Predictions & Picks for UFC Fight Night 127: Werdum vs Volkov

• UFC Fight Night 127 takes place in London, England, this Saturday (March 17th, 5 PM ET)
• Fabricio Werdum vs Alexander Volkov headlines a card that could be filled with KOs. 
• Our analysis and predictions separate the best bets from the stay-away fights. 

The UFC returns to The O2 Arena in London this Saturday (March 17, 2018) with a card that could provide the British fans a few knockouts to go along with their tea and crumpets.

In the main event, former heavyweight champ Fabricio Werdum (23-7-1) will look to pick up his second consecutive win against very large Russian Alexander Volkov (29-6). In the co-main event, Jimi Manuwa (17-3) fights on home soil in a rematch against a resurgent Jan Blachowicz (21-7).

The card also features a bunch of octagon debuts, along with a couple of blue chippers going head to head (Tom Duquesnoy (15-2) vs Terrion Ware (17-7)). However, the best betting value lies deeper down in the undercard.

Charles Byrd (-115) vs. John Phillips (-115)

Middleweight John Phillips (21-6) is nicknamed “The White Mike Tyson,” not because he chews his opponent’s ears off or owns a tiger, but because he likes to knock dudes out. Phillips makes his octagon debut having won six of his last seven fights and currently rides a four-fight win streak, all by the way of the mighty KO.

Standing across from him will be Charles Byrd (9-4) who is riding a three-fight winning streak of his own. Byrd’s seven finishes are split 4:3 between submissions and knockouts. He is a well-rounded fighter who should be able to avoid Phillips’ wild haymakers and take him to the ground to win via submission.

Take Byrd at -115.

Nad Narimani (+125) vs. Nasrat Haqparast (-145)

Lightweight prospect Nasrat Haqparast (8-2) has a ton of potential and has shown crushing power early on in his young career. Unfortunately, he’s still rough around the edges when it comes to showing the composure needed in the fight game, tending to throw caution to the wind when trying to knock his opponent’s out. It’s hard to blame the 22-year-old, as all eight of his wins have been via (T)KO. But unless he has learned a thing or two from his last fight, which he lost via decision, he could be in for the same result this time around.

Nad Narimani (10-2) is making his octagon debut on one week’s notice, but he’s the more seasoned fighter at 30 years old and is currently riding a three-fight winning streak. He is another well-rounded fighter who should be able avoid Haqparast’s haymakers and exploit his inexperience. Expect Narimani to use his veteran know-how, excellent cardio, and durability to carry him to a decision victory.

There is good value on the older Narimani at +125.

Full Fight Night 127 Picks

Below, find the rest of our predictions for the entire fight card. Odds are subject to change.