Picks for UFC Fight Night 145 (Prague): Naurdiev Pulls Off the Upset

• UFC Fight Night: Blachowicz vs Santos goes Saturday, February 23rd at 2:00 p.m. ET.
• Keep your eyes on Ismail Naurdiev, the Austrian Wonderboy. 
• See the odds, picks, and the best bets to make for this Prague card.

UFC Fight Night: Blachowicz vs Santos emanates from the O2 Arena in Prague, Czech Republic on Saturday, February 23rd and features a number of compelling prize fights.

Jan Blachowicz and Thiago Santos go at it in a high consequence Light-Heavyweight tilt at the top of the marquee. UFC stalwart Stefan Struve takes on Marcos Rogerio De Lima, who brings an over-80% stoppage rate to this Heavyweight co-main event. However, the best bets, in my estimation, take place lower on the card.

Naurdiev Upsets Prazeres

Prazeres vs Naurdiev is a real treat for hardcore and casual fans alike.

Naurdiev vs Prazeres Odds

*All odds taken on 02/19/19

Naurdiev has been making  a name for himself on the ACB circuit the last couple of years. Ismail earned himself the Austrian Wonderboy nickname with his awe-inspiring kicking dexterity as well as his karate-influenced highlight reel.

??”The Austrian Wonderboy”
Ismail Naurdiev (17-2)
?- Officially signs with the UFC!
?- Debuts at UFC Prague ??
?- Michel Prazeres ??
?- 23rd February!
?- o2 Arena Prague ??
•
?- @ACA_League ?⚫️

? @ParadigmSM @theautwonderboy pic.twitter.com/lUs0BN9JS8

— MMA Latest (@MMALatestNws) February 9, 2019

Naurdiev is making his promotional debut against a tenured UFC fighter. Michel has an octagon record of 10-2 with relevant experience at both 155 lbs and 170 lbs. Prazeres is no pushover but I see Naurdiev making a huge impression in his debut via breaking Michel’s 8 fight winning streak.

Pick: Naurdiev (+300)

Yan Dominates Dodson

Yan vs Dodson has a similar framework to the prior prize fight with a ACB alumni taking on a seasoned UFC competitor.

Yan vs Dodson Odds

The one obvious difference here, though, is that Yan has already made his octagon debut (3-0 record currently). Yan is taking on his toughest test so far in the form of multi -time UFC Flyweight title challenger/dangerous KO artist John Dodson.

"No Easy Way Out" was a perfect walkout song for Petr Yan. #UFC232 for @mmafighting pic.twitter.com/6F3fMhZ4PU

— esther lin (@allelbows) December 30, 2018

Dodson has shown exemplary takedown defense in the past, which creates an interesting narrative since Yan is proficient at getting things to the floor. Though Dodson has the UFC experience edge, I feel like if you examine their respective career arcs that it’s a slam dunk to bet on Yan.

Pick: Yan (-270)

Carmouche Emerges Over Pudilova

Carmouche vs Pudilova is important in establishing a clearer contendership hierarchy at Women’s Flyweight.

Carmouche vs Pudilova Odds

Lucie isn’t ranked at Flyweight, #14 ranked Bantamweight per UFC’s rankings, so a win over the UFC’s #6 ranked 125lb-er would instantly shoot Lucie towards the top. Conversely, there is a lot at stake for the history making, yet strangely unheralded, Carmouche.

Liz Carmouche welcomes Lucie Pudilova to flyweight https://t.co/hrRjZDyH0C pic.twitter.com/4AkbszpZoW

— Women's MMA Rankings (@WMMARankings) December 12, 2018

Liz Carmouche was part of the inaugural women’s bout in UFC when she challenged Ronda Rousey with the Bantamweight title up for grabs. Carmouche is also the only woman not named Amanda Nunes to have beaten Valentina Shevchenko in MMA competition.

With Valentina being the present Flyweight titlist, there could be rematch talks if Carmouche notches an eye-catching win. I have Carmouche all day in this fight.

Pick: Carmouche (-140)