UFC Vegas 55 Holm vs Vieira: Prelims Odds, Predictions, Picks

• Jailton Almeida looks to make it 11 wins in a row

• Middleweight slugfest in the featured prelim

Joseph Holmes vs Alen Amedovski – Middleweight Division

The odds for this bout are provided by DraftKings Sportsbook. Click on the odds below to head to DraftKings and place a bet.

This is a fun matchup between two fighters who are coming off a loss and who always look for an early finish. Holmes has earned multiple wins by finishing all over the regional scene in the United States and Amedovski has done the same in europe. Amedovski also earned two first round knockouts in Bellator before joining the UFC and losing both of his fights in the promotion. Holmes also featured on the contender series and Fury FC 53: Lookin for a fight, where he won by submission and knockout respectively. Expect both fighters to display a kill or be killed attitude and look for the early finish.

Our Pick

Joseph Holmes by KO/TKO/DQ in round 1 (+450)

Jailton Almeida vs Parker Porter – Heavyweight Division

Jailton Almeida moves up from light heavyweight to heavyweight for this fight, which means he will not have to drain himself physically during fightweek and can just focus on gameplanning. “Malhadinho” has also been keeping himself busy in between MMA bouts by competing in Jiu Jitsu competitions where he has won multiple matches by first round submission. Not to mention, the Brazilian also has multiple first round finishes by KO, anywhere the fight goes, this guy is super dangerous. Parker Porter is currently on a three fight win streak compared to his opponents ten. He is a very large heavyweight and uses that weight to win grappling exchanges and grind out decisions, something that might work against him this time around. Not to mention Porter is a solid striker who can hang in there with the top of the division, something he has shown time and time again in his fights. Considering the age gap, athleticism and Jiu Jitsu skills Almedia possesses, it’s hard to bet against him getting a first round finish on the ground.

Our Pick

Jailton Almeida by submission in round 1 (+150)

Omar Morales vs Uros Medic – Lightweight Division

Uros “The Doctor” Medic, suffered his first pro mixed martial arts defeat in his last fight vs Jailin Turner, where he was submitted via rear-naked choke in the first round. Prior to that, the prospect from Serbia was on an absolute tear finishing all but one of his opponents in the first round. Omar Morales is also coming off a loss, only the second in his career, where he was submitted by Robert Pearce in the second round of their fight. Despite the recent loss, Morales has shown that he is a tough and durable fighter, who can take heavy shots and keep moving forward. With both fighters looking to get back in the win column this should be an absolute war. Expect Medic to look for the quick finish as always.

Our Pick

Uros Medic by KO/TKO/DQ in round 1 (+450)

Jonathan Martinez vs Vince Morales – Bantamweight Division

Check out the UFC pound-for-pound rankings here!

Jonathan Martinez enters this bout on a two fight win streak and has shown he is an all around solid fighter steadily climbing his way up the UFC ladder. He is very good at controlling where the action takes place and most of his wins have come by decision. Vince Morales is also on a good run in the UFC and is currently on a two fight win streak, with his most recent win coming by way of first round knockout over UFC veteran Louis Smolka. If Martinez can control the distance and stay away from Morales’s power strikes he should find himself cruising to another win by judges decision.

Our Pick

Jonathan Martinez by judges decision (-105)

Chase Hooper vs Felipe Colares – Featherweight Division

Chase Hooper has put together a great resume for such a young age going 10-2-1 at just 22 years of age. What he lacks in physical ability, he definitely makes up for in skill and while his striking may need some polishing, his grappling skills are elite. His opponent, Felipe Colares made a name for himself on the regional scene in Brazil before joining the UFC as an undefeated prospect. His record in the promotion currently stands at 2-3, however he has never been finished in his professional mixed martial arts career. Colares will undoubtedly have the physical advantage and seeing as he trains at team Nogueira, it’s doubtful that Hooper will manage to secure a submission before the end of the third round.

Our Pick

Felipe Colares by judges decision (+150)

Elise Reed vs Sam Hughes – Women’s Strawweight Division

Despite looking great in her last fight vs Istela Nunes, Sam Hughes was on a three fight losing streak previous to that and has gone 1-3 so far in the UFC. Former Cage Fury champion Elise Reed Also won her last fight vs Cory McKenna which ended in a split decision. Overall Elise Reed has more of a solid record and has shown finishing ability as well as the ability to hang in there with high level opponents. While Sam Hughes will be sure to shoot for a takedown or two, Reed should be comfortably in control of the striking department. Who has what it takes to make it two wins in a row?

Our Pick

Elise Reed by judges decision (+100)

Check out our UFC Vegas 55 main card picks here!