Combate 40: Odds and Picks

• Combate Americas returns to Texas for Combate Americas 40
• Big things are expected from Ricky Palacios in the main event
• See  the odds for all the fights below

Combate Americas heads to Texas on Friday, June 21st for Combate Americas 40. In the main event, Combate Americas veteran, and Dana White’s Contender Series alum, Ricky Palacios takes on Cooper Gibson. Combate Americas 40 airs live on DAZN tonight at 10:00 p.m. ET.

Ricky Palacios vs Cooper Gibson Odds

*All odds taken 06/21/19

Ricky Palacios is riding an eight-fight winning streak that includes beating Toby Misech on the Contender Series. The Texan could very well be in the UFC right now but returns to Combate for the first time since July 2017.

There is no question he will win this fight as he is the better fighter, and I expect him to knock out or TKO Gibson in the second round. Gibson is a solid opponent, but Palacios is just better and could be on the UFC’s radar after tonight.

Pick: Ricky Palacios (-450)

Alejandro Martinez vs Enrique Gonzalez Odds

Enrique Gonzalez got back into the win column last time out after losing two in a row, including one to UFC fighter Bobby Moffett. Martinez, meanwhile, lost last time out and is 4-3 overall. There is no question Gonzalez is the better fighter, and at a 150-pound catchweight he should be even better. He has very good jiu-jitsu and has shown he can knock people out. I wouldn’t be surprised if he finishes this fight.

Pick: Enrique Gonzalez (-350)

Paulina Vargas vs Desiree Yanez Odds

This will be a very good fight between two high-level prospects. Vargas is 4-0 while Yanez is 4-1. Although Vargas is a slight favorite, I lean towards Yanez on this one. She has shown she has knockout power (as well as a solid ground game), and the gas tank to go the distance. Although Vargas has finished all her fights by TKO/KO, I think if Yanez gets this fight to the ground she can submit Vargas.

Pick: Desiree Yanez (+180)

DJ Fuentes vs Cee Jay Hamilton Odds

Just like the odds have it, this will be a rather easy fight to call. Cee Jay Hamilton could very well be in the UFC if they were keeping the flyweight division. His only losses are to UFC fighters or fighters who should be in the UFC. As for Fuentes, his ground game is lacking, which is Hamilton’s best attribute. Hamilton by submission in the first round is my pick.

Pick: Cee Jay Hamilton (-1200)

Elias Rodriguez vs Juan Gonzalez Hamilton Odds

This should be one of the better fights on the card. The two are very similar in their skill set, with both being very solid on the ground. Given how both have very good jiu-jitsu.

I believe this fight will remain standing, where I like Gonzalez’s striking a little more. It will be a super close fight that I think needs the judge’s scorecards for this one.

Pick: Juan Gonzalez (+145)

Jose Flores vs Eduardo B. Martinez Odds

This is a fight that I am not sure why it is being made. Flores is coming off of a loss to Matt Frevola on the Contender where, had he won, he would have been in the UFC. He is one of the top lightweight prospects out there, while Martinez is riding a two-fight losing streak and doesn’t have any notable wins. Flores will dominate this fight. Expect a finish from him here.

Pick: Jose Flores (-1400)

Carlos Martinez vs Elias Urbina Odds

This is another fight that I am not sure why it is being made. Although Urbina has lost two in a row, those losses happened on The Ultimate Fighter and the Contender Series. The 25-year-old is a very promising prospect who went the distance with Eric Spicely.

He should win this fight as Martinez hasn’t fought the same level of competition. Urbina by submission is the pick.

Pick: Elias Urbina (-1100)