UFC Prelims Predictions, Best Bets & Value Picks for Shanghai

• The Octagon lands in Shanghai Saturday morning for a prelims card loaded with betting value
• Sean Woodson offers a sharp moneyline angle against Jack Jenkins
• Check out my expert UFC prelims predictions, best bets and value picks for Shanghai, below

The UFC touches down at the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center for a thrilling card of mixed martial arts. For bettors willing to set an early alarm, the preliminary action kicks off on Saturday at 3:00 AM ET.

I am always hunting for value in these international spots. My favorite target on this slate is Sean Woodson, who possesses wild physical advantages.

Let’s dive into my expert UFC prelims predictions, best bets and value picks for Shanghai, below.

UFC Shanghai Prelims Odds

Odds as of fight week at BetMGM. Check out the best UFC betting apps for UFC Shanghai on Saturday.

The tightest UFC Shanghai prelims odds sit in Jenkins vs Woodson at +134/-134 and Meng Ding vs Cameron Nelson at -131/+131. Rei Tsuruya at -518 is the heaviest chalk on the early card, and that price is far too steep to lay straight.

The distance markets are where the card splits. Xiong vs Polastri is -385 to reach the scorecards, while Batbayar vs Lima at -227 to end inside is the prelim the board most expects to finish early.

UFC Shanghai Prelims Predictions

Jenkins vs Woodson Best Bets: Sean Woodson Moneyline

• UFC Shanghai Prelims Value Pick #1: Sean Woodson Moneyline (-134 at BetMGM)

When comparing physical attributes, Sean Woodson possesses advantages beyond his wildest dreams. He stands at 189 cm with a massive 201 cm reach, creating a staggering 28 cm reach advantage over Jack Jenkins.

I expect Woodson to dominate from the outside. He landed 101 significant strikes against Alex Caceres and 80 against Charles Jourdain.

Jenkins will struggle to find his range against that volume. I am backing Woodson to pick his opponent apart, and my actionable advice is to grab the Woodson moneyline at -134. Claim the BetMGM promo code to get in on the action.

UFC Shanghai Prelims Prediction: Rei Tsuruya by Submission

• UFC Shanghai Prelims Value Pick #2: Rei Tsuruya by Submission (+100 at Caesars Sportsbook)

Rei Tsuruya has shown elite grappling that gives his opponents nowhere to go. He logged an incredible 6:19 of control time with 3 takedowns against Carlos Hernandez.

Even against Joshua Van, he dragged the fight to the mat 4 times. Kevin Borjas has five professional losses and constantly struggles to keep fights standing.

I foresee Tsuruya grounding Borjas early and hunting for a finish. Do not lay the steep -518 moneyline juice here, because the submission prop is a far better plus-money return. Grab the Caesars Sportsbook promo code before making any UFC bets this weekend.

Xiong vs Polastri Best Bets: Julia Polastri by Decision

• UFC Shanghai Prelims Value Pick #3: Julia Polastri by Decision (-160 at Caesars Sportsbook)

Julia Polastri is a volume machine who brings relentless forward pressure. She recently landed a whopping 137 significant strikes against Karolina Kowalkiewicz at a 54.15% accuracy rate.

Xiong Jing Nan has completely stagnated on offense, managing just 68 significant strikes at a dismal 34.34% clip in her recent bout. Xiong will be outpaced on the scorecards entirely.

Polastri holds the statistical edge in nearly every striking category. I expect the Brazilian to cruise to a comfortable victory on points by overwhelming Xiong with constant volume.

UFC Shanghai Prelims Prediction: Andre Lima by KO/TKO

• UFC Shanghai Prelims Value Pick #4: Andre Lima by KO/TKO (+185 at BetMGM)

Andre Lima showcases pinpoint striking efficiency. Against Daniel Barez, Lima landed 108 significant strikes at an elite 67.92% accuracy rate.

Even against Mitch Raposo, he still managed a highly efficient 51% connection rate. Namsrai Batbayar is a fun prospect, but he is stepping into the fire here.

Lima seamlessly blends lethal striking with opportunistic grappling. I anticipate Lima will find the chin and end this fight inside the distance, and the KO/TKO prop offers tremendous betting value over the -229 moneyline.