UFC Vegas 34 is set to kick off on Saturday night and has a Middleweight bout with major implications. Jared Cannonier takes on Kelvin Gastelum, where the winner will surely climb the ranks towards a title shot. It's time to continue our UFC odds series with a Jared Cannonier-Kelvin Gastelum prediction and pick.
Jared Cannonier is a bit of a knockout artist who began his career at a later age than most UFC fighters. He holds a record of 13-5, having nine of his victories come via KO/TKO. Cannonier aims to receive a title shot, and an impressive victory on Saturday night should provide just that.
Kelvin Gastelum is a well-balanced fighter that makes him a unique athlete. He's a strong wrestler and typically dominates once he's on top. He has six KO/TKO's along with five submission victories, making Gastelum dangerous in every aspect. A win on Saturday night will catapult Gastelum up the Middleweight rankings.
Here's how the sportsbooks have set the odds for the main event.
UFC Vegas 34 odds: Jared Cannonier-Kelvin Gastelum odds
Jared Cannonier (-140)
Kelvin Gastelum (+120)
Over 4.5 rounds (-115)
Under 4.5 rounds (-115)
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How Jared Cannonier wins the fight
“The Killa Gorilla” tends to keep it on the feet as he's one of the most dangerous strikers in the UFC. Although he's 37 years old, Cannonier is an athletic specimen. He uses his athletic abilities to overwhelm his opponents, which helped him achieve three straight wins before losing by KO/TKO to Robert Whittaker. A win over Gastelum will be huge for Cannonier, as he'll retain his top three ranking in the UFC.
He's going up against a well-balanced fighter in Kelvin Gastelum. For that reason, we should see Jared Cannonier take his time and avoid any takedowns. “The Killa Gorilla” has a massive reach advantage in this one, as Gastelum gives up roughly six inches in arm length. Look for Cannonier to use that reach to his advantage by utilizing strong jabs and hook shots. If he can do that, Jared Cannonier should be able to walk away with a win.
How Kelvin Gastelum wins the fight
It's been rough for Kelvin Gastelum lately as he's gone just 1-4 in his last five fights. Albeit, Gastelum has faced off against the UFC's best lately, but the results have not gone his way. His UFC matchup on Saturday night has huge implications, as another loss could be detrimental to his career. We should be seeing a rather aggressive version of Gastelum, as he has everything to prove in this bout.
Gastelum likes to keep it on the feet, but he has a solid ground game as well. So much so, that taking it to the mat should be in his game plan. His opponent isn't the best grappler, so Gastelum should consider using his wrestling skills early and often in this Middleweight fight. Considering he has a noticeable reach disadvantage, look for Gastelum to close the distance, get inside of Cannonier's guard, and take his opponent down for some ground and pound.
Jared Cannonier-Kelvin Gastelum prediction & pick
One fighter is trying to earn a title shot, while the other is trying to remain relevant. Everything is on the line for the main event at UFC Vegas 34. These fighters are very different, which should put on a spectacular performance. We should see Cannonier keep his distance, while Gastelum attempts to do the exact opposite. Whoever can stick to their game plan will walk away victoriously at UFC Vegas 34 on Saturday night.
FINAL JARED CANNONIER-KELVIN GASTELUM PICK: Jared Cannonier wins via Unanimous Decision
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