UFC Vegas 18 Odds, Picks & Betting Preview – Overeem vs Volkov

• Alistair Overeem is on his final run of trying to become a UFC champion
• Frankie Edgar battles Cory Sandhagen in the co-main event
• See the odds, picks, and betting preview for the full UFC Vegas 18 main card, below

For a long period of time, the UFC held a card on the Saturday of Super Bowl weekend but over the past few years that hasn’t been the case until this year.

In the main event of UFC Vegas 18, Alistair Overeem looks to extend his winning streak as he takes on Alexander Volkov. The co-main event sees Cory Sandhagen battle future Hall of Famer, Frankie Edgar at bantamweight.

UFC Vegas 18 airs live on ESPN+ on February 6, 2021, at 8 PM EST in Las Vegas. The table below shows odds for the main card at FanDuel and DraftKings, followed by best bets for the event.

UFC Vegas 18 Odds

Odds as of Feb. 4

Does Overeem’s Run Continue?

Alistair Overeem has a decorated combat sports career as he is the former Strikeforce and DREAM heavyweight champion, as well as a great kickboxer. However, the UFC heavyweight title has alluded him, and if he gets past Alexander Volkov he could very well be in a No. 1 contender bout.

Overeem & Volkov Recent Fights

This is a fight that had to happen in the heavyweight division as both Overeem and Volkov have been perennial contenders. Currently, both Overeem and Volkov are ranked fifth and sixth, respectively.

Official decision: Alexander Volkov (32-8) defeats Walt Harris (13-9, 1 NC) #UFC #UFC254pic.twitter.com/I3BLkhRTTh

— All Access MMA (@AllAccessMMA247) October 24, 2020

Overeem and Volkov are two of the best strikers in the heavyweight division and both men have proven they can go five rounds. In his last two fights, Overeem answered questions about his chin as he survived an early flurry by Sakai and Harris to eventually win by TKO. However, Volkov is a much different striker as he doesn’t go all out in the early rounds.

Overeem vs Volkov Stats

This fight should be a striking battle, and although both men have improved their wrestling, I can’t see either one wanting it to go there. As the odds suggest, this is a very close fight between two of the better strikers at heavyweight. However, I expect Volkov to use his point-fighting style of striking to outland Overeem and win a decision. Both men are pretty durable, and I don’t expect either one of them to be able to finish them.

Not only is Volkov’s moneyline a good bet, but you could also add a sprinkle on Volkov by decision and bet the overs.

Pick: Alexander Volkov (-182)

Can Edgar Pull Off Another Upset?

Frankie Edgar pulled off an upset win last time out and is now in a potential title eliminator bout against Cory Sandhagen.

Sandhagen & Edgar Recent Fights

Edgar is the former UFC lightweight champion, but he has basically been a bantamweight his entire career. In this fight, there is no question Sandhagen is the better striker, with Edgar being the better wrestler.

Ultimately, I do expect Sandhagen to be able to stuff the takedowns and piece up Edgar on the feet to win a clear-cut decision. However, -455 is way too high of a line and if you are going to bet this, look for Sandhagen by decision.

Pick: Cory Sandhagen (-455)

Other UFC Vegas 18 Picks:

1. Diego Ferreira (-122): This is a rematch over six years in the making, Dariush won the first by decision, but I like Ferreira to keep it standing and use his striking to win a decision.
2. Manel Kape (+110): Manel Kape is the former RIZIN champ and has a ton of power. Although Pantoja hasn’t been finished in the UFC, I like Kape to score a second or third-round TKO.
3. Cody Stamann (-290): Cody Stamann will be able to outwrestle Ewell and win a clear-cut decision.