MMASucka Staff Picks: UFC Fight Night 251 Betting Predictions

The month of February rolls on with another anticipated trip to the UFC Apex for UFC Vegas 102. Taking center stage are a pair of middleweight juggernauts in promotional veteran Jared Cannonier and the surging Gregory Rodrigues, along with an entertaining co-main event between featherweights Calvin Kattar and Youssef Zalal. 

UFC Vegas 102 Main Event

Despite his age, Cannonier is still dead set on making one more run toward the title, and a statement victory over a strong young prospect like Rodrigues in UFC Vegas 102 could be all he needs to get him right on track. 

Undefeated in his past three fights, Rodrigues is presented with his own shot at greatness in the form of a spot in the 185-lb top 15 should he manage to get his hand raised this weekend. 

UFC Vegas 102 Co-Main Event

Well known for his next-level durability, Kattar has clashed with several former champions over the years, making him one of the more experienced members of the featherweight utmost elite. However, in the midst of an unfortunate three-fight skid, a loss this Saturday could possibly spell the end of his UFC tenure. 

Making his way back to the UFC in 2024, Zalal impressed in spades by winning three bouts back-to-back, making himself one of the 145-lb division’s hottest names. Stepping on the doorstep of the cream of the crop at featherweight, “The Moroccan Devil” can jumpstart a spectacular warpath toward the title with a stellar win over the established Kattar.   

More Bouts On the UFC Vegas 102 Main Card

On the rest of the main card of UFC Vegas 102, Edmen Shahbazyan takes on Dylan Budka. Then, the touted Ismael Bonfim locks horns with the always-deadly Nazim Sadykhov. Finally, middleweight submission ace Rodolfo Vieira looks to continue his climb up the ladder when he collides with Ultimate Fighter veteran Andre Petroski. 

UFC Vegas 102 Betting Predictions and Staff Picks

MMASucka staff picks are composed of four of the world’s leading mixed martial arts organizations: the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the Professional Fighters League (PFL) with Bellator MMA, ONE Championship (ONE FC), and Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS).

  • UFC picks will include main card fights ranging from four to six matchups per event.
  • PFL picks from main cards for pay-per-views and from tournament fights in the Regular Season, Playoffs, and Finals.
  • ONE FC and DWCS picks will feature all MMA fights from the event with a minimum of three matchups.

The individual who picks the most victorious fighters by the end of 2025 will have a choice between receiving a custom-made championship belt from ProAmBelts or a detailed chain from Championship Chains. Staff picks in 2023 were won by Ben Jamieson with a record of 300-148.

Find our UFC Vegas 102 picks and fight odds below. 

Staff records after UFC 312: 

  1. Michael Hernandez: 1-5
  2. Jeremy Brand: 6-19
  3. Michael DeSantis: 1-11
  4. Frazer Krohn: 6-19
  5. Andrew Benjamin: 6-20
  6. Paul Browne: 6-14
  7. Hank Strandberg: 7-19
  8. Drew Zuhosky: 6-20

*Note – not all staff pick for every event*


 

Rodolfo Vieira -298

     Vs.

Andre Petroski +240

   MIDDLEWEIGHT

Jeremy Brand: Viera via Unanimous Decision
Hank Strandberg: Vieira via second round Submission                                                 
Drew Zuhosky: Vieira via Unanimous Decision                                                        
Andrew Benjamin: Vieira via second round Submission           

Staff picking Vieira: 4

Staff picking Petroski: 0


Ismael Bonfim -225

Vs.

Nazim Sadykhov +185

   LIGHTWEIGHT

Jeremy Brand: Bonfim via Unanimous Decision
Hank Strandberg: Bonfim via Unanimous Decision                                                        
Drew Zuhosky:  Sadykhov via Unanimous Decision                                                    
Andrew Benjamin: Bonfim via Unanimous Decision  

Staff picking Bonfim: 4

Staff picking Sadykhov: 0


Edmen Shahbazyan -395

Vs.

Dylan Budka +310

        MIDDLEWEIGHT

Jeremy Brand: Shahbazyan via Unanimous Decision       
Hank Strandberg:  Shahbazyan via Unanimous Decision                                                
Drew Zuhosky: Shahbazyan via first round Submission        
Andrew Benjamin: Shahbazyan via Unanimous Decision     

Staff picking Shahbazyan: 4

Staff picking Budka: 0


Youssef Zalal -485

Vs.

Calvin Kattar +370

    FEATHERWEIGHT

Jeremy Brand: Zalal via Unanimous Decision
Hank Strandberg: Zalal via Unanimous Decision 
Drew Zuhosky: Kattar via Unanimous Decision                                                 
Andrew Benjamin: Kattar via Unanimous Decision     

Staff picking Zalal:  2

Staff picking Kattar: 2


Gregory Rodrigues -245

Vs.

Jared Cannonier +200

   MIDDLEWEIGHT

Jeremy Brand: Cannonier via third round Knockout
Hank Strandberg: Rodrigues via fourth round Knockout                                                   Drew Zuhosky: Cannonier via second round Technical Knockout                                      Andrew Benjamin: Cannonier via third round Knockout  

Staff picking Rodrigues: 1

Staff picking Cannonier: 3

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