Combate Americas 52: Rugeles vs Neal Odds, Picks & Betting Preview

• Combate Americas is back this Friday, December 13
• Javier Reyes Rugeles looks to return to the win column
• See the betting breakdown for the main and co-main event

Combate Americas is in Stockton, California for Combate Americas 52 this Friday, December 13.

In the main event, surging contender, Javier Reyes Rugeles looks to get back to the winning ways as he battles three-fight Bellator veteran, Joe Neal. Like Rugeles, Neal is also looking to return to the win column. The co-main attraction pairs Marlon Gonzalez against Horacio Gutierrez. The card also features Jose Aguayo, and undefeated prospect, Kristina Pettigrew.

Javier Reyes Rugeles vs Joe Neal Odds

All odds taken Dec. 12

Who Will Snap Their Losing Skid?

Javier Reyes Rugeles (8-3) is a disappointing 1-3 in his last four fights, including being 0-2 in Combate Americas. But, the Colombian has had success in his career as he started out 7-0 and claiming the LFC featherweight championship. In Combate Americas, he lost to Mike Hamel by unanimous decision and most recently was knocked out by Alex Velazco in the third round back in February. He does have a notable win over Andreas Ayala.

Joe Neal (6-4) is on a two-fight losing streak although his last fight could have gone either way. At Bellator 206 in September of 2018, he suffered a split-decision loss to Josh San Diego for his second loss in the Viacom-owned promotion. His other loss in Bellator was to Gabriel Carrasco by decision but in his Bellator debut, he beat Paul Ruiz by decision. Neal has gone 1-4 in his last five including losing to UFC veteran Nohelin Hernandez. His most notable win is over Ruiz and Benji Gomez.

Tale of the Tape

The size difference should be apparent in this fight as Rugeles is a former lightweight moving down to featherweight while Neal is a former bantamweight moving up to featherweight.

Rugeles should look to use his five-inch reach advantage to use to jab to set up the takedown as he will have the advantage on the ground. Neal, meanwhile, is a more traditional striker and will be looking for the knockout punch and being the one pushing the pace. His top game is also very dangerous, so if he starts laying ground and pound on Rugeles it could be it for the 24-year-old.

In this fight, I think Neal’s experience will help him keep it on the fight and be able to close the distance. Where he will be able to pick up a decision win to get back into the win column.

Pick: Joe Neal (-155)

Marlon Gonzalez vs. Horacio Gutierrez Odds

Can Gutierrez Can Get Back Into UFC With a Win?

Marlon Gonzalez (15-4-2) has been fighting in the Latin regional scene as of late before fighting in Combate Americas. This should also be his toughest test to date but he has fought UFC veteran before. He dropped a decision to Humberto Bandenay after their first fight was a no-contest. He also has a win over Carlos Huachin.

Horacio Gutierrez (6-3) is looking to get back into the UFC after going 0-2 in the promotion. He made his mark on ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ where he beat Daniel Salas by split-decision then knocked out Marco Polo Reyes which is a very impressive win. In the finals he lost by decision to Enrique Barzola and was then knocked out by Teruto Ishihara and was released. Since then, he has gone 3-0.

Tale of the Tape

Horacio Gutierrez could very well be back on the UFC radar with a win here as he has looked impressive in Combate Americas so far and a win over Gonzalez is another big win to add to his record.

In this fight, I believe Gutierrez has the advantage on the ground and in the striking and should be able to piece up Gonzalez early and often. He also should use his cardio to his advantage and be the pressure fighter here and earn a stoppage win in the second or third round in a very dominating performance.

I believe he should be around a -200 favorite so to get him at -165 is a great value.

Pick: Horacio Gutierrez (-165)