experience make him a formidable test for any rising contender.
Smotherman, meanwhile, steps in after Charles Jourdain’s withdrawal and brings a fearless, gritty style to the Octagon. He impressed in his UFC debut with a decision win over Jake Hadley and, despite a setback against Serhiy Sidey, has shown a willingness to take tough fights on short notice and push the pace.
Ultimately, Simon’s ability to chain takedowns and control opponents on the mat gives him a clear path to victory, but Smotherman’s relentless pressure and willingness to engage make him a dangerous underdog. Expect a fast-paced, competitive bout where Simon’s experience prevails and comes away with the win to extend his winning streak.
Final Ricky Simon-Cameron Smotherman Prediction & Pick: Ricky Simon (-520)
