UFC Columbus Odds, Picks & Predictions – Blaydes vs Daukaus

• The UFC is set for its first full-capacity Fight Night event in the U.S. since 2020
• A pivotal heavyweight bout headlines UFC Columbus as Curtis Blaydes takes on Chris Daukaus
• See the UFC Columbus odds below, along with our best bet predictions for the main card

For the first time since February 29, 2020, in Norfolk, Virginia the UFC is set for a full-capacity Fight Night card in the United States. The promotion heads to Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, March, 26 for a very solid card. Curtis Blaydes is a sizeable favorite over Chris Daukaus in the UFC Columbus odds. Hometown fighter, Matt Brown also competes on the card.

UFC Columbus main card airs live on ESPN at 7 PM EST. The table below shows UFC Columbus odds for the main card at Barstool Sportsbook followed by best bets. If you’re looking to learn how to bet UFC, this is a great card to try a few different strategies out.

UFC Columbus Odds

All odds as of Mar. 21 at Barstool Sportsbook App

Although Ohio online sports betting markets have not yet launched, sports bettors in other states can enjoy this card.

Blaydes vs Daukaus Odds, Prediction & Best Bet

The main event of this card was supposed to be Jan Blachowicz vs. Aleksandar Rakic. But, after an injury to Blachowicz, the promotion quickly made this fight which is a crucial scrap for both men and their title aspirations.

Blaydes vs Daukaus Recent Fights

This is a classic striker vs. grappler matchup as the path to victory for Blaydes is to use his wrestling – which might be the best at heavyweight – while Daukaus will want to keep it standing. It’s interesting to see Daukaus be back so soon as well given he just suffered a brutal KO back in December.

Blaydes vs Daukaus Stats

The big question mark is Daukaus’ wrestling and takedown defense, as it’s something we haven’t seen in the UFC. In his first four fights, he was able to knock out his opponents quickly. However, against Lewis, it was a striking fight until he got knocked out. There’s no question Daukaus has the power to shut Blaydes’ lights off, which we have seen in all three of his losses, but whether or not he can stuff a takedown is uncertain.

I expect Blaydes to shoot right away, and I do think he will find the takedowns he needs to win. However, in the fight against Ronzenstruik, Blaydes was able to get takedowns but still got hit by uppercuts.

Daukaus will need to land something big early as his cardio to go five rounds is also unknown. Ultimately, I think this is too soon to come back after getting knocked out. His takedown defense won’t be there as Blaydes will find the ground and pound TKO win in the third round.

Bettors looking for an edge on Blaydes can find better prices on him at Caesars Sportsbook.

Pick: Curtis Blaydes (-335)

Wood vs Grasso UFC Columbus Pick

I’m surprised this fight is the co-main event as Askarov vs. Kara-France is a title eliminator fight at flyweight, but this still should be a very fun fight between two of the best strikers at women’s flyweight.

Wood & Grasso Recent Fights

This is a crucial fight for Wood as she had a title shot in 2020 but decided to stay active and fought Jennifer Maia and was submitted in the first round. Since then, she has struggled and now faces a tough Alexa Grasso who’s 2-0 at flyweight since moving up from strawweight.

This will be a striking fight but it is Grasso who’s the better striker and throws more volume. The Mexican has crisp striking and will be able to land the better shots. She’ll also have the ability to clinch Wood against the fence to help her win the rounds. -215 is a steep price to pay, so look for Grasso by decision when the line becomes available at FanDuel or even DraftKings.

Pick: Alexa Grasso (-215)

Other UFC Columbus Picks:

• Askar Askarov (-305): Askarov’s wrestling will be too much for Kara-France, and he’ll eventually find a submission. He’s a solid parlay piece for this Saturday.
• Matt Brown (-112): Brown gets his hometown fight and will make the crowd happy with a KO win over Barberena, who has looked like he has lost a step in his past couple of fights.
• Ilir Latifi (-162): Oleinik is 44-years-old and his chin isn’t there. Latifi will stuff some takedowns, and find the TKO win in the second round.